What is Subluxation Degeneration?
Subluxation degeneration is how the body responds to improperly functioning
spinal joints. With early detection, appropriate chiropractic care has
been shown to slow,
stop, or even reverse the early stages of this process. Ask your doctor
to design a program
of preventive care for you.
Normal Cervical Spine
Normal curves and proper disc spacing allow normal function of the spine
and nervous system.
“Normal” 75 Year Old Cervical Spine
This 75-year-old patient helps prevent Subluxation Degeneration with
many years of regular chiropractic checkups.
Like the mineral deposits in a cave, if given enough time adjacent spinal
bones can fuse together.
Phase One Cervical Spine
Loss of normal curves and nervous system dysfunction result from uncorrected
spinal trauma.
Phase Two Cervical Spine
Bone spurs and abnormal bony growths distort the shape and function
of the vertebrae.
Phase Three Cervical Spine
After years of neglect, the improperly functioning spinal joints often
fuse together.
Motion is the key to joint flexibility. Regular chiropractic care promotes
proper joint
function and mobility.
Usually seen as the misalignment and malfunction of the spine. Normal
spinal motion, curves, and disc spacing are altered. Because the body
is so adaptable, this early phase can exist without the warning of pain
or other symptoms. If left uncorrected, the degeneration continues.
Recognized on X-ray views of the spine by visible bone spurs and rough
edges of the vertebrae. Soft tissues, such as discs and ligaments degenerate
from the lack of normal joint movement. Again, pain or other symptoms
may not be present.
A lifetime of neglect may cause the eventual fusion of the malfunctioning
joints. Atrophy, permanent nerve damage, and soft tissue degeneration
are prevalent. Reduced mobility and impaired nervous system function
can diminish one's quality of life.
Subluxation Degeneration is a process.
Regardless of age, when spinal damage goes uncorrected, the body deposits
calcium on the surface of adjacent bones that aren’t moving properly.
If neglected long enough, this splinting effect can result in complete
fusion. This worsening process is called Subluxation Degeneration
and can occur throughout the spine. Researchers recognize several phases
of spinal decay.
THE CHIROPRACTIC LIFESTYLE
Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and
connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All of the joints
in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its optimal
function is necessary for overall good health. Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic
for more information about a care program that may include specific spinal
adjustments, exercise recommendations, nutritional advice or other conservative
methods of care based on your health history, age, current condition
and lifestyle.