Subluxation

A derangement, fixation, or dysfunction of a joint, with functional, nerve, blood supply or systemic organ effects, often from a trauma or a continued micro-trauma, and can be painful locally or refer pain farther away (distally). A subluxation may typically present with decreased or increased joint range of motion. Usage of this term was once widespread to include all attention focused on a joint – although this has changed with modern chiropractic. Although chiropractic definitions often find the concept of subluxation a useful way to describe a joint problem, medical terminology prefers to restrict this to cases of trauma where a joint is nearly dislocated. Typically, a modern chiropractor will restrict the usage of this term only to specific cases where the definition is appropriate.