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.