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Subluxation Degeneration
Understanding the ongoing process of subluxation, and the effect
time plays on the subluxated spine.
Subluxation
This is a representation of one type
of subluxation. A subluxation, as defined by the Association
of Chiropractic Colleges is: "A subluxation is
a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological
articular changes that compromise neural integrity and
may influence organ system function and general health."
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.
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.
We will call this picture a "near normal"
spine. Compare this spine with the ones you will
see below on this page. Notice the normal forward
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 forward
(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 reconstructive 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 normally
seen in subluxations that have been present between
20 and 40 years. This phase has some of the same
characteristics of the previous phase including
a loss of normal curvature and position as well
as an alteration in segmental motion. In addition,
spines with Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration
many times show a reduction in the patient's range
of motion in that area. X-rays of a phase two
begin to show calcium changes or buildup at certain
levels of the spine. These changes are sometimes
called by many names including spurs and arthritis.
Disc spaces between the affected vertebrae are
noticeably narrower and may appear to be flattening
out. Although most people with Phase Two Subluxation
Degeneration may not exhibit any symptoms, some
may start to feel stiff or achy. Chiropractic
reconstructive care for patients in phase two
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 Subluxation Degeneration is caused
by subluxations that have been continuing on for
between 40 and 65 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 three 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 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 and positive changes can
only be measured from a functional standpoint.
As before, if Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration
is left unchecked it slowly advances onward into
the next phase.
Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration
Phase four subluxation degeneration is seen
with subluxations that have been raging on uncorrected
or altered for over sixty five years. Phase four
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 four
are probably taking a serious toll on this person's
health status. X-rays in phase four 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. Reconstruction may not
be possible in phase four, but care can be directed
to some reduction in subluxation with the goal
of improvement in the quality of life remaining.
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're
not under chiropractic care, the best time to start is NOW!
