The vertebral subluxation, means, quite simply a disturbance of the vertebrae of the spinal column. More simply, it indicates an abnormal motion of the vertebral articulation. What it is especially necessary to note, it is a loss of the articular movement which causes a stress to muscles, tendons and ligaments of the articulation and interference to the function of the nervous system (spinal nerves) and decreases the capacity of the body to adapt to its environment, which involves a loss of physical, mental and social adaptation and this predisposes the body to diseases and infirmities.

Causes
The causes are very numerous. Any factor which involves a structural imbalance of the spinal column is likely to cause, in the short or long term a vertebral subluxation. Bad posture, an accident and stress are the most frequent causes.

Consequences
Throughout the spinal column, nerves leave the spinal cord through openings located near the vertebral articulations. Irritations of the nerve roots or in rare cases compression are the two main consequences of a vertebral subluxation. In both cases, if a lesion appears, the neurological processes are disturbed. Normal nerve function disappears. It is replaced by abnormal nerve flow either too much or to little nervous information. The part of the body which receives or transmits information does not function normally anymore, if the situation is not restored, affections and various disorders can appear.

At the local vertebral level, the vertebral subluxation generates a biochemical activity which damages surrounding tissues.

It is generally agreed that the vertebral degeneration which accompanies the
vertebral subluxation develops in 3 principal phases:

• Phase 1 
  The vertebrae no longer move symmetrically. Certain tissues begin to change.
• Phase 2 
  The vertebrae are no longer able to move in certain directions. The discs degenerate. Calcium deposits form and the nerve roots may be irritated or compressed.
• Phase 3 
  This phase marks the beginning of permanent damage. Great deterioration of the disc, the muscles and the ligaments. The calcium deposits are so large that the vertebrae begin to fuse. The nerves and spinal cord can be severely affected.