Subluxation Degeneration
This is a representation of one type of subluxation. A subluxation is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves.
When a subluxation occurs it causes nerve interference in some portion of the body affected by those nerves. The subluxation causes changes to the structures around it. Subluxations are corrected through precise chiropractic adjustments. If subluxations are left uncorrected, tissue changes will get progressively worse over time. These changes take the form of ongoing degeneration known as “subluxation degeneration” and arthritis. By understanding the type and amount of changes, it is possible to reasonably estimate the time subluxations have been present in a spine. Having this information is useful in understanding the time and effort needed for correction through chiropractic care.
Near Normal Spine
Phase One Subluxation Degeneration
Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration
Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration
Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration
Near Normal
This is a side x-ray view of the neck. As with all the pictures you will see on this page, the patient is looking to the right of the screen, so you are viewing the right side of their neck. Compare this “near normal” spine with the ones you will see below. Notice the normal forward curve of the neck. This curve helps absorb shock. Between each of the vertebrae are discs. Notice how each of the disc spaces are thick and even (represented by the black space between each bone). This is normal. Also notice how the front portions of each of the vertebrae (right side of the xray) are fairly square with clear and well defined borders. This type of arrangement is normal in the neck. Normal vertebrae in other parts of the spine also have similar characteristics to what we see here. When subluxations occur and are left uncorrected, ongoing changes occur that result in damage to the structure and function of the spine and body.
Phase One Subluxation Degeneration
Phase one is normally seen in uncorrected subluxations present for up to 20 years. It is usually seen as the misalignment and malfunction of the spine. Normal spinal motion, curves, and disc spacing are altered. Because the body is so adaptable, this early phase can exist without the warning of pain or other symptoms. If left uncorrected, the degeneration continues.
- loss of normal spine curve
- disc, joint, muscle, and some nerve damage
- posture is distorted
- less energy
- height may diminish
The response to chiropractic care is generally good and can take from 6 to 18 months. More than 80% of these people have no pain. If left uncorrected, phase one continues to progress into the next phase.
Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration
Phase two is normally seen in uncorrected subluxations present for 20 to 40 years. It is recognized on X-ray views of the spine by visible bone spurs and rough edges of the vertebrae. Soft tissues, such as discs and ligaments degenerate from the lack of normal joint movement. Again, pain or other symptoms may not be present. Some people complain of being stiff and achy .
- increasing decay, disc narrowing, and bone deformation
- spinal canal narrowing (Stenosis) may occur
- aches and pains are more common
- fatigue
- reduced ability to cope with stress
- height decrease continues
Chiropractic care for patients in phase two typically offers significant improvement and ranges from 1.5 years to 2.5 years. Again, if Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration is left uncorrected it slowly advances to the next phase.
Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration
Phase Three is caused by subluxations that have been continuing on for 40 to 65 years. A lifetime of neglect can lead to a number of serious problems.
- greater posture imbalance
- increased nerve damage
- permanent scar tissue
- advanced bone deformation
- beginnings of physical and/or mental weakness/disability
- loss of energy and height loss also occur
Chiropractic reconstructive care for patients in phase three ranges from 2.5 years to 3.5 years. This does not mean that at the end of this time that any or all of the calcium changes will be gone. In many instances the body adapts to the presence of the calcium, leaving room for only functional improvements.
As before, if Phase Three Degeneration is left uncorrected, it advances onward.
Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration
Phase four is seen with subluxations that have been raging on uncorrected or altered for over 65 years. Phase four will negatively affect the patients longevity and quality of life. This degree of damage is often irreversible. Chiropractic care can improve the quality of life remaining.
- degeneration of the cartilage and bone
- massive amount of neurological damage
- bone fusion, constant pain, and discomfort
- permanent loss of height
- inability to turn, bend and twist
- physical and mental weakness and disability are evident
Patients in Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration have a serious situation both structurally and neurologically, but they are certainly not beyond hope.
Many patients in phase four report significant improvements in symptoms, conditions, mobility and quality of life.
It should be noted that the above are common guidelines and not hard rules. Every person is dynamic and different. People degenerate at different rates and heal at different rates. The further along your spine may be with subluxation degeneration the more strenuous and time consuming your road to improvement will be. For this reason we always stress early care to stop and prevent the advancement of subluxation degeneration. Of course, if you are not currently under chiropractic care, the best time to start is NOW!
