How Do You Know If You Have Vertebral Subluxation?

How do you know if you have subluxation?
How do you know if your body isn’t functioning at its full potential?

Most people would say pain or symptoms are the signal. But in truth, symptoms are often the last indicator to appear when your function deviates from normal.

Health Is Not Just How You Feel

We’ve been conditioned to believe that “feeling fine” equals being healthy. But think about it—many people feel fine while unknowingly living with cavities, high blood pressure, or even life-threatening conditions like cancer. Clearly, feeling well does not always mean being well.

Health is not just the absence of symptoms. According to the World Health Organization, health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.” Function is the entity. Disease and dysfunction are simply the absence of proper function.

Subluxation Isn’t Always Painful

If we accept that dysfunction can exist without pain, we must also accept that vertebral subluxation can occur without symptoms like back pain, neck pain, or headaches. So how do you know if you have subluxation?

Multi-Factor Authentication: The Chiropractor’s Approach

Just like secure logins require multiple steps of verification, chiropractors use a multi-factor authentication process to detect vertebral subluxation. This may include:

• Asymmetry – Detected visually or through palpation

• Range of Motion Abnormality – Measured actively or passively

• Tissue or Tone Alteration – Felt in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or skin

• Somatic Sensation – Subjective indicators like tenderness or discomfort

These indicators help chiropractors assess how well your body is adapting to stress and maintaining internal balance.

Invest in Function, Not Just Feelings

You don’t wait until your teeth hurt to visit the dentist. Similarly, you shouldn’t wait for spinal symptoms to emerge before seeing your chiropractor. Being proactive with habits that support well-being—like hydration, sleep, nutrient-rich food, meditation, exercise, and chiropractic care—can give you a competitive advantage in navigating life’s demands.

Life is complex. Your approach to health can be simple: support function before symptoms appear.