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SUBLUXATION DEGENERATION Subluxation
Near Normal
Phase One Subluxation Degeneration
Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration
Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration
Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration
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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This
is a representation of one type of subluxation. A subluxation, as
defined by the Association of Chiropractic Colleges is: 
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.