Vertebral Subluxation Degeneration
Subluxation Degeneration
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Subluxation degeneration is an orthopedic concept introduced in chiropractic in 1977 by Renaissance International. It is a concept meant to convey the orthopedic observation of constant degeneration and regeneration of bone tissue through life. It is a result of uncorrected trauma and the shifting alignment of the body to gravitational stress. All weight bearing joints succumb to this process. It is gravitationally inevitable.
The subluxation degeneration concept is expressed through the use of Phase I, 2, 3 & 4 terminology.
Clarification
The term “Spinal Degeneration” is a medical diagnosis usually relating to some form of osteoarthritis of the spine.
The Renaissance term “Subluxation Degeneration” includes this usual spinal degeneration and the spinal regeneration as a result of architectural changes due to re-adaptation when the spine is out of alignment with gravity.
The four phases of “Subluxation Degeneration” become a radiographic criteria for the doctor and patient to use in order to visualize the long term damage of the vertebral subluxation complex on the spinal structure as a whole.
Phase 1. Is characterized by mobility aberration, the bony architecture is intact as seen on x-ray and there are the expected initial soft tissue changes in the form of fibrosis.
Phase 2. Is characterized by all the changes as in Phase 1 plus increased fibrosis, the beginnings of osseous changes as visualized on x-ray (both degenerative and regenerative), disc, joint and bony architecture changes.
Phase 3. As a result of uncorrected chronic vertebral subluxation complex, (very rarely seen in the office) is characterized by the beginning of fusion, major degenerative and regenerative changes throughout the anterior and/or posterior motion unit.
Phase 4. Is usually seen in the elderly (severe trauma, disease and surgery will produce exceptions in younger people). Few doctors will ever see a phase 4 in clinical practice. This phase is characterized by all the previous phases plus total fusion of the anterior and/or posterior motion unit and massive bony regenerative changes.
For more detailed information about the subluxation complex there are a number of good scientific review articles and books listed below . These can provide a good starting point for those wanting to delve further into this expansive topic (references to other topics such as safety and efficacy can be viewed by clicking here).