Spinal Decay

How do I know if I have this problem?

Your body adapts to uncorrected spinal stress by depositing calcium into affected joints. As if the body is trying to mend a broken bone, it attempts to repair the malfunctioning spinal joint by joining the two segments together. We call this slow degenerative process spinal decay. Early detection of spinal decay can help avoid painful symptoms and permanent damage. Spinal decay worsens with time; if neglected or ignored, this crippling condition quietly progresses without obvious symptoms.

It starts with some type of uncorrected trauma to the spine—a slip, fall, car accident, learning to walk or even the birth process—can be responsible. The first phase of spinal decay may be revealed as a curved spine or the reduced ability to turn or bend. Other areas of the spine often compensate, starting a chain reaction of health problems. The body responds by depositing calcium into the affected joint surfaces, ligaments and connective tissues.

The second phase of decay is the result of the body’s attempt to splint the malfunctioning spinal joint; obvious symptoms are often absent. Unaware that serious damage is occurring, many allow the problem to grow. In the third phase of spinal decay, the integrity of the spine will be permanently compromised. The associated neurological damage can contribute to some of the chronic health problems seen in the elderly. Years have passed since the original event occurred that set this preventable process in motion.

The purpose of chiropractic care is to locate areas of the spine that are not working right and use specific adjustments to improve its function and structure. This simple but powerful intervention has helped millions avoid the crippling effects of spinal decay.