Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsTypesCausesDiagnosisTreatmentSummary
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Types
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Summary
This article discusses different types of subluxations, what causes a subluxation, joint subluxation symptoms, and how subluxations are treated.
Joint Subluxation Symptoms
Verywell / JR Bee
As opposed to luxation (the complete dislocation of a joint), subluxations only result in the partial separation of a joint. Some of the common symptoms include:
Subluxation vs. LuxationSubluxationBones are not aligned properly in the joint but still touchPain and swelling sometimes presentMay not realize the joint is offLuxationAdjoining bones of the joint no longer touchingVery painfulCannot ignore something is wrong
Subluxation vs. Luxation
SubluxationBones are not aligned properly in the joint but still touchPain and swelling sometimes presentMay not realize the joint is off
Bones are not aligned properly in the joint but still touch
Pain and swelling sometimes present
May not realize the joint is off
LuxationAdjoining bones of the joint no longer touchingVery painfulCannot ignore something is wrong
Adjoining bones of the joint no longer touching
Very painful
Cannot ignore something is wrong
When to Seek Emergency Care
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a healthcare provider right away:
Types of Subluxation
Vertebral Subluxation
A vertebral subluxation can occur from poor posture, repetitive movements, or trauma to the spine, such as a fall or severe blow. The subluxation may involve aligament rupturewith or without injury to the vertebra (spinal bones) itself. This type of injury can compress the spinal cord, resulting in shooting pains,referred pain, or loss of nerve function.
Is a vertebral subluxation a pinched nerve?No, they are not the same. However, vertebral subluxations can cause a pinched nerve, and treating the subluxation through manual manipulation may release the tightness to relieve the pinched nerve.
Is a vertebral subluxation a pinched nerve?
No, they are not the same. However, vertebral subluxations can cause a pinched nerve, and treating the subluxation through manual manipulation may release the tightness to relieve the pinched nerve.
Common Injuries to the Cervical Spine
Subluxation of the Shoulder
Asubluxation of the shouldermeans that the ball of your upper arm comes partially out of the socket in yourscapula(shoulder blade). Severe injury or trauma is most often the cause of shoulder subluxation.
Sports like swimming, tennis, volleyball, and others that involve repetitive upward motions can loosen the ligaments in the shoulder and make it more likely for subluxation to occur.
With shoulder subluxation, your shoulder may feel as it is loose or slipping in and out of the socket. Pain and loss of motion are common and often extreme.
What Happens When You Dislocate Your Shoulder
Subluxation of the Patella
Thepatella(kneecaps) fits in a groove at the end of thetibia(shin bone). A subluxation of the patella occurs when the kneecap moves partially out of that groove. Patellar subluxation is the most common knee problem in children and adolescents.
Kneecap Dislocation
Elbow Subluxation
Elbow subluxations can occur when someone falls onto their hands. Though elbowluxations(dislocations) are typically very painful, subluxations may not be as obvious. The elbow may move perfectly well, although there may be a dull or sharp pain.
Common Signs of Elbow Dislocation
Subluxations most often occur as the result of trauma to a joint. There may be predisposing factors that increase the risk of subluxation, such as older age or participation in contact sports.
Traumatic causes of joint subluxation include:
Subluxations can also occur as a result of loose joints. For example, people with generalizedjoint laxityandEhlers-Danlos syndromehave joints that are overly flexible. Individuals with these conditions are prone to subluxations, often without any instigating trauma or injury.
Arthritis can also cause joint subluxations. Cartilage damage from osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, can lead to joint instability that results in subluxations.
During pregnancy, the overproduction of certain hormones can also loosen ligaments, making the joints hypermobile and at risk of dislocation.
Joint subluxation is typically diagnosed with a physical exam and imaging studies. Even if a joint injury doesn’t appear all that serious but is limiting motion or “feels loose,” it is important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider immediately.
During the appointment, your healthcare provider will examine the injured joint to check for any visible damage, such as swelling and bruising. The healthcare provider will ask questions about any incidents or accidents that preceded the injury. You may also be asked to wiggle your fingers or toes to see if there are anyruptured tendonsor nerve injuries.
To confirm the diagnosis and direct the appropriate treatment, your healthcare provider will order imaging tests to check if there are ruptures,hematoma(a blood pocket),joint effusion(the accumulation of fluid), or afracture. Imaging options include:
Healthcare providers will use these same diagnostic tools if you are seen in an emergency room. They will also check for serious injuries, including arterial and nerve damage.
After examining the injury, your healthcare provider will likely reset the joint into its proper position using manual manipulation. This may involve turning or pulling the limb.
Your healthcare provider may also suggest a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) likeAleve (naproxen), Advil (ibuprofen), orVoltaren (diclofenac)to alleviate swelling and inflammation.
Joint SurgeryOccasionally, surgery may be needed if the joint cannot be realigned manually or the dislocation is recurrent. Surgery may involvegrafting boneor connective tissues into the joint space,debriding(removing) cartilage or bone to improve joint mobility, or repairing torn ligaments or tendons.
Joint Surgery
Occasionally, surgery may be needed if the joint cannot be realigned manually or the dislocation is recurrent. Surgery may involvegrafting boneor connective tissues into the joint space,debriding(removing) cartilage or bone to improve joint mobility, or repairing torn ligaments or tendons.
What to Know About Knee Arthroscopic Surgery
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Once the acute inflammation has subsided, your healthcare provider may suggest a long-term treatment plan. In most cases, subluxations are one-time events, and you will be able to fully recover the function of a joint with simple at-home exercises.
Severe subluxations can cause long-term impairment and instability. If these symptoms persist after treatment, your healthcare provider will likely refer you to aphysical therapistto strengthen the muscles and ligaments and maintain or increase the range of motion in the joint. This may involve in-office procedures and at-home exercises and treatments.
Shoulder-Strengthening Exercises
Joint subluxation may cause pain and a sensation of joint instability. It is common in joints such as the spine, shoulder, kneecap, and elbow.
Joint subluxation is typically diagnosed with imaging such as X-ray or MRI. It is usually treated conservatively with rest and physical therapy.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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