• physical ~ accidents; improper lifting; repetitive motion
• emotional ~ stress; grief; anger; fear
• chemical ~ poor diet; alcohol; prescription and over-the-counter drugs; pollution

Ultimately, each of these can manifest themselves physically as a subluxation, or misalignment, even though the cause may not be physical, itself.

A subluxation may cause an associated nerve to be pressed against or rubbed, as illustrated above, interrupting that nerve's vital electrical impulse.  This, in turn, obviously impairs the function of the impulse, whether it is for motion, sensation or healing.  Often, as a result of one subluxation, the body attempts to correct for it.  This can begin a chain reaction of physical manifestations, such as limping and pain, and perhaps other subluxations, as the body compensates for the first subluxation.

Chiropractic's objective is to realign the vertebra or joint naturally, to remove interferences and restore normal, healthy function.