Your brain spinal cord are protected by the skull and 24 vertebrae and the nerves exit between the spinal bones. Because of this design, abnormal spinal function caused from physical or repetitive trauma, emotional tensions, poor posture, inadequate diet, or chemical toxins can affect the delicate tissues. Some people associate this to a "pinched nerve," however, it is actually quite rare. Researchers suggest that only 10% to 15% of spine-related problems are caused by direct pressure of bone on nerve tissue! Resulting numbness, burning, or a "pins and needles" feeling can come then occur. More frequently, this is caused when nerve tissue is rubbed, scraped, stretched by a loss of spinal curve, or irritated by malfunctioning spinal joints.

Doctors of chiropractic refer to this as the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC), where a chain reaction affecting the spinal bones, nerves, muscles, and soft tissues. Resulting impairment of vital nerve pathways from the brain and feedback from the organs causes ill-health. Muscles controlled by this information super highway can go into spasm, become weak, or atrophy (shrink).  Adjacent discs, the vertebrae's shock absorbing pads, can then dehydrate. Lack of adequate sustenance promotes additional abnormal soft tissue function. This leads  to the improper wear and tear of the adjacent spinal joints lending itself to the degenerative process itself (also called arthritis), or what we like to call "Spinal Decay."

The cascade of events is the underlying cause of many health problems and is characterized by its five component respective to the above.

	SPINAL KINESIOPATHOLOGY (Abnormal motion or position of spinal bones.)
	NEUROPATHOPHYSIOLOGY (Abnormal nervous system function)
	MYOPATHOLOGY (Abnormal muscle function)
	HISTOPATHOLOGY (Abnormal soft tissue function)
	PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (Abnormal function of the spine and body.)

Lacking proper care at the opportune time, this process can manifests at an accelerated rate. Muscle strength, endurance and flexibility diminish very quickly without activity. Deconditioning occurs very rapidly when your normal daily routine and activity is stopped. Although most of these changes may not be noticed right away, in the same fashion a cavity may present itself following years of dental decay . The pain that re-occurs may be more severe, the tissues slower to recover, and the area prone to re-injury.

Study after study has confirmed the far-reaching effects of abnormal joint function and more research is being conducted in the areas of immune system response, aging, hormonal involvement, and even genetic consequences.

Clearly, the Vertebral Subluxation Complex may be one of the most common, yet overlooked sources of health problems.

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