CATEGORY III SUBLUXATION

When ligaments in the pelvis are torn or stretched, a separation of the weight bearing sacro-iliac joint takes place. This separation permits one hip to move forward, and the other hip to move backward, changing the leg length.

When this pelvic rotation is set in motion, the sacrum tips to one side causing the basic foundation upon which the spine rests to become unbalanced.

The Category III Subluxation occurs when the vertebrae in the lower lumbar spine are stressed beyond their ability to recover, usually upsetting a pre-existing weakness in the area. This can be caused by:

INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS

The intervertebral discs are pads found between the vertebrae. They act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to have mobility. Discs also protect the delicate spinal nerve roots which emerge from openings between the vertebrae. The disc has a tough outer covering and is filled with a jelly like substance called the Nucleus.

As a result of this Category III situation, pressure is put on a lumbar disc (usually 5th lumbar) forcing it to bulge out against the sciatic nerve and producing any or several of the following symptoms:

pain down the back of the leg

* burning sensation down the back of the leg

* pins and needles in the leg

* tightness in the leg

* numbness in the leg or back

* poor bowel or bladder control

* pain on sitting, rising, coughing

* coldness in the extremities

CORRECTION OF CATEGORY III

The correction of the category III subluxation occurs while the blocks are placed in a precise position under your pelvis. (the position will vary according to the type of disc protrusion). This facilitates the optimum balance of the lumbar spine on the pelvis, removes pressure off the involved disc and the entrapped nerve root and reduces the pain.

There are generally three types of posture involved in Category III
1. Leaning away from the side of leg pain - usually a subluxated vertebra and slight disc protrusion
2. Leaning towards the side of leg pain
3. Leaning forward.



These last two postures can be affected by:
a. Herniation of the disc, where the outer layer tears and some of the inner jelly-like substance seeps out into the spinal nerve root space.
b. Rupture of the disc. The disc collapses and the inner substance spills around the nerve root, or fragments of the outer layer put pressure on the nerves.

The herniation and rupture both leave a person with varying degrees of irreparable damage, and although your Chiropractor may relieve the pressure from the nerves you must take responsibility to prevent further damage.

Incorporating the chiropractors advice into your daily life can be a valuable aid to minimising the chance of re-occurrence of this condition. Category III is a long standing condition which can be very demoralising, depressing and exhausting. Follow your Chiropractor?s advice carefully.

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