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Spinal Degeneration
The Phases of Degeneration
Your Spine Degenerates in Stages or Phases:
Degeneration Phase 1
First your spine loses its normal balance. There may be a loss of the normal spinal curves. The most common first change is a straightening of the neck (cervical spine) lordosis, which is a slight forward curve found in healthy neck posture. As the neck straightens out, or other curves in the spine become altered, your nerves may be negatively affected. Also your joints, discs and posture compensate and, in effect, age more quickly. Surprisingly, there may be no pain other than occasional minor discomfort. Also present may be a slight lessening of energy and slight height loss. Response to spinal care is generally very good and treatment plans tend to be shorter.
Degeneration Phase 2
Here there is a much greater degree of decay, disc narrowing and bone spurs (deformations); postural changes are much worse. This condition is very common (by age 40, 80% of males and 76% of females exhibit moderate disc degeneration in at least one level). Spinal canal narrowing due to arthritis and disc bulging (stenosis) may occur. This phase is characterized by more common aches and pains, fatigue and a diminished ability to cope with stress. Height continues to decrease. With chiropractic care significant improvement is possible. Treatment plans tend to be longer and the need for regular supportive care increases.
Degeneration Phase 3
Here there are more postural imbalances, increased nerve damage, permanent scar tissue and advanced bone deformation. Physical and/or mental weakness or disability begin. Also found in this phase are permanent loss of height, chronic muscle pain, frequently numbness in hands and feet are noticed and often there is a loss of energy. With episodes of ongoing chiropractic care some reversal is possible. Supportive care is very common in this stage. Regular care, needed when symptoms flare up, partner with intermittent supportive care to help control the onset of more severe recurrences when stable.
DegenerationPhase4
This is the most advanced stage of subluxation degeneration. The postural imbalance is severe and motion is limited. There is severe nerve damage, permanent scar tissue is formed and the bones may begin to fuse. In this phase we find pain, various degrees of physical or mental disability, and continued loss of energy and height. By now the condition is considered irreversible, although chiropractic may give some symptomatic relief.
"If I'd known I was going to live so long, I'd have taken better care of myself." ~ Leon Eldred
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