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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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