SPINAL SUBLUXATION

If you suffer from severe neck or back pain related to spinal subluxation, please schedule an appointment with one of our Neurosurgeons as soon as possible.

 

What is Spinal Subluxation?

Spinal subluxation occurs when one or more vertebrae partially shift out of their normal position or move abnormally within the spinal column. Unlike a complete dislocation, the joint surfaces remain partially connected, but the affected area may still cause pain, stiffness, nerve irritation, or reduced mobility.

Spinal subluxation can occur in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. In some patients, it develops after an injury or trauma. In others, it may be related to degeneration, ligament weakness, arthritis, or spinal instability. Because the spine protects the spinal cord and surrounding nerves, symptoms should be evaluated by an orthopedic spine specialist to determine the cause and prevent further complications.

 

What Causes Spinal Subluxation?

Spinal subluxation may occur when the structures that support the spine, including discs, joints, ligaments, and muscles, become weakened, injured, or unstable. When these structures are unable to maintain proper vertebral alignment, abnormal movement can place pressure on surrounding nerves and soft tissues.

Common causes include:

  • Trauma or Injury: Falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or sudden twisting movements can damage the ligaments and joints that stabilize the spine.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease: As spinal discs lose height and flexibility over time, the vertebrae may shift abnormally, contributing to instability.
  • Spinal Arthritis: Inflammation or degeneration of the spinal joints can affect alignment and cause pain with movement.
  • Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, often causing lower back pain or nerve compression.
  • Ligament Weakness or Injury: The ligaments that support the spine may stretch or tear, allowing excessive movement between vertebrae.
  • Congenital Spine Conditions: Some patients are born with structural differences that increase the risk of spinal instability.
  • Prior Spine Surgery: In some cases, changes after surgery may affect how stress is distributed across the spine.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms of spinal subluxation can vary depending on the location and severity of the abnormal movement. Some patients experience mild discomfort, while others develop significant pain or nerve-related symptoms.

Patients may notice neck or back pain that worsens with movement, bending, lifting, or prolonged standing. The affected area may feel stiff, unstable, or difficult to move. Muscle spasms, tenderness, and reduced range of motion are also common.

If spinal nerves are irritated or compressed, symptoms may radiate into the arms, hands, hips, buttocks, legs, or feet. This may cause numbness, tingling, burning pain, weakness, or difficulty with coordination. Cervical spine involvement may also cause headaches, shoulder pain, or balance issues.

Patients should seek urgent medical care if spinal pain occurs after a major injury or is accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive weakness, numbness in the groin or saddle area, difficulty walking, or severe neurological symptoms. These signs may indicate a serious spinal condition requiring immediate evaluation.

 

Treatment Options for Spinal Subluxation

Treatment for spinal subluxation depends on the cause, location, severity, and whether nerves or the spinal cord are involved. An orthopedic spine specialist may use a physical examination, X-rays, MRI, CT scan, or other diagnostic tools to evaluate the alignment and stability of the spine.

Non-surgical treatment may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
  • Activity modification to avoid movements that worsen symptoms
  • Bracing to provide temporary spinal support when appropriate
  • Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that stabilize the spine
  • Core strengthening and posture training to improve spinal mechanics
  • Hot or cold compresses to reduce muscle tension and inflammation
  • Image-guided spinal injections to reduce inflammation around irritated nerves
  • Carefully selected manual therapy when appropriate and medically advised

If conservative care does not provide relief, or if the spine is unstable or compressing nearby nerves, surgical treatment may be recommended. Surgical options may include decompression to relieve nerve pressure or spinal fusion to stabilize the affected vertebrae and prevent abnormal motion.

When to Seek Professional Care

Spinal subluxation should not be ignored, especially when pain is persistent or recurrent, or accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty walking. Early diagnosis allows an orthopedic spine specialist to identify the underlying cause and recommend treatment before symptoms worsen.

At Texas Orthopedic and Spine Associates, our spine specialists work closely with each patient to develop a customized plan focused on reducing pain, restoring stability, improving mobility, and protecting long-term spinal health. With the right treatment plan, many patients can return to daily activities with improved comfort and confidence.

If you would like to speak with a Texas-based Spine and Orthopedic Specialist, call 817-697-4038 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. Telemedicine visits are also available.