Chiropractors often refer to vertebral subluxations as the "Vertebral Subluxation Complex", or "VSC" for short due to a combination of changes going on at the same time. These various changes, known as "components," are all part of the vertebral subluxation complex. Chiropractors commonly recognize five categories of components present in the VSC.

The Osseous Component (Kinesiopathology) is where the vertebrae are either out of position, not moving properly, or are undergoing physical changes such as degeneration.

The Nerve Component (Neuropathology) is the malfunctioning of the nerve. Research has shown that only a small amount of pressure on spinal nerves can have a profound impact on the function of the nerves.

The Muscle Component (Myopathology) is also involved. Since the muscles help hold the vertebrae in place, and since nerves control the muscles themselves, muscles are an integral part of any VSC. In fact, muscles both affect, and are affected by the VSC.

The Soft Tissue Component (Histopahology) is when you have misaligned vertebrae and pressure on nerves resulting in changes in the surrounding soft tissues. This means the tendons, ligaments, blood supply, and other tissues undergo changes. These changes can occur at the point of the VSC or far away at some end point of the affected nerves.

The Chemical Component (Biochemical Abnormalities) is when all these components of the VSC are acting on your body, and therefore causing some degree of chemical changes. These chemical changes can be slight or massive depending on what parts of your body are affected by your subluxations.

To be truly healthy, it is vital that your nervous system be functioning free of interference from subluxations. Our goal is to allow your body to return itself to the highest level of health possible by correcting VSC.