“So… what exactly is a subluxation?” It’s one of the most common questions new patients ask at Align Chiropractic & Wellness, usually somewhere between filling out intake paperwork and their first adjustment. It’s a fair question — the word gets thrown around a lot in chiropractic offices, and it doesn’t mean quite what it sounds like.
The Short Answer
In chiropractic terms, a subluxation is a spinal joint that isn’t moving the way it should. That restriction can put stress on the nerve running near that joint, which may affect more than just the local area — it’s part of why chiropractors talk about subluxations in terms of overall function, not just pain.
Where the Confusion Comes From
If you’ve heard the word “subluxation” used differently by a doctor or on a radiology report, that’s not a contradiction — it’s a different field using the same word. In radiology, a subluxation refers to a partial dislocation that’s visible on an X-ray. In chiropractic, the term describes something more functional: a joint that’s stuck, restricted, or not tracking correctly, which doesn’t always show up as a visible dislocation on imaging.
How a Subluxation Actually Feels
Not every subluxation announces itself with sharp pain. Sometimes it shows up as stiffness that doesn’t fully go away, a nagging ache after sitting too long, tension that keeps coming back to the same spot, or a general sense that something isn’t quite right — even when nothing specific hurts. Other patients notice it as a limited range of motion, like not being able to turn their head as far to one side, or a clicking sensation that wasn’t there a year ago.
It’s also common for a subluxation to be present without any noticeable symptoms at all, at least at first. That’s part of why subluxation-focused chiropractors don’t wait for pain to show up before recommending an evaluation — the goal is to catch and correct restricted motion before it becomes a bigger problem.
Subluxation-Focused vs. Pain-Based Chiropractic
Not every chiropractic visit is built the same way. Pain-based chiropractic care tends to focus narrowly on whatever hurts right now — treat the symptom, send the patient on their way. Subluxation-focused care, the approach Dr. Fernandez has practiced in Burbank for over 23 years, starts from a different question: where in the spine is motion restricted, and what’s that doing to the rest of the body? Pain relief is often a result of that work, but it isn’t the only goal.
How Dr. Fernandez Finds and Corrects One
At Align, finding a subluxation starts with a hands-on assessment — feeling for restricted movement along the spine — and, when appropriate, a review of X-rays. From there, Dr. Fernandez matches the correction to what your body needs:
- Diversified Technique — the classic, hands-on adjustment using a precise, controlled thrust.
- Y-Strap Adjustment — a traction-assisted stretch for the neck and upper spine.
- Activator Method — a gentle, instrument-assisted correction for a lower-force option.
Why It Matters Beyond Pain Relief
This is the core of subluxation-focused chiropractic care, and it’s the philosophy Dr. Fernandez has practiced for over 23 years: correcting the underlying joint restriction, not just chasing whatever symptom happens to be loudest that week.
What Research Says
Spinal manipulation — the general technique behind these adjustments — has been studied for a range of conditions. Research summarized by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggests it may lead to modest improvements in pain and function for some people with low-back pain, with more mixed evidence for other conditions. As always, results vary by individual, and chiropractic care isn’t a substitute for emergency medical evaluation.
A Few Quick Questions Patients Ask
Does correcting a subluxation hurt? Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the adjustment itself. Some notice mild soreness afterward, similar to how muscles feel after exercise.
How many subluxations does the average person have? There’s no fixed number — it depends on posture, activity level, past injuries, and day-to-day habits. That’s part of why the first visit includes a full hands-on assessment rather than assuming what’s going on.
Can a subluxation heal on its own? Sometimes minor restrictions resolve with movement and time. Others become a long-standing pattern the body compensates around, which is usually when patients notice recurring tension in the same spot.
Curious if subluxation-focused care is right for you? Read more on our Subluxation-Focused Chiropractic Care page, browse our full FAQ, or call (818) 848-2225 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fernandez in Burbank.