Degeneration of the Human Spine:

Proper spinal alignment is essential for healthy and pain-free living. When there is a trauma to a joint, one of the ways your body responds is the stabilization of the area by formation of new bone. With time, calcium deposits build up, eventually as abnormal bony growth. This arthritic 'splinting' of bones is nature's attempt to stabilize the injured joint. If left untreated, subluxation takes the form of ongoing degeneration known as 'subluxation degeneration' and can lead to chronic health related problems.

Dr. John Haberstroh is a Boston chiropractor as well as a Somerville chiropractor. Find us at Boston Spine Clinics.

As these x-rays show, there is a progressive degeneration that can be halted, or slowed, with proper chiropractic care. See Giles L, Muller R, "Chronic Spinal Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Medication, Acupuncture and Spinal Manipulation," SPINE, July 2003, Vol 28 (14). *Results: The highest proportion of early recovery was found for manipulation (27.3%) followed by acupuncture (9.4%) and finally medication (5%).

There was a follow up study done by the same authors two years later: Muller R, Giles L,
"Long Term Follow-up of a Randomized Clinical Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Medication, Acupuncture and Spinal Manipulation for Chronic Mechanical Spine Pain," JMPT, 1/2005, Vol 28 (1)  *"In this study and in two prior hospital studies, those treated by chiropractic derived more short-term and long-term benefit and satisfaction than those treated by hosptial therapists."

NORMAL Proper spinal curves permit normal turning and bending. Openings between joints allow nerve roots to exit the spine without interference. The edges of the bones are smooth and well defined. Equal disc spacing is a sign of healthy spinal function.	PHASE ONE Loss or normal curves and misalignment restrict or exaggerate normal ranges of motion. ligament and muscle strength is reduced. Even with nerve irritation and soft tissue inflammation, pain or other obvious symptoms may not be present.	PHASE TWO Years of accumulated calcium deposition are now visible. Bone spurs attempt to fuse malfunctioning joints. Adjacent surfaces are rough and uneven. Joint instability is accompanied by continued nerve irritation and disc degeneration.	PHASE THREE After years of neglect, complete fusion has immobilized the joint. Obstructed nerve openings cause permanent nerve irritation as soft tissue degeneration continues. This irreversible condition is usually associated with other chronic health problems.