|
Subluxation Degeneration Understanding the ongoing process of subluxation, and the effect time plays on the subluxated spine.
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.
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 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 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 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 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!
|
Subluxation
Near
Normal
Phase
One Subluxation Degeneration 
Phase
Two Subluxation Degeneration 
Phase
Three Subluxation Degeneration 
Phase
Four Subluxation Degeneration