“When a concussion of forces accidentally applies itself to ONE person, with HIS size, shape, and position of articulations, at a certain locality, he has a certain direction of subluxation of a certain vertebra…Let another concussion of forces apply itself, at some future time, on or about THE SAME LOCALITY, and it will produce A SAME KIND of a subluxation of THE SAME VERTEBRA because HE has characteristics that are individual and duplicate themselves.” - BJ Palmer, DC
While similar in structure and function, we are unique in our expression of these structures and functions. No two people are exactly alike. Even identical twins will differ in genetic expression from the moment of conception. We each create our own patterns of existence, for better or worse.
Repetition of action or inaction creates a pattern. A pattern over time creates a habit. And habits are hard to break. This includes the habit of a vertebral subluxation and the compensations it generates.
A vertebral subluxation occurs when a bone in the spine shifts out of place, obstructing nerve function. The longer a subluxation interferes with nerve function, the more the body has to compensate for it. This can lead to weakness in connective tissues such as muscles, ligaments and discs. A subluxation can also effect the integrity of the bones involved.
To combat any weakness, the body will create scar tissue. Scar tissue modifies the structure and function of the spine. Scar tissue is never as ideal as normal healthy tissue.
The spine is similar to a car frame in terms of structural integrity. If a car frame is out of alignment, it tends to wear down the tire treads in a certain pattern. Even after you align the frame, the altered tread remains. A misaligned frame also creates a cascade of negative effects, such as decreased fuel efficiency and abnormal handling. A misaligned spine decreases the efficiency with which your nerves handle your bodily functions.
We can strengthen the weakness through better alignment, but it will be relatively weaker than the rest of the spine. If and when the bone subluxates again, it will shift out of place to the weak point. Unless a new pattern is created or a considerable stress alters our structure and function, a similar vertebral subluxation will emerge.
- Jarek Esarco, DC, CACCP
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Jarek Esarco, DC, CACCP is a pediatric, family wellness and upper cervical specific Chiropractor. He is an active member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr. Jarek has postgraduate certification in Pediatric Chiropractic through the ICPA. Dr. Jarek also has postgraduate certification in the HIO Specific Brain Stem technique through The TIC Institute. Dr. Jarek is happily married to his wife Regina. They live in Youngstown, Ohio with their daughter Ruby
