A chiropractic subluxation refers to a vertebral misalignment in the spine which disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. When a vertebra is out of alignment, it may affect the nerve flow to corresponding muscles, organs, tissues and cells. 

Sometimes the wear and tear of everyday life can impact the spine and cause spinal segments to move abnormally in a dysfunctional way. Subluxations may be caused by the accumulation of physical, chemical and emotional stresses.

Physical stresses include falls, injuries, accidents, poor ergonomics and improper sleep positions. The first physical stress in life may be a traumatic birth eg. vacuum extraction or forceps.

Chemical stresses include poor diet, lack of water/ dehydration, alcohol and smoking, medication and environmental pollutants. 

Emotional stresses include work pressures, relationships, finances, depression and anxiety. 

When the body is unable to adapt to these stresses, subluxation occurs.

A chiropractic adjustment is a gentle and specific correction to the spine to restore natural movement, and improve the nerve flow/ communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

A chiropractor will assess your spine for subluxations through tests such as palpation (springing the joints), range of motion, posture and muscle testing.

Once they have located a subluxation, they will perform an adjustment utilizing a specific technique (eg. Manual, drop piece, activator) which aims to enhance nervous system function and overall health.

No- there are many other low force techniques we can use to adjust your spine. The “cracking” is a manual technique used in chiropractic, and the sound heard is the release of gas from the joint. Some people prefer lower force adjustments to the spine such as an activator, sacro-occipital techniques, pelvic blocks, cranial work, or gentle myofascial release.