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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!
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