Understanding the ongoing process of subluxation, and the effect time plays on the subluxated spine.
Subluxation
This photo representation of one type of spinal subluxation effecting the nerves. A subluxation, as defined by the Association of Chiropractic Colleges 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 problems in the area of the body that is controlled by the “pinched” nerves. Therefore, the subluxation causes changes to the body’s structure as well changes to the nerves. These changes can get progressively worse over time as changes occur to the vertebrae’s structure. These changes take the form of ongoing or chronic degeneration known as “subluxation degeneration”. By understanding the type and amount of change that has occurred, it is possible to estimate the time subluxations have been present in a spine. Having this information is useful in determining the most effective treatment protocols.
Near Normal
This is a side x-ray view a health and normal cervical spine (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. This picture is called 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 which helps absorb shock and contributes to a normal range of motion. Notice how each of the healthy disc spaces between C2 (second bone in neck) and C7 are thick and even. 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 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 characterized with a loss or change in the normal curve in the spine. On this example you can see that the spine no longer exhibits the normal “C shaped” appearance having lost the normal curve. The disc spaces have also begun to exhibit a slight change in shape becoming slightly less thick and even. The bodies of each of the vertebrae (the square part in front) still exhibit 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. 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 has all of the attributes of the previous phases, only much worse. The curvatures are severely abnormal, the disc spaces have greatly decreased and the discs have worn away and lost most of their height. Calcium deposits on the spine are abundant in this phase. Normally, people in phase three have a severely 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 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. If you’re not under chiropractic care, the best time to start is NOW!