How is a subluxation detected?
A subluxation is usually suspected and located through palpation by the Doctor of Chiropractic. This process involves very skilled, hands-on evaluation of the spinal and other joints. During this examination, the chiropractor is looking for any abnormalities in the joints (either too much or too little movement), unusual movement patterns, movement that causes pain, and other clues that indicate a joint problem. Unless there is an observable change in the spinal alignment, abnormal movement that may be associated with a subluxation may not be detected by diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) If you have been in an accident or have sustained some other traumatic injury, diagnostic imaging may be needed.
