When a vertebrae becomes misaligned (out of its normal position) or is demonstrating abnormal motion, 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 or any sudden trauma. When a vertebrae is subluxated, it begins to irritate nerves, blood vessels and everything around it. The subluxation interrupts the natural pathways needed for messages from the brain to be completed properly.
As time goes by and a subluxation remains untreated, the spine and surrounding features such as discs can begin to degenerate. This degeneration becomes more difficult to reverse as time goes by as the surrounding muscles, nerves and bones begin to adjust to the new alignment. The body is an amazing machine. It will start to accommodate for these changes by compensating in other areas. The longer this goes on, the more difficult it is and the longer it takes to get back to near normal position and function.