Subluxations

By Dr. Alan Rosenthal

The simplest definition of a subluxation is: “A subluxation is a blockage of nerve supply.” Since our brain and nervous system control how we breathe, how we digest food, how we eliminate waste, how our muscles work, etc., it is crucial to examine anything that stops the travel of information from our brain and nervous system to the rest of our body.

Three Causes of Subluxations

We know that subluxations occur from all types of stresses, which can be categorized by: physical, mental/emotional and chemical. Subluxations occur in every one of us throughout life because of these stresses.

Physical Stress

We know that 83% of all children experience spinal trauma from the birthing process alone. Some of the research has shown that during a normal vaginal delivery the doctor may put up to 40 pounds of pulling pressure on the baby’s head, while forceps can put up to 90 pounds. Pick up something that is 40 pounds and try to convince yourself that this amount of force wouldn’t affect a baby’s spine. Even though the doctor is only doing his or her job, we also need to be aware of how this process can potentially harm the baby’s spine and nervous system.

As we go throughout life, there are numerous physical stresses that affect us daily, week-to-week and yearly. When a child is learning to walk, they fall 50-60 times a day, kids play, wrestle, fall, jump, play sports, etc. As we grow into adults, we have numerous daily physical stress placed on us from our occupations or hobbies. Over the years, we may not keep our bodies as healthy so they are more easily affected by stress.

Mental/Emotional Stress

Mental/Emotional stress affects how our bodies work and create subluxations in equal proportion to physical stress. Numerous times in life, we go through mental/emotional stresses thinking that it is not affecting our health, however the opposite is true. When mental/emotional stress exist, people tighten up their muscular structure; they change many of the internal responses of their bodies. They may become constipated, not be able to eat and digest food, have a harder time breathing, have headaches and other health problems.

How Stress Causes Subluxation

The only way that mental/emotional stress can affect all of these areas is through our nervous system. If our nervous system is not working properly, then muscles and other tissues that support the spine will also fail. This, in turn, leads to subluxations. When mental/emotional stress is gone, we are left with subluxations that stay.

Because of the numerous ways we develop subluxations, Chiropractors teach people that spinal maintenance checks are important. If we allow subluxations to build over many years, our health will continue to decrease over the years. It is never too late to improve spinal and neurological health.

Optimal Health = Optimum Function

Whole Health Family Chiropractic in Thousand Oaks, California has a team of highly specialized health professionals that will help you reach your Health and Wellness goals. Chiropractic wellness care improves your body’s natural ability to heal and enhances your overall quality of life. Imagine living a healthy and holistic lifestyle free of asthma, low back pain, ear infections, menstrual pain, headaches, ADHD, and many others. Take the first step toward better living and contact us today at (805) 449-0061.

Dr. Alan Rosenthal also dedicates his time to health awareness and education within his community. He offers free lectures and workshops to businesses and organizations. If you would like to schedule Dr. Rosenthal to speak at your next event or to view his list of chiropractic lecture topics, please go to Free Lecture Topics.