Dr. Peter Hong, Chiropractor

Spinal Degeneration

Degeneration is a sign of Postural Symdromes. Its occurrence is the result of abusing a joint for a long period of time.

Unfortunately, degeneration is usually blamed to be the cause of pain and other symptoms.

Please refer to Cause of spinal problems and Upper cervical misalignment.

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The spinal degeneration can be categorized into three phases according to the severity of the changes involved.

Textbook Normal Normal curve and equal disk spacing
Phase one is the misalignment and malfunction of the spine due to imbalance of postural muscles. The physiological curve is disturbed - increased, decreased, straightened, reversed or modified to S shape. This misalignment of stresses the joints of the neck and sets the stage for further degeneration. At this time, dispite the degeneration has occurred, it cannot be detected using plain x-ray films.
Phase two occurs when the muscle imbalance is left uncorrected. Structural changes of  intervertebral discs and posterior joints can now be seen, including significant spur formation and decrease in height of discs.
Phase three is fusion of the spine, massive disc degeneration and nerve destruction.