The term subluxation refers to a change in the position and/or motion of the spine and/or joints of the body, meaning that the spine or joints do not move in the normal way. When the spine is subluxated, the nerves in that area may behave abnormally. Nerves that send signals to the brain for muscle movement and pain sensation can be affected, changing what your brain perceives about the body and altering signals that the brain sends back. On the other hand, nerves that send signals to organs and tissues may be affected, with effects on those organs and tissues. The intent of a spinal adjustment is to restore normal motion, function and nerve impulse flow. Lets look at how subluxation leads to the four phases of spinal degeneration.
Vertebrae are smooth and healthy with no subluxations present. This allows equal spacing of the discs and proper curvature of the spine. The openings allow the nerves to flow without interference.
Subluxations and spinal degeneration usually begin with a vertebrae out of alignment. When a vertebrae is subluxated it can’t move properly and causes undue stress to the surrounding discs and nerves. Some subluxations are minor and may not show up until years later.
Untreated subluxations can cause calcium deposits and bone spurs. The surfaces of the subluxated vertebrae become rough and uneven and can cause the discs to compress, lose fluid and lose their cushion. The nerves also become irritated and problems can become chronic.
The degenerative process accelerates and causes a loss of bone mass. The discs start to collapse, the fusion process begins. Symptoms and health problems may become more severe.
This is the final Stage of degeneration. Bones are fused together becoming permanently subluxated and joints are immobilized. Nerve damage and soft tissue damage become increasingly more severe.
