Treatment by Adjustment or Manipulations:

When the 24 vertebra (the bones that protect the spinal cord) lose their normal position    (subluxation),  the delicate tissue surrounding the nerve becomes irritated, compressed or pinched.  If an examination reveals subluxations of the spine, Chiropractic adjustments are recommended to help correct this condition.  Adjustments are the only form of treatment that can correct this problem. Pain, muscle soreness and joint stiffness are just some of the symptoms caused by subluxations.  Pain medications and muscle relaxers only cover up the symptoms and do nothing to correct the underlying problem, the subluxation.

Chiropractic adjustments are used to help restore the proper position of the vertebra restoring proper mobility, while relieving pain and stiffness.  Dr. Skaggs uses his hands, applying a quick thrust or sometimes a low constant pressure to restore the proper position of these bones. Sometimes, the doctor uses an instrument to deliver a precise measurable force to the spine or uses a special adjusting table. Whatever the case, the adjustment given is usually gentle and painless.

In conjunction with adjustments, Dr. Skaggs uses other types of adjunctive therapy to strengthening the muscles of the spine or relieving muscle tension and pain. These may include moist heat, ice packs, trigger point therapy, ultrasound with low volt therapy, low level laser therapy or interferential therapy .

What is a Vertebral Subluxation Complex?

Our bodies consist of billions of living cells that are organized into tissues, organs, and systems. They all work together in a synchronized, harmonious way to create a living being, the human body.  The brain controls the synchronization of all the cells and communicates with the body via the nervous system. A subluxation or misalignment of one or more vertebra of the spinal column can cause an alteration in the communications of the nervous system,  resulting in a decreased communication from the brain to a cell, tissue, organ, or system.  A subluxation can cause a complex of serious issues that have a potential of harming the body.  The five possible components are listed below: 

1. Osseous Component: There is abnormal position and/or motion of the spinal vertebra. The vertebra are either less mobile (hypo-mobile) than they should be, or too mobile (hyper-mobile).  Vertebra that are hypo-mobile are often referred to as fixed or jammed. The vertebra that are hyper-mobile or often referred to as loose or unstable.  Either way, there is an abnormal function and a decreased range of motion.

2. Soft Tissue Component: muscles, ligaments, tendons and/or fascia in the area are adversely affected and their normal function is altered. The muscles may have spasms or too weak to perform normal movement or support the human skeleton.

3. Disc Component: the cushion between the vertebra, called a disc, may be affected by abnormal position or motion of the vertebra.

4. Neurological component: a subluxation can compress or irritate the nerves and cause interference with their normal function.

5. Altered Biomechanics when a subluxation in the spine occurs, the functions of the vertebrae, the soft tissue, the disc, and the nerves are altered in that region of the spine. This abnormal function can lead to the spinal curvature being decreased or increased resulting in an unbalanced condition of the spine. Malpositioned vertebrae become either hyper-mobile (too much motion) or hypo-mobile (too little motion). This inhibits the spine from protecting the spine cord and the spinal nerves that exit the spine between the vertebrae. This can lead to further additional abnormal functions of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, systems and/or organs, which can lead to more subluxations

Disclaimer:  No individuals, including those currently under our active care, should use the information and/or resources contained here within to self diagnose or self treat any health related condition(s).  Diagnosis and treatment of all health conditions should only be performed by your doctor of chiropractic or other licensed health care professional.