Spine, Back & Neck
Spinal Joint Dysfunction
A spinal segment that is not moving the way the ones around it do.
Also called: Segmental dysfunction, Restricted spinal joint, Subluxation.
This is the everyday finding at the centre of most chiropractic examinations: a segment that is restricted, tender or moving differently from its neighbours.
It can occur anywhere along the spine and often develops gradually, without a single injury, especially with repetitive posture or activity patterns.
Why this matters
Restriction at one level tends to be compensated for by the levels above and below, which is how a small local problem becomes a regional one.
Left unaddressed, these compensations can spread discomfort or stiffness well beyond the original segment, which is why isolated findings are still worth attention.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Spinal joints are a major source of position information. Restriction changes the quality of that information, which is central to how we think about care.
Restoring more normal joint movement is intended to improve the quality of that information reaching the nervous system, which is the basis for the adjustment itself.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
- Ankle Sprain — Ligament injury from rolling or twisting the ankle.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.