TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!
Shortly after the discovery of X-rays, chiropractors began to use this tool in the examination and care of the spine. In addition to revealing the presence or absence of the proper curves in the spine, the lateral view of the spine can more easily show the long-term effects of uncorrected spinal trauma.
Think of it as spinal decay
This process in the spine is similar to dental caries, as it generally manifests due to neglect. Furthermore, like dental caries, it can happen to anyone, regardless of age. Because it is often observed in older individuals, many believe it is simply the normal aging process. However, it seems that this progressive deterioration, this degenerative disease, is the result of not correcting vertebral misalignment. It is one of the ways your body reacts to the stress of gravity.
Four phases in the process
Spinal degeneration is a process. Whether you take four pictures of the process or twenty-three; it is a process. We use the four-phase model based on the book “Managing Low Back Pain” by W.H. Kirkaldy-Willis and Thomas Bernard, Jr., as well as the book “Anatomical-Roentgenographic Studies of the Spine” by Lee A. Hadley, M.D. This sufficiently highlights the difference between each phase, and the members of our practice can appreciate what they are seeing.
NORMAL CURVATURE
Although this process can occur anywhere in the spine, it is easiest to see in the cervical spine (neck). This is how the lateral view of the neck should look. From the side, the neck should have a graceful curvature forward. The edges of each bone are well-defined. There should be the same disc space between each bone, and the openings for the nerve roots should be clear and unobstructed.
This would be considered a “normal” curvature of the neck viewed laterally.
THE FIRST PHASE
Due to physical stress on the spine or body, in this first phase we can observe a loss of curvature. The 7 cervical vertebrae of the neck should have a curvature because it is thanks to this that the weight of the head is cushioned over the rest of the spine. We will see changes in the following phases, resulting from an increase in weight on the vertebrae, which will try to become stronger. Left untreated, this phase will progress to the next.
The affected bones have lost their individuality and their ability to move.
THE SECOND PHASE
If neglected, in the second phase, the joint surfaces lose their clearly defined edges as the first signs of bone spurs become visible on X-ray views. Some believe that the body detects the accompanying inflammation as a signal of a broken bone. The process of calcium salt deposition begins. Without being in a mold to prevent movement, fusion does not occur. Left untreated, this phase will progress to the next.
The bones appear to be closing over the discs, and the soft tissues (nerves) are affected with possible irreversible injuries.
THIRD PHASE
If still uncorrected, the problem worsens in Phase Three. Surprisingly, pain and other evident symptoms may not yet appear. But, eventually, the body successfully “repairs the broken bone.” This process can last for years. Its presence calls into question the statement that many practice members make, that they were “… fine until last week when I bent down to tie my shoes.” That is not what the X-rays tell us! Left untreated, this phase will progress to the next.
The bones appear fused and do not allow soft tissues to exit through the intervertebral holes.
FOURTH PHASE
Many will not need to know much about this phase as it will have caused the brain-body message to not pass and therefore will have caused the death of some organ which in the best case will lead to a transplant or in many other cases will lead to the death of the entire organism, depending on the organ that has been affected. Phase Four is not included in manuals because at these levels little can be done.
The prognosis
Some practice members who began chiropractic care in Phase One discover a restoration of their spinal curves and an improvement in their range of motion. Success in practice members who are in Phase Two is less predictable and depends on many factors. Although little can be done after decades of neglect in cases of Phase Three and Four, we focus our attention on those areas of the spine that have not yet been lost in the process. It is impossible to predict the effect that chiropractic care will have in your case in slowing, stopping, or reversing this process. A particular phase cannot be used to determine the amount of care that will be necessary.
Marc Bony, DC
