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Spinal Degeneration
A back problem is not just part of growing old. Your spine may be wearing out.
You may be growing old with a degenerative spinal condition. Your spine may be older
than you are depending on how you have abused it and what accidents or medical conditions
you have had. Back pain is a warning sign that you have a subluxation and are
prematurely aging.
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A Healthy Spine...
Your spine is designed to support the weight of your body when you are still and
when you are in motion. The supporting soft tissue and bones that make up the spine
allow you to hold yourself upright, yet provide the flexibility to move in different ways. |
A Unhealthy Spine...
Although you may not have felt any symptoms at the time degeneration began, changes
in your spine may have started years ago. You may have unknowingly strained your
spine or had an accident or a congenital problem that put extra strain on your spine.
After years of wear and tear, a joint may misalign, causing other spinal structures
to become stressed. You may experience pain and loss of mobility, or no symptoms at
all. |
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The Stages of Spinal
Degeneration...
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Phase I & II - Subluxations
Spinal degeneration generally begins with a misaligned vertebral joint
(subluxation). You may have immediate and/or recurring symptoms, such
as pain, muscle stiffness, headaches, or numbness. You may have no immediate
symptoms or you may not have symptoms until years later.
Phase III- Early Degeneration
The disc near the misaligned joint loses fluid, thins and is less able to
cushion the surrounding vertebrae. You may experience nerve irritation, bone spurs
begin to form and spinal ligaments may loosen slightly. You may experience increased
pain, stiffness, or numbness. You may begin to lose the ability to move comfortably,
and further degeneration may occur. You may have no immediate symptoms or you may
not have symptoms until years later.
Phase IV - Advanced Degeneration
Vertebrae may begin to grow together (fusion). During advanced
degeneration, the spinal nerves may become pinched by bone spurs or the disc. The
spinal ligaments loosen more and more. You may have no immediate symptoms or you may
not have symptoms until years later.
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