Spinal Degeneration

Normal, healthy spinal curves help absorb shock and support the nervous system. Each of the spinal disc spaces between the vertebrae should be thick and even, this is considered normal. The front portions of each vertebrae (called the 'body' of the vertebrae) should be fairly square with clear and well defined borders. 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.

When subluxations occur 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 "spinal degeneration" or "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.

The Phases of Spinal Degeneration:

• Degeneration Phase 1:
  In this beginning stage, your spine loses its normal balance. There may be a loss of normal spinal curves. Your nerves are commonly affected and the vital life energy that flows from the brain to the body is interfered with. Also, your joints, discs, nervous system, and posture are stressed and age more quickly. Surprisingly, more than 80% of people with phase one spinal degeneration have no pain. Therefore, if left uncorrected, phase one continues to progress with time until it eventually reaches the next phase. Chiropractic reconstructive care for phase one spinal degeneration can take from 6 to 18 months, and patient's typical respond well to corrective care.

• Degeneration Phase 2:
  This phase involves a much greater degree of decay, disc narrowing, and bone spurs (deformations); postural changes are typically much worse. This condition is very common (by age 40, 80% of males and 76% of females exhibit moderate disc degeneration). Spinal canal narrowing or stenosis may occur. Phase two spinal degeneration is characterized by more common aches and pains, fatigue, and a diminished ability to cope with stress. Height continues to decrease. With regular chiropractic corrective care, significant improvement is possible.

• Degeneration Phase 3:
  This phase involves further postural imbalances, increased nervous system damage, permanent scar tissue, and advanced bone deformation. Physical and/or mental weakness or disability begins. Also found in phase three is permanent loss of height and loss of energy. Chiropractic reconstructive care for patients in phase three can range from 1.5 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 spinal degeneration is left unchecked it slowly advances onward into the next phase.

• Degeneration Phase 4:
  This is the most advanced stage of spinal degeneration. The postural imbalance is severe and motion is limited. There is severe nerve damage, permanent scar tissue is formed, and the bones of the spine may begin to fuse. In this phase we find pain, various degrees of physical or mental disability, and continued loss of energy and height. Reconstruction may not be possible in phase four, although care can be directed to some reduction in subluxation with the goal of improvement in the quality of life remaining. Patients in phase four spinal 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 every person is dynamic and different. Spines degenerate at different rates and heal at different rates. The further along your spine may be with spinal 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 and spinal degeneration. Of course, if you're not under chiropractic care, the best time to start is NOW!