Phases of Subluxation & Degeneration

Degeneration of the spine is a direct result of spinal misalignment or subluxation. Movement is very important when helping to explain this because motion is life. A body of water that does not move may be the source of filth and disease; whereas a moving body of water like a river may be a rich source of a healthy ecosystem. Our bodies were designed to move and this is especially true in our spine. The disc itself is made of collagen, and cartilage. These soft tissues are produced by cells which also help make “glycose-amino-glycans.” What are those? Protein sugars essentially.

An important aspect of the disc is that it has no vasculature. It has no blood vessels. The only process by which it can receive nutrients is via imbibition. Imbibition refers to the exchange of fluid via movement. Compressive and flexion/extension in your spine create a pumping action for the disc. This serves to pump nutrients like oxygen and glucose in to the disc, and toxins such as carbon dioxide out. This is very important for a healthy disc.

When Subluxation, or damaging misalignment, occurs in the spine there is a resulting loss of motion. If this Subluxation is left untreated, and the loss of motion accumulates so that the disc can no longer get the appropriate amount of nutrients to stay healthy then the spine begins to degenerate. This is why it is paramount that the spine be free of subluxation and we don’t wait for correction. The more time a subluxation is present then the more time.

Degeneration Phase 1

The first stage of spinal degeneration is when there is a minor loss of normal spine balance and spinal curvature. The surrounding features of the spine such as nerves, discs and joints begin to age quicker and are continually more stressed. This stage of the degeneration process rarely is accompanied with any major pain. At this point, there is a good chance that with the proper care, you can return to normal.

Degeneration Phase 2

In the second stage of spinal degeneration, there is a often narrowing of the discs and potentially deformation in the bones. Your posture is often beginning to degenerate as well at this point. As the spinal canal, or opening begins to narrow, there are often significant aches and pains associated. Fatigue and stress are more common at this stage. There is a good chance of improvement at this stage with the proper care.

Degeneration Phase 3

In the third stage of spinal degeneration, there is significant physical and mental involvement due to the level of issues here. There is most likely nerve damage as well as deformation of the bones and discs. There would a significant loss of energy and height at this point. Some reversal is possible.

Degeneration Phase 4

In the fourth stage of spinal degeneration, most damage is permanent including scar tissue, nerve damage and deformation. At this point, the condition is irreversible. Management of pain and discomfort is the best option here.

Information from the following website: http://www.lifesourcechiropractic.com/about-us/

Spinal Degeneration

Phases of Subluxation & Degeneration

Degeneration Phase 1

Degeneration Phase 2

Degeneration Phase 3

Degeneration Phase 4