In chiropractic, a subluxation is a mechanical disturbance and misalignment of the spinal column or cranial (bones of the head and face), not necessarily visible on X-rays, that disrupts the functioning of your nervous system, specific joints, tissue, bony structures, fascia, possibly tendons, ligaments and other parts of the anatomy. Generally leaving a subluxation unaddressed causes the subluxation to settle, the damage to the nerve system gets progressively worse, and different stages of subluxation degeneration set in. For a great many reasons occasionally vertebrae become misaligned and place pressure on the nerves exiting the spinal cord (the nerves that come out from between each of the bones in your spine) and cranial nerves coming out of the cranium.  

This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes those nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves.  Vertebral subluxations disrupt the brain’s ability to send messages to certain muscles, organs, tissues, and cells of the body.

It’s critical to understand that subluxations are often painless and can occur at any time to a person of any age. Common symptoms are: (1) pain in the back or neck, (2) headaches, or (3) an inability to move and many other symptoms. The only way to accurately determine if you have a subluxation in your spine or head is through a chiropractic evaluation with your doctor of chiropractic.

There are three main causes of subluxations:

•  Physical causes such as trauma to the body and repetitive motions that affect the spine. These could include slips and falls, accidents, poor posture, repetitive motions, improper lifting, and the birthing process.
•  Emotional causes can include stress, grief, anger, and fear. Medical research has shown that stress can have a detrimental effect on the immune system and lead to illness.
•  Chemical causes such as that from poor food choices, drugs, alcohol, and medicines. Toxins from pollution from the food we eat, the air we breath, and the water we drink can also lead to subluxations. Energetic compromises within the Chakras, Meridian Points or Biofield.
•  Energetic compromises within the Chakras, Meridian Points or Biofield.

Beyond the 3 commonplace symptoms already mentioned, others include:

• Increased susceptibility to colds and flu
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the extremities
• Decreased feeling of well being
• Decreased energy and fatigue
• Arthritis
• Stress
• Bedwetting
• Asthma
• Brain fog
• PMS
• Allergies
• ADHD
• Sciatica
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Sinusitis
• Reproductive problems
• Numeroes other Issues

In infants you may notice:

• Frequent ear infections
• Increased crying (colic)
• Head always turned in one direction or refusal to turn in a particular direction

The primary tool in treating spinal subluxations is the use of manual adjustments, which eliminates any interference to the nervous system and improve spinal function and overall health. Dr. Kaminsky applies a targeted force to the precise joint that is out of position or is not moving properly so that it can be returned to its normal position and function. Correcting the spine requires time for the tissues and ligaments to accept the new position and thus subluxations generally require multiple adjustments to achieve long term correction. The frequency of visits is different for everyone, but Dr. Kaminsky always strives for the quickest possible resolution in the shortest amount of time. 

About Dr. Kaminsky & Craniosacral Therapy

Dr. Kaminsky earned his Chiropractic degree in the year 2000 and is licensed to practice in NY. He has since completed close to three thousand hours of continuing education seminars in various healthcare fields.

Since 2015, he is implementing primarily the hands-on techniques of Craniosacral Therapy (CST), a gentle, non-invasive, laying of the hands that brings about reversal and restoration.

The Craniosacral Mechanism is the driver of moving fluid in the body and head called cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF), which is produced by the Choroid Plexus of the brain and encapsulated within the head and spine.

The craniosacral system is the hydraulic mechanism of a human being and is a component of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and (ANS) Autonomic Nervous system.

There is a function inside of your brain that autonomically generates rhythmic impulses that function to pump CSF throughout your body via the craniosacral pathways, regulating your central and peripheral nerves, nervous system and organ systems, musculoskeletal system, etc.

This moving fluid is palpable to a trained craniosacral therapist, like the heart rate, pulse rhythm, breath, that can all be seen, heard or felt, so too can the Cranial Sacral Rhythm (CSR) be palpated and diagnosed for its health.

By placing his or her hands on your body, including your head and sacrum, the therapist can detect, feel and evaluate the SQAR (symmetry, quality, amplitude, rate) of this fluid rhythm.

The health of your body and mind are dependent on the vitality of this fluid. Compromises of your CSR’s rhythmic impulse correlates to CSF flow restrictions in the system which, when the fluid isn’t flowing optimally, your bodily rejuvenation and recovery is affected.

With anatomically correct hand placement on different parts the body during a session, through gentle manipulation and mobilization the therapist guides and facilitates a positive change in that region of the body which brings forth a correction. A myofascial release in a sense.

A craniosacral therapist stimulates and helps your rhythm refocus, allowing for improvement of musculoskeletal tightness and spasms, neurological issues, organ function, many common conditions, pain, and the mind-body re-connect.

Through a practitioners properly focused and individually attuned touch, your body is facilitated to release channels of fluid stagnation and flow restriction, which ultimately breakthrough, overcome and improve your rhythmic fluid and your potential for health improvement.

The existence of the Craniosacral mechanism was first discovered by Osteopath Dr. William Sutherland in the early 1900’s, who called it Cranial Osteopathy. And many years later, renamed to Craniosacral Therapy by Osteopath, Dr. John Upledger.

Dr. Alex Kaminsky is an advanced and certified Craniosacral Therapist, having studied advanced levels including SER, Brain and Pediatric courses. He has built a significant skill-set with many years of experience treating adults, children and babies. To learn more, visit the other pages on this website. Call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kaminsky.