A term with different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In conventional medicine, subluxation refers to a partial displacement or separation of the bones that form a joint. Within chiropractic, vertebral subluxation has also been used to describe altered movement or function within a spinal joint or motion segment.
Because these meanings are not identical, understanding the context in which the term is being used is important. Medical references describe a subluxation as a partial joint separation, rather than a complete dislocation.
Two Uses of the Term
In Conventional Medicine
A subluxation is a partial dislocation or partial separation of a joint. The bones forming the joint are partly out of their normal position but have not completely lost contact with one another.
A complete separation of the joint surfaces is generally described as a dislocation.
In Chiropractic
The term vertebral subluxation has historically been used within chiropractic in a broader and different way. Definitions have varied within the profession, but the term may refer to altered alignment, movement or function of a spinal joint or motion segment rather than a partial dislocation in the conventional medical sense.
World Health Organization chiropractic guidance has recognized this distinct chiropractic use of the term, describing it in terms of altered alignment, movement or physiological function while the joint surfaces remain in contact.
Related Terms
Chiropractic — A licensed health care profession focused largely on the musculoskeletal system and its function
Dislocation — Complete separation of the bones forming a joint.
Adjustment — A term commonly used within chiropractic for a manual technique applied to a joint.
Spinal Manipulation — A technique in which a practitioner applies a controlled thrust to a spinal joint.
What the Research Says
It is important to distinguish research on spinal manipulation from research on the broader chiropractic concept of vertebral subluxation.
Spinal manipulation has been studied for musculoskeletal conditions such as low-back pain. However, broader claims that vertebral subluxations are a cause of disease or that correcting them prevents or treats unrelated health conditions have not been established by reliable clinical evidence. Debate about the terminology and its scientific basis has also occurred within the chiropractic profession itself.
Why Context Matters
Hearing that someone has a “subluxation” does not, by itself, tell you precisely what is being described.
A physician or radiologist using the term may be referring to a partial structural displacement of a joint. A chiropractor using vertebral subluxation may instead be referring to a functional or biomechanical finding involving the spine.
Definitions and interpretations of vertebral subluxation have also varied within chiropractic itself over time.
Learn More
Medical use of Subluxation
MSD Manual — Overview of Dislocations
WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Chiropractic
World Health Organization — Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Chiropractic
Chiropractic: In Depth
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health — Chiropractic: In Depth
A Note on Wellness Language
Wellness terms can change over time and may be used differently across scientific, traditional and commercial settings. Our goal is to explain them clearly, distinguish historical meaning from modern marketing, and give enough context for you to make sense of the language you encounter.
Explore Related Terms
Continue through the Herbal & Wellness Glossary to explore related terms such as Chiropractic, along with other concepts connected with musculoskeletal health, manual care and wellness.
A Note on Educational Information
The information in this glossary is provided for educational purposes only. It is intended to explain terminology and provide context, not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, or replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Return to the Herbal & Wellness Glossary
Return to the Herbal & Wellness Glossary to explore more terms, preparation methods and wellness concepts used throughout the site.
Know the meaning. Ask the context. Follow the evidence. 🦴