 |
STAGES OF SPINAL DEGENERATION
This is a model showing the progressively worsening effects of spinal degeneration to the bones in the lower part of the spine. This process can happen anywhere in the spine, or to any joint in the body. In fact, while we call it Subluxation Degeneration, elsewhere in the body we would call this process osteoarthritis; osteo, meaning bone, and arthritis, meaning inflammation of a joint.
|
NORMAL VERTEBRA The intervertebral discs have three very important functions. One, they act as a shock absorber for the spinal column. Two, they facilitate the movement of the spine from side to side, back and forth, bending and twisting. Three, they seperate and create a large enough opening so that the nerves can exit from the spinal cord and properly reach and control every part of the body, without interference.
|
PHASE ONE When there is trauma or injury to the spine, The Phase One of degeneration is usually seen as a loss or change of curve and a reduced range of motion. The disc in between the vertebrae begins to dehydrate, or lose water content; this process decreases its height. Apparently, the body sees this malfunctioning joint as a "weak link," and starts depositing calcium on adjacent joint surfaces. It's too early to see, but the process has started.
|
PHASE TWO Then, with the passage of time and neglecting this problem, in Phase Two, the calcium deposits can be clearly recognized as bone spurs. Here you can see disc herniation, where the soft, pulpy contents of the disc have leaked out and migrated to one of the nerve openings. You can see how the nerve is thinning and becoming damaged. This can be a very painful situation.
|
PHASE THREE And finally, in Phase Three, the joint is practically fused together, severely reducing nerve and joint function. The disc becomes thin and dry, and no longer provides the shock absorber effects of a healthy disc. This can lead to problems both at the spine and throughout the body, as the organs and tissues these nerves control are adversely affected.
|
|
|