Spine and disc degeneration are conditions that will affect everyone at some point in their life. While these conditions can occur in one’s twenties, they are much more common later on in life. Consequently, degeneration has been referred to as the “wear and tear” of aging.
Injury and longstanding stress are common contributors to the process of degeneration. Over time, they produce abnormal stresses on the many structures of the body – bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and internal organs. These abnormal stresses contribute to accelerated aging of the spine and its associated structures. Certainly, at one time or another you have heard at least one senior citizen say, “I’m shrinking with age.” Well, that is degeneration at work.
Studies have suggested that by the age of forty, eighty percent of males and seventy-six percent of females will have developed moderate disc degeneration.
There are four Phases of Degeneration:
| Phase | I | II | III | IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reversible | yes | yes | mildly | no |
| Symptoms | fatigue & discomfort | aches, pain & fatigue | pain, nerve damage & scar tissue formation | pain, severe nerve damage & scarring |
| Disc Height Loss | minimal | mild | substantial | permanent |
| Bone Deformation | no | small bone spur formation | advanced deformation | severe deformation & fusion |
| Postural Imbalance | minimal | mild | increased | severe |
Chiropractic focuses on restoring normal joint motion and function, which helps to diminish, and in some cases reverse, the process of degeneration. The earlier you receive chiropractic care, the less likely your body will be to progress through the various phases of degeneration. The most effective way to avoid unnecessary degeneration of your spine is though regular chiropractic check ups.Spinal degeneration is similar to that of tooth decay. By the time you notice an ache or discomfort, the cavity has already set in. The chiropractic approach to spine and disc degeneration focuses on early detection. The earlier the degenerative process is identified, the better the chance that chiropractic can eliminate it and the less impact it will have on the patients life.
To learn more about how chiropractic can help you, contact your Comox Chiropractor, Dr. Houlgrave.