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Motion Segment

By Anne Asher, About.com

Updated April 03, 2006

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Definition: A motion segment consists of two adjacent vertebrae, including the intervertebral disk between them, and the ligaments that bind them together. Nerves branching off from the spinal cord exit out of each spinal motion segment to receive and deliver messages for the body. If the vertebrae comprising the motion segment are aligned properly, the nerves can do their job in an uninterrupted fashion. In cases of subluxation, however, the transmission ability of the nerves become impaired. Chiropractors address subluxation with manipulation and adjustment.


Bibliography
1 Dr. James Lehmann, emailed notes from the ACA's Task Force on Primary Care, January 4, 2006.
2 Conditions and Treatments - Low Back Pain. Columbia Presbyterian Neurosurgery. 2005. Retrieved from: http://www.cpneurosurgery.com/conditions.php?detail=1&id=30 April 2, 2006.

Date Created: April 2, 2006
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