What is a Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) and what causes it?
In medical terms, “subluxation” is a slight misalignment of two adjacent bones. Minor misaligments of the spine happen all the time, from day to day stresses. Stepping off a curb, sitting or laying too long on a chair or mattress that’s too soft, walking on a hard floor, lifting at an angle, bending and twisting, contact sports, car accidents, even hereditary predispositions, all of these can contribute to cause temporary subluxations. VSC, however, occur when the body’s natural righting mechanisms fail to correct these misalignments. The condition is self-sustaining. In chiropract ic terms, a VSC is an area of the spine where misalignment, abnormal movement or curvature is accompanied by a change in muscle tone, abnormal nerve function, irritation, swelling and inflammation of the local ligaments and joints, and degenerative changes and damage to tissue. VSC have been found in patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. It is suspected to be present in at least 4 out of 5 Canadians
