Subluxation Degeneration

According to research, if a vertebral subluxation is neglected and left uncorrected, it will necessarily begin a degenerative process of the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine. Much like having plaque on your teeth, you have a very simple choice…either you can regularly brush the plaque away and keep your teeth healthy, or you can let the plaque remain and begin the process of tooth decay.

And, the amount of damage that has accumulated to the structures of the spine is directly related to how much, if any, correction can be made.

The spine has been shown to go through 3 phases of subluxation degeneration. The illustrations below demonstrate each phase and a short description of the damage accumulated with reasonable outcomes to be expected with chiropractic care. These x-rays are of a cervical spine taken from the side. However, the degeneration shown in the cervical x-rays could just as likely occurred in any area of the spine.

Click on the following phases to learn more.

Near Normal

Near Normal
	Description: Normal forward curve Disc Spaces are even and thick Distinct borders of vertebrae and neural foramen (nerve holes) are wide open.
As a result of trauma to the body and spine (physical, chemical or emotional), subluxation occurs and initiates the degeneration process.

Phase 1 Subluxation Degeneration

Description:

Loss of normal curve and alignment

The disc spaces between the vertebrae are beginning to decrease.

Clear and distinct borders of the vertebrae are still present.

Nerve holes are stretched or compressed

Expected Outcome:

With chiropractic care, complete correction is available and can take up to 18 months. If neglected and left uncorrected, progression to phase 2 is inevitable.

Phase 2 (Early Stages) Subluxation Degeneration


Phase 2 (Early Stages) Subluxation Degeneration
	Description: Loss of normal curves and alignment Decrease in disc space between the subluxated vertebrae Calcium buildup and cloudy borders of vertebrae Direct compression and nerve pressure
Expected Outcome: With chiropractic care complete correction is no longer available for damaged vertebrae and structures, but still available for non-damaged areas of the spine. Correction can take from 1.5 years to 2.5 years. If neglected and left uncorrected will progress to later stages of phase 2.

Phase 2 (Later Stages) Subluxation Degeneration


Phase 2 (Later Stages) Subluxation Degeneration
	Description: Moderate to severe changes in the normal curve of the spine for the associated area. Often with reverse curves noted in the cervical spine. Disc spaces severely decreased, if present at all. Calcium spurs present on the corners of the vertebrae. Shape Changes of the Vertebrae. Moderate to severe compression of nerve holes
Expected Outcome: With chiropractic care, correction is not available in damaged areas but utilized to stop present degeneration and to prevent further progression to next phase. Correction can take from 2.5 years to 3.5 years. Improvement generally measured from a functional standpoint. If neglected and left untreated this will lead to Phase 3.

Phase 3 Subluxation Degeneration


Phase 3 Subluxation Degeneration
	Description: Subluxations have been neglected and left uncorrected for decades. This phase 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 likely to take a serious toll on this person's health. Severe to complete loss of normal curvature. The calcium deposits noted in Phase 2 have been changed to bone in the form of spurs and fusion on one or more levels. Disc spaces are minimal to non-existent.
Expected Outcome: With Chiropractic care correction may not be possible. However, care directed at reducing the subluxation can still be of benefit. People in this phase of care with regular chiropractic still report improved mobility and quality of life.

The only way to determine if someone has subluxation is to be checked by a Chiropractor…

Do Not Wait Until Nothing Can Be Done!