The misalignment is the bony component of the vertebral subluxation. We measure the misalignment in millimeters when analyzing X-rays. For reference, there are about 25 millimeters in 1 inch.
Why such small measurements?
Chang Ha Suh, Ph.D. from the University of Colorado found through his research that it only takes the weight of a dime to reduce nerve transmission by 60%. Quoting Dr. Ha Suh directly:
“Vertebral subluxations change the entire health of the body by causing structural dysfunction of the spine and nerve interference. The weight of a dime on a spinal nerve will reduce nerve transmission by as much as sixty percent.”
Let’s put this finding into some perspective:
Spinal bones protect and surround the most delicate tissue we have in our body, nerve tissue. The upper cervical spine houses the brainstem section of the Nerve System. The brainstem holds the greatest collection of nerve fibers found in the whole body. It connects nerve tracts from the brain to the organs, glands and tissues of the body.
The upper cervical spinal joint consists of the occiput, atlas and axis bones. This joint can misalign by just one millimeter. A misaligned upper cervical joint creates aberrant movement and has the potential to place added tension and pressure on the surrounding tissues, including the brainstem nerve tissue.
The thickness of a dime is about 1.5 mm. The weight of a dime is about 2.3 grams, which is about 0.08 ounces.
Now, try and picture the upper cervical joint moving just 1 millimeter out of place and putting 0.08 ounces of pressure on the brainstem. This minute change is enough to interfere with nerve transmission by 60%. Since the brainstem houses the greatest concentration of nerve fibers in the whole body, pressure in this area has the potential to disrupt nerve function on a global scale.
Why is Chiropractic so concerned with such small measurements? Because measurement verifies direction. Direction justifies correction. Correction establishes adjustment. Adjustment determines intention. And the intention is health. Measurement matters because health matters.
Jarek Esarco, DC, CACCP is a pediatric, family wellness and upper cervical specific Chiropractor. He is an active member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr. Jarek has postgraduate certification in Pediatric Chiropractic through the ICPA. Dr. Jarek also has postgraduate certification in the HIO Specific Brain Stem technique through The TIC Institute. Dr. Jarek is happily married to his wife Regina. They live in Youngstown, Ohio with their daughter Ruby.