Your spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, flexible discs, and assorted supporting ligaments. It supports your body and protects your spinal cord and the nerves that emerge from it to serve your various muscles and organs.
When some physical trauma misaligns the vertebrae of your spine, a Vertebral Subluxation Complex begins. At first, the only symptom may be stiffness and a little pain. Or, there may not even be any symptom.
Over time, the body tries to prevent damage by locking the misaligned vertebrae together. This results in pressure on the nerves involved, and shrinkage of the disc that protects them from smashing together. Eventually, (over a period of 15 years or greater) bone degeneration begins, setting the stage for severe disability and illness later in life.
Since nerves serve every imaginable function of the body, many physical symptoms - seemingly unrelated to the spine - result from the subluxation.
Phases of Progressive Spinal Degeneration: The following pictures show spinal degeneration due to untreated subluxation injury. It is important to remember that with healthy habits and regular Chiropractic care, full health can be sustained throughout life.
  This is how normal vertebrae should look for anyone of any age. The Vertebrae are correctly aligned and normal movement provides nutrients for the discs (which have no circulatory system of their own). The nerves are healthy and correctly serve the various organs and muscles of the body.
Notice how the x-ray of the neck shows a normal curve; this allows the head to move, and the spine absorbs shock easily. Nerves are well protected.
NOTE: For purposes of illustration, in the following x-rays, the neck is shown. The lumbar region is also subject to subluxation with gradually worsening problems. It's interesting to note that the following four x-rays are of the same person over a long period of time. |
 
The Phase I condition can be found from birth to about 20 years. Usually some traumatic event, possibly even birth itself, has misaligned the vertebrae. The normal curve of the spine is disturbed. This condition can usually be corrected in 6 to 18 months, depending on patient compliance. |
  Between ages 20 and 40, untreated subluxation develops to Phase II. Notice how the discs have thinned, and bone spurs have begun to develop between vertebrae. The normal curve of the spine has actually been slightly reversed. In some cases (as shown in the model at left), the disc may rupture. Discs are not functioning, the spine cannot turn or move easily, and impinged nerves are beginning to atrophy, causing a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Corrective time ranges from 18 to 30 months, and degree of correction depends on severity and patient compliance.
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Phase III (age 40 - 65) is marked by the beginning of bone fusion, severe disc atrophy, massive spur and arthritic formation, and seriously impaired nerve function (with attendant organic dysfunction resulting.) Correction, when possible, takes 30 to 42 months, dependent on severity and patient compliance.
Phase IV (usually over age 65) is marked by complete bone fusion, destruction of the spinal form, nerve system failure, calcification of the spinal ligaments, and nerve death and atrophy. Phase IV is a terminal condition with no hope of recovery. Chiropractic care at this stage is mainly for relief and comfort. |
This is a good time to repeat that with good habits and regular Chiropractic care, good health can be retained throughout life!
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