Subluxation Degeneration and Your Health part 2

 

The Four Phases of Subluxation Degeneration

If left unattended, a spinal subluxation can progress to varying degrees of spinal degeneration. Depending upon the degree of degeneration, chiropractic care is more likely to reverse the effects and offer a cure. Here are the four different phases of subluxation degeneration:
Phase I: This phase represents the early changes caused by chronic spinal subluxation. It’s characterized mainly by abnormal segmental motion and/or gross changes to the normal postural curves without any degenerative changes that could be seen on an x-ray. Soft tissues surrounding the subluxated joints often show changes in tone and the early stages of scar tissue (fibrosis).

Phase II: This stage represents the onset of bone and joint changes that accompany chronic spinal subluxations. The most common early signs of degeneration are irregular joint surfaces and decrease disc height.

Phase III: This point is typically associated with extensive joint and/or disc degeneration, accompanied by the bone changes that occur (i.e. bone spurs) when the body tries to stabilize the area. Early stages of spinal fusion begin to appear during this phase.

Phase IV: This phase is characterized by the extensive bony fusion that occurs when degenerative changes are left uncorrected for many years. Typically only seen in the elderly (65+ yrs), it may occur in younger individuals who experience severe trauma, infection or surgery.

Can subluxation degeneration be corrected? Fortunately, chiropractic care has been shown to stop the progression of degenerative changes in most individuals in phases I to III. The
chiropractic adjustment accomplishes this by re-establishing proper alignment and movement of the affected motion
segments of the spine. As a result, abnormal tension is removed from the joints, discs and nerves, and this promotes the health of these tissues.

Some acute episodes of subluxation spinal pain can be alleviated with one chiropractic adjustment. But most spinal conditions require weeks, months or even years of consistent care
to create total correction. Ask your chiropractor to assess your spine for subluxations in the early phases of spinal degeneration. And have your spine adjusted to prevent these smaller problems from progressing into more serious health conditions.

Chiropractic pioneer D.D. Palmer made an important observation about the impact of subluxation: “A subluxated vertebra… is the cause of 95 percent of all diseases… The other five percent is caused by displaced joints other than those of the vertebral column”

Exercise of the week.

Child’s pose with forward reach – lumbar flexion.
Difficulty: Easy
(Consult your chiropractor before
engaging in this or any other exercise.)
Start: On hands and knees. Be aware of position of spine – start
with a neutral spine or a flat back.
Exercise: Allow hips to lower toward heels, and reach arms out
in front. Try to achieve a fully rounded lower back. Hold for 10-30 seconds.

Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.  ~Redd Foxx

Disclaimer: Information contained in this Topic of the Week™ Newsletter is for educational and general purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.