Understanding Subluxations and Nerve Interference: How Your Nervous System Can Be Affected

At Electric Life Chiropractic, we often talk about the importance of a healthy nervous system and how spinal health directly affects your overall wellness. A key concept in chiropractic care is the subluxation, but it’s important to understand that nerve interference can occur in many ways—not just from spinal misalignments. Let’s break it down.

What Is a Subluxation?

A subluxation occurs when one or more vertebrae in the spine move out of proper alignment or function. This misalignment can create tension in surrounding muscles, ligaments, and joints, which may interfere with the normal flow of signals through your nervous system.

When nerves are irritated or blocked due to a subluxation, it can affect your body in several ways:

• Pain or stiffness in the neck, back, or other areas

• Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or extremities

• Reduced coordination or range of motion

• Potential impacts on organ function and overall wellness

Chiropractic care aims to restore proper alignment and motion, allowing the nervous system to function optimally. Adjustments help remove interference caused by subluxations, improving nerve communication and supporting your body’s natural ability to heal and function.

Nerve Interference Beyond Subluxations

While subluxations are a common source of nerve interference, nerves can also be affected by other conditions and factors unrelated to spinal misalignment. Here are the main categories:

1. Nerve Compression (Radiculopathy)

This occurs when a nerve root is compressed, often due to herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or bone spurs. Symptoms may include:

• Pain radiating along the nerve path

• Numbness or tingling

• Weakness in muscles served by the nerve

2. Nerve Irritation (Neuropraxia)

Neuropraxia is a temporary disruption of nerve function without permanent damage. Causes include pressure or tension on the nerve. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, or temporary weakness.

3. Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Common causes include diabetes, infections, toxins, or nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms may involve nerve pain, weakness, or sensory changes.

4. Nerve Entrapment Syndrome

This occurs when a nerve is compressed by muscles, tendons, or ligaments, common in areas like:

• Carpal tunnel (wrist)

• Cubital tunnel (elbow)

• Thoracic outlet (shoulder/upper chest)

Sciatica is another example where a nerve is compressed in the lower back, radiating pain to the legs.

5. Inflammatory Nerve Disorders

Conditions such as neuritis or neuropathy can arise when nerves become inflamed due to infection, autoimmune disease, or injury. Inflammation can disrupt nerve signals, leading to pain, weakness, or sensory changes.

6. Cervical or Lumbar Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy in the neck (cervical) or lower back (lumbar) occurs when a nerve root is under pressure, often from disc herniation or degeneration. While sometimes caused by a subluxation, it is not always classified as one.

7. Autonomic Nervous System Disruption

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary body functions like heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. Disruption to the ANS can result in:

• Dizziness or fainting

• Digestive problems

• Blood pressure irregularities

8. Myelopathy

Myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord itself is damaged, affecting nerve signals. Causes include spinal stenosis, trauma, or tumors. Symptoms may involve motor or sensory deficits.

9. Chronic Pain Syndromes

Conditions such as fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) involve nerve dysfunction that results in chronic pain and sensory changes. These are examples of nerve interference without spinal subluxation.

Why This Matters

Understanding the difference between subluxations and other forms of nerve interference helps patients appreciate the holistic approach of chiropractic care. While adjustments are excellent for correcting subluxations, many patients benefit from a combination of:

• Postural correction and ergonomic strategies

• Stretching, strengthening, and mobility exercises

• Lifestyle and nutrition interventions

• Nervous system–focused therapies

At Electric Life Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we focus not just on your spine, but on supporting your nervous system and overall health. Whether the interference comes from a subluxation or other causes, your body deserves care that helps it function at its best.

Takeaway

Not all nerve interference is caused by spinal subluxations. Understanding the different types—from radiculopathy and neuropraxia to peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain syndromes—can help you take proactive steps toward better health. Chiropractic care is one tool among many that can restore nervous system function, improve mobility, and support long-term wellness.