Normal Cervical Spine
Normal curves and proper
disc spacing allow normal
function of the spine and
nervous system.
"Normal" 75 Year Old Cervical Spine
This 75-year-old patient
helps prevent Subluxation
Degeneration with many
years of regular chiropractic
checkups.
Phase One Cervical Spine
Loss of normal curves and nervous system dysfunction result from uncorrected spinal trauma.
Usually seen as the misalignment and malfunction of the spine. Normal spinal motion, curves, and disc spacing are altered. Because the body is so adaptable, this early phase can exist without the warning of pain or other symptoms. If left uncorrected, the degeneration continues.
Phase Two Cervical Spine
Bone spurs and abnormal bony growths distort the shape and function of the vertebrae.
Recognized on X-ray views of the spine by visible bone spurs and rough edges of the vertebrae. Soft tissues, such as discs and ligaments degenerate from the lack of normal joint movement. Again, pain or other symptoms may not be present.
Phase Three Cervical Spine
After years of neglect, the improperly functioning spinal joints often fuse together.
A lifetime of neglect may cause the eventual fusion of the malfunctioning joints. Atrophy, permanent nerve damage, and soft tissue degeneration are prevalent. Reduced mobility and impaired nervous system function can diminish one's quality of life.
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Vol. 1, Bailliere, Tyndall, 1984.
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Harrison, D., D. C., Chiropractic Biophysics, Life Chiropractic College West, 1981.
Jackson, R., M.D., The Cervical Syndrome, Charles C. Thomas Company, 1977.
Kapandji, I. A., The Physiology of the Joints, Churchill Livingstone, 1982.
Kirkaldy-Willis, W., M.D., Managing Low Back Pain, 3rd edition, Churchill Livingstone, 1993.
Polmoski, M., Pericone, E., Brandt, K., Development and Reversal of a Proteoglycan Aggregation
Defect in Normal Canine Knee Cartilage, Arthritic-Rheumatic; 52:508-517, 1979.
Ressel, A., D. C., Disc Regeneration: Reversibility is Possible in Spinal Osteoarthritis, International
Chiropractic Association Review, March-April, 1989.
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