Spinal Decay

Spinal Degeneration

When a subluxation occurs it causes nerve interference in some portion of the body affected by those nerves.  The subluxation causes changes to the structure as well as the nerves.  These changes get progressively worse as time is allowed to work on the subluxated area of the spine.  These changes take the form of ongoing degeneration known as "subluxation degeneration".  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.

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.  We will call this picture a "normal" spine.  Compare this spine with the ones you will see below on this page.  Notice the normal curve of the neck.  This curve helps absorb shock.  Notice how each of the disc spaces between C2 (second bone in neck) and C7 are thick and even, this again is normal.  Also notice how the front portions (right on the x-ray) of each of the vertebrae (called the 'body' of the vertebrae) 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 relentless changes occur that result in damage to the structure and function of the spine along with nerve damage and the resulting problems caused from improper nerve supply.

Phase One Subluxation Degeneration

Phase One Subluxation Degeneration is seen in subluxations that have been present for up to twenty years.  This phase is characterized with a loss or change in the normal curve in the spine.  On this example you can see that the normal (lordotic) curve is lost.  This spine even has developed a reverse curve in the neck.  The disc spaces have also begun to exhibit a slight change in shape.  One good point is that the bodies of each of the vertebrae (the square part in front) still exhibits clean clear borders.  Segmental motion  may be abnormal but overall motion is probably not affected.  Chiropractic corrective care for a phase one can take from 6 to 18 months.  More than 80% of people with Phase One Subluxation Degeneration have no pain.  Therefore, if left uncorrected, phase one continues to progress with time until it eventually reaches the next phase.

Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration

Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration is caused by subluxations that have been continuing on for between 20 and 40 years.  This phase has all of the attributes of the previous phases, only worse.  The curvatures are abnormal, the disc spaces are vastly decreased and changed.  Calcium changes on the spine are abundant in this phase.  Normally, people in phase three have a restricted range of motion and probably exhibit symptoms of some kind.  In phase two the vertebrae show obvious changes and mutations in shape.  Projections made of calcium, sometimes referred to as "spurs or lipping", can be readily seen on x-ray.  Chiropractic corrective care for patients in phase two ranges from 2 years to 4 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 and positive changes can only be measured from a functional standpoint.  As before, if Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration is left unchecked it slowly advances onward into the next phase.

Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration

Phase three subluxation degeneration is seen with subluxations that have been raging on uncorrected or altered for over forty years.  Phase three is a grave condition that will negatively affect the patients longevity and quality of life.  The massive amount of neurological damage caused by years of subluxation that have lead to phase three are probably taking a serious toll on this person's health status.  X-rays in phase three show serious severe structural changes.  Vertebrae exhibit massive calcium changes, disc spaces appear blurred, and the bones themselves appear fused.  In this scenario the patient will have a severe restriction of range of motion in addition to probably a number of other health issues.  Chiropractic corrective care for patients in phase three ranges from 3 years to 6 years.  Patients in Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration have a serious situation both structurally and neurologically, but they are certainly not beyond hope.  Many patients in phase three report significant improvements in symptoms, conditions, mobility and quality of life.