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| | What is Subluxation?Every part of your body is
connected either directly or indirectly to your spine. Your spinal cord is
inside the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and is protected by the spine.
Your spinal cord controls movement, feeling and function throughout your
body.
Subluxation occurs when the joints in your spine do not move
properly, whether because of misuse or overuse of the spine, injury,
stress or poor posture. This can cause pressure on the spinal cord or
nerves. It may cause pain and stiffness in your back, numbness and
tingling in your legs or arms -- or you may not be aware of any effects of
this dysfunction.
We can assess the condition of your spine and determine
if there are misaligned joints, irritated nerves, bulging discs, or
stretched or torn ligaments. We will then discuss with you the
appropriate treatment to return your spine to a healthier state.
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| |  | Normal Neck
Compare this spine with the ones you will see below on this page. Notice the normal forward curve of the neck. This curve helps absorb shock. Notice how each of the disc spaces between C2 (second bone in neck) and C7 are thick and even, this again is normal. Also notice how the front portions (right on the X-Ray) of each of the vertebrae (called the 'body' of the vertebrae) are fairly square with clear and well defined borders. This type of arrangement is normal in the neck. Normal vertebrae in other parts of the spine also have similar characteristics to what we see here. 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.
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| |  | Phase One Subluxation Degeneration
Seen in subluxations that have been present for up to twenty years. This phase is characterized with a loss or change in the normal curve in the spine. On this example you can see that the normal forward (lordotic) curve is lost. This spine even has developed a reverse curve in the neck. The disc spaces have also begun to exhibit a slight change in shape. One good point is that the bodies of each of the vertebrae (the square part in front) still exhibits clean clear borders. Segmental motion may be abnormal but overall motion is probably not affected. Chiropractic reconstructive care for a Phase One can take several months. More than 80% of people with Phase One Subluxation Degeneration have no neck pain. Therefore, if left uncorrected, Phase One continues to progress with time until it eventually reaches Phase Two.
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| |  | Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration
Normally seen in subluxations that have been present between 20 and 40 years. This phase has some of the same characteristics of the Phase One including a loss of normal curvature and position as well as an alteration in segmental motion. Spines with Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration often show a reduction in the patient's range of motion. X-Rays of a Phase Two begin to show calcium changes or buildup at certain levels of the spine, called by many names including spurs and arthritis. Disc spaces between the affected vertebrae are noticeably narrower and may appear to be flattening out. Although most people with Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration may not exhibit any symptoms, some may start to feel stiff or achy with some neck pain. Chiropractic reconstructive care for a Phase Two can take several months and if Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration is left uncorrected it slowly advances to Phase Three.
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| |  | Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration
Caused by subluxations that have been continuing on for between 40 and 65 years. This phase has all of the attributes of the previous phases, only worse. The curvatures are abnormal, the disc spaces are vastly decreased and changed. Calcium changes on the spine are abundant in this phase. Normally, people in Phase Three have a restricted range of motion and probably exhibit symptoms of some kind, usually neck pain. In Phase Three the vertebrae show obvious changes and mutations in shape. Projections made of calcium, sometimes referred to as "spurs or lipping", can be readily seen on X-Ray. 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 Subluxation Degeneration is left unchecked it slowly advances onward into the Phase Four.
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| |  | Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration
Seen with subluxations that have been raging on uncorrected or altered for over sixty five years. Phase Four is a grave condition that 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 probably taking a serious toll on this person's health status. X-Rays in Phase Four show serious severe structural changes. Vertebrae exhibit massive calcium changes, disc spaces appear blurred, and the bones themselves appear fused. In this scenario the patient will have a severe restriction of range of motion in addition to probably a number of other health issues. Reconstruction may not be possible in Phase Four, but care can be directed to some reduction in subluxation with the goal of improvement in the quality of life remaining. Patients in Phase Four Subluxation 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.
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| Tree of Life Chiropractic, Allen, TX |
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