Subluxation

Degeneration:

Near Normal- This x-ray is a side view of a “near
normal” neck.  Compare this spine with the ones
you will see below on this page.  The forward curve
of the neck shown here is normal.  This curve helps
to absorb shock.  Notice how each of the disc
spaces between the bones are thick and even.  This
too is normal.  Also make note of the clear and well
defined borders of each vertebrae in this picture.  
These types of findings are normal in the neck.  
However, normal vertebrae in other parts of the
spine have similar characteristics to what we see
here.  When subluxations occur and are left
uncorrected, changes occur that cause damage to
the structure and function of the spine.  As a result,
one will experience nerve pressure and the
problems caused by improper nerve supply.

Phase One Subluxation Degeneration- Phase
One Subluxation Degeneration is seen when
subluxations have been present in the spine for up
to several years.  This phase is characterized by a
change in the normal curvature of the neck.  On
this particular example, you can see how the normal
forward curve of the neck has diminished.  The disc
spaces have also begun to change in height and
shape.  In this phase, the vertebral bodies usually
appear to have clean, clear borders.

Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration- Phase two
of spinal degeneration is normally seen with
subluxations that have been present for a much
longer period of time.  This phase has some of the
same characteristics as the first phase of
degeneration including a decrease in the normal
curvature and alignment of the spine.  This phase
includes a change in segmental motion.  In addition,
spines in the second phase of subluxation
degeneration experience a loss in range of motion.  
X-rays of a phase two spine show calcium deposits
along the bone margins.  It is this type of bone
change we call arthritis or spurring.  Disc spaces
between the affected vertebrae are visibly more
narrow and even appear to be flattening out.  Again,
if phase two is left uncorrected it will slowly advance
to the next phase of spinal degeneration.

Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration- Phase
three spinal degeneration is caused by subluxations
that have been present for up to sixty years.  This
phase contains all characteristics of the previous
phase with areas of the spine that have gotten
progressively worse.  The curvatures are abnormal,
the disc space is markedly decreased.  Calcium
changes on the spine are more common and typically
much larger.  Normally, people in phase three
experience a lot of symptoms from the changes
occurring in their spine.  Their range of motion has
decreased, prohibiting adequate movement.  
Chiropractic reconstructive care for patients in this
phase of degeneration may require up to several
years of regular treatment.  At the end of this time,
these patients will not demonstrate a decrease in the
calcium changes that have already taken place in the
spine, however, the body learns to adapt to the
presence of additional calcium and progress is
measured from a functional point of view.  As before,
if phase three is left untreated it will eventually
advance into the fourth phase.

Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration- Phase four
will undoubtedly affect one's quality of life.  This phase
is characterized by both structural and neurological
issues.  The large amount of neurological damage
created by years of subluxation is now beginning to
take a serious toll on this patient's health condition.  
X-ray pictures in phase four show marked, severe
structural changes.  The vertebrae exhibit large
calcium spurs, disc spaces appear extremely thin and
the bones may even appear to have fused.  In this
phase of degenerative change, one will have a severe
decrease in range of motion.  These patients usually
have a number of health problems.  Complete
correction of subluxated segments may not be
obtainable, but emphasis is placed on reducing the
subluxations with a primary goal of improving spinal
function and thus influencing quality of life.  Many
patients in phase four report significant improvements
in all aspects of their life.  

*It should be noted that the phases of spinal degeneration are only guidelines
to what most commonly occurs.  Each and every patient is different.  People
degenerate at different rates and heal at different rates.  The further along
the degenerative process has progressed, the more time consuming your
road to improvement will be.  It is for this reason, we stress regular spinal
check-ups to stop and prevent these problems from advancing.  If you aren't
currently under chiropractic care, be proactive and schedule an appointment
with us today!