Subluxation: Symptoms, Specific Examples, and When to Seek Care

What are the symptoms of a subluxation?

A subluxation is a partial or incomplete dislocation of a joint, where the joint surfaces remain in partial contact but are no longer properly aligned, leading to a range of symptoms primarily including pain, reduced range of motion, and instability.

Understanding Subluxation

In the realm of musculoskeletal health, a subluxation refers to a condition where a joint's articulating surfaces are no longer perfectly aligned, but still maintain some degree of contact. This distinguishes it from a complete dislocation, where the joint surfaces are entirely separated. Subluxations can occur in various joints throughout the body, including the spine, shoulder, knee (patella), and elbow (radial head). While often less dramatic than a full dislocation, a subluxation can still significantly impair joint function and cause considerable discomfort. The underlying cause is typically trauma, repetitive stress, or inherent joint laxity.

Common Symptoms of Subluxation

The specific symptoms of a subluxation can vary depending on the affected joint, the degree of displacement, and the involvement of surrounding structures like nerves, ligaments, and tendons. However, several common indicators are frequently observed:

• Pain: This is almost universally the primary symptom. The pain can be sharp and acute immediately following the incident, or a dull, aching sensation that persists. It is typically localized to the affected joint but can sometimes radiate to surrounding areas, especially if nerves are compressed.
• Reduced Range of Motion (ROM): The misaligned joint surfaces can restrict the normal movement of the joint. Individuals may find it difficult or impossible to move the affected limb or body part through its full, normal range without experiencing increased pain or a mechanical block.
• Instability or "Giving Way": A feeling that the joint is loose, unstable, or might "give out" is a hallmark symptom. This sensation often occurs during specific movements or weight-bearing activities.
• Swelling and Inflammation: The body's natural response to joint trauma, even partial displacement, is inflammation. This can lead to visible swelling around the joint, warmth to the touch, and increased tenderness.
• Deformity (Subtle): Unlike a full dislocation, which often presents with obvious visual deformity, a subluxation may cause only a subtle change in the joint's appearance. This might include slight asymmetry compared to the unaffected side or a slight bulge.
• Clicking, Popping, or Grinding Sensations: As the joint surfaces attempt to move over one another while misaligned, or as the joint re-aligns itself, individuals may hear or feel distinct clicking, popping, or grinding noises or sensations.
• Numbness or Tingling: If the subluxation causes compression or irritation of nearby nerves, the individual may experience paresthesia, such as numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the areas supplied by that nerve. This is particularly relevant in spinal or shoulder subluxations.
• Muscle Spasm and Guarding: The muscles surrounding the injured joint may involuntarily contract and spasm in an attempt to protect the joint from further movement or injury. This muscle guarding can contribute to pain and further restrict motion.
• Weakness: Due to pain, instability, or nerve involvement, there may be a noticeable decrease in strength in the muscles controlling the affected joint.

Specific Examples of Subluxation Symptoms

While the general symptoms apply, their presentation can be unique to the joint:

• Shoulder Subluxation: Often presents with pain, a sensation of the shoulder "slipping out" and then back in, apprehension when moving the arm into certain positions (e.g., abduction and external rotation), and general shoulder instability.
• Patellar (Kneecap) Subluxation: Characterized by pain around the kneecap, a feeling of the kneecap shifting laterally, difficulty straightening the leg, and a possible sensation of the knee "giving way."
• Radial Head Subluxation (Nursemaid's Elbow): Common in young children, this typically occurs when the arm is pulled. Symptoms include sudden, severe pain in the elbow, refusal to use the arm (often holding it still by their side with the elbow slightly bent and forearm pronated), and tenderness around the elbow. There is usually no visible swelling or deformity.
• Vertebral Subluxation (Chiropractic Context): In chiropractic practice, this term often refers to a vertebral misalignment that is believed to interfere with nerve function. Symptoms, in this context, are broad and can include localized back or neck pain, stiffness, muscle tension, headaches, or referred pain/symptoms if nerve impingement is significant.

When to Seek Professional Medical Attention

Any suspected subluxation warrants prompt medical evaluation. While some subluxations may spontaneously reduce (return to proper alignment), professional diagnosis is crucial to:

• Confirm the diagnosis: Distinguish it from a full dislocation or other injuries.
• Assess the extent of damage: Determine if ligaments, tendons, or nerves have been injured.
• Ensure proper reduction: If the joint has not spontaneously realigned, it may need to be manually reduced by a healthcare professional.
• Develop a treatment plan: This may include immobilization, pain management, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises to restore strength, stability, and full range of motion, and prevent recurrence.

Ignoring the symptoms of a subluxation can lead to chronic pain, recurrent instability, ongoing functional limitations, and potentially long-term joint damage. Therefore, immediate consultation with a physician, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider is always recommended.