The Chiropractic Science of CMCWeb
Vertebral
Subluxation
Complex
Ver-te-bral Sub-lux-a-tion Com-plex
[V.S.C.]
vertebral=concerning the vertebral bones of the spine
sub=less than
luxation=a dislocation of a joint
complex=more than one part
The vertebral subluxation complex occurs when spinal bones or vertebrae
lose their normal position and motion from stress, trauma, or chemical
imbalances.
There are 5 components in the v.s.c. which occur together
like the
notes of a musical chord.
The v.s.c. is the underlying cause of many health care problems. instead
of treating your symptoms, your Doctor of Chiropractic is primarily interested
in detecting, reducing, and preventing the v.s.c.
Spinal kinesiopathology
Neuropathophysiology
Myopathology
Histopathology
Pathophysiology

- Spinal kinesiopathology
- This is a fancy way of saying bones of the spines (vertebrae) have
lost their normal motion and position. This restricts the ability to
turn and bend. It leads to the next four components.
- Neuropathophysiology
- The improper spinal function can compress, stretch, or irritate
the delicate nerve tissue. This results in nervous system dysfunction
and can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
- Myopathology
- The muscles supporting the spine can weaken and atrophy or
become tight and go into spasm. The resulting changes in muscle tone
causes the formation of scar tissue. this may require repeated spinal
adjustments to affect the musculoskeletal system and restore proper
function.
- Histopathology
- This refers to the changes that occur on the cellular level.
A rise in temperature occurs due to an increase in the flow of blood and
lymphatic fluid resulting in swelling and inflammation. The intervertebral
discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. teh soft tissue(discs,
muscles, and ligaments) may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology
- Bone spurs and abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse the unstable
malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long
term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.