When a vertebrae becomes misaligned or moves out of its normal position, this is referred to in the chiropractic profession as a subluxation. Subluxations can be caused by a wide range of issues ranging from a minor slip or bump to a car accident to repetitious movements or any sudden trauma. When a vertebrae is misaligned, it may put pressure on nerves, blood vessels and everything around it. This pressure comes with a price. The misalignment and subsequent dysfunction interrupts the natural pathways that the information sent from the brain need to be clear in order to be completed properly.
As time goes by and a misalignment/dysfunction remains untreated, the spine and surrounding features such as discs can begin to compensate. This compensation results in increased stress and futrther dysfunction as time goes by. The body is an amazing machine. It will start to accommodate these changes by compensating in even more regions of the body. The longer this goes on, the more difficult it is and the longer it takes to get back to near perfect position.