The Neurological Components of Subluxation

Modern chiropractic care doesn’t just focus on structural misalignment—it also looks at how vertebral subluxation impacts the nervous system. These neurological components help explain the wide-ranging effects of vertebral subluxation on the body’s overall health. Here are some key concepts:

1. Dysafferentation

Dysafferentation refers to abnormal sensory input from the body to the brain. When a vertebra is misaligned, it disrupts the flow of sensory information along the nerves, leading to distorted signals reaching the brain. This can result in pain, poor coordination, and other dysfunctions.

For example, when a joint is restricted or misaligned, it no longer sends accurate signals about its position and movement. This faulty feedback can lead to improper movement patterns, which may cause further spinal misalignments or injury.

2. Dyskinesia

Dyskinesia refers to abnormal or impaired movement. In the context of vertebral subluxation, it means that the spine or certain joints are not moving as they should. When spinal motion is restricted, it can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and a loss of flexibility.

Dyskinesia often develops over time as poor posture, trauma, or repetitive motions cause the spine to move abnormally. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper movement, helping to eliminate dyskinesia and improve spinal function.

3. Dysponesis

Dysponesis is the mismanagement of energy in the body due to faulty nervous system signals. When the nervous system is under stress from a vertebral subluxation, it may overreact or underreact to stimuli. This improper response can lead to chronic tension in muscles, irregular organ function, and an overall state of imbalance.

Chiropractic care helps to address dysponesis by restoring normal nerve function, allowing the body to better manage and regulate its energy.

4. Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia occurs when there is a dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing. Vertebral subluxations can disrupt the communication between the brain and the ANS, leading to imbalances in these vital functions.

Symptoms of dysautonomia can include digestive issues, irregular heart rates, or breathing difficulties. By correcting subluxations, chiropractic care helps restore balance to the autonomic nervous system, improving overall health.

5. Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself in response to changes in the environment or injury. When subluxations disrupt normal nerve function, the brain may begin to "rewire" itself in maladaptive ways, leading to chronic pain or dysfunction.

Through chiropractic adjustments, we aim to restore normal nerve flow and movement, allowing the brain to recalibrate itself in a positive way. This concept of neuroplasticity highlights the dynamic relationship between the spine and the nervous system, showing that proper alignment can lead to healthier neural pathways.

6. Ephaptic Transmission

Ephaptic transmission is a less commonly discussed concept, but it refers to the abnormal electrical signals that occur when damaged or misaligned nerves begin to communicate with each other inappropriately. This "crosstalk" between nerves can lead to pain, abnormal sensations, and dysfunction.

Subluxations can contribute to ephaptic transmission by irritating nerves and causing them to misfire. Chiropractic adjustments aim to remove this irritation, reducing the abnormal nerve signals and promoting healthier communication within the nervous system.