Subluxation Degeneration

Degeneration Phase 1

First your spine loses its normal balance and motion due to an accident(s). Typically there is a loss of the normal spinal curves which places abnormal stress on the discs, joints and nerves.  The discs begin to become wedged/thinned posteriorly which starts to occlude the holes for the spinal nerves coming out of your spinal cord.  Your nerves may be affected and the vital life energy that flows over them is interfered with. Also your joints, discs, nerves and posture are stressed and start to age more quickly. Surprisingly, there may be no pain other than occasional minor discomfort. Also present may be fatigue and slight vertebrae height loss. If a proper regimen of chiropractic care is followed, this phase responds very well.

Degeneration Phase 2

Here there is a much greater degree of decay, disc narrowing and bone spurs (deformations); postural changes are much worse. The disc goes from swollen to thinning.  Spinal canal narrowing or stenosis may occur, which impinges the spinal nerve and/or spinal cord even more. This phase is characterized by more frequent and severe aches and pains, fatigue, numbness/tingling and a diminished ability to cope with stress. Activities of daily living are starting to become much harder to do.  The vertebral body height continues to decrease. With chiropractic care significant improvement is possible if utilized properly.

Degeneration Phase 3

This is the most advanced stage of subluxation degeneration.  There is severe postural imbalance and limited mobility. Other signs are permanent nerve damage, permanent scar tissue and advanced bone spur formation. Physical and/or mental weakness or disability begin. The bones begin to fuse and the discs are almost completely gone. In this phase we find severe pain, various degrees of physical or mental disability, severely lessened quality of life, and continued fatigue and height. By now the condition is considered irreversible. Chiropractic may give some symptomatic relief.