The x-ray on the right shows the cervical spine (neck) from the side. One can see the jaw (mandible) and the back of the skull. The vertebrae are in good alignment there is a normal gentle forward curve to the spine - this is necessary for good health.

There is no evidence of spinal disc or joint decay.
The x-ray on the right shows the cervical spine (neck) from the side. One can see the jaw (mandible) and the back of the skull. The vertebrae are in good alignment there is a normal gentle forward curve to the spine - this is necessary for good health. There is no evidence of spinal disc or joint decay.

This is a healthy, well adjusted-spine

The x-ray on the right shows the cervical spine (neck) from the side. One can see the jaw (mandible) and the back of the skull. The vertebrae are in good alignment there is a normal gentle forward curve to the spine - this is necessary for good health. There is no evidence of spinal disc or joint decay.

This is a healthy, well adjusted-spine
The x-ray  on the left looks very different from the normal in one striking way: there is a reversal of the curve. Do you see it? This is the first stage of degenerative change. This is seen oftentimes following an accident or injury, such as whiplash. However, it can also occur over a period of years with repeti

tive positions or physical stress. That curve is needed to give maximum room for the physical movement of the spinal nerves in their special channel. It also allows proper mechanics (movement) of the spinal joints - without which the discs and joint begin to erode and decay.

This film on the left demonstrates the 2nd phase of degeneration. Notice at the 5th, 6th, and 7th vertebrae there seems to be changes to the disc spaces. Compare the disc between 4/5 and the one at 5/6. The space at 5/6 is about half the size of the disc above.Think of what this change does to the spinal nerve exiting at the back side of the disc. This creates nerve interference, pain and can be difficult to manage, but still possible to become symptom-free and restore nerve impulse.

In phase three, spurring and moderate fusion occurs. Look at the

front of the 6/7 vertebrae. That is spurring. AKA ankylosing spondylitis. This can occur with long-standing subluxation and a progressive loss of proper joint motion. This stage is usually beyond the help of traditional chiropractic, however, there are soft-tissue techniques which will help with pain management

This is complete fusion and loss of motion (fig 5). Don't let yourself get to this stage. The last two phases are irreversible.

You would never let your teeth decay like this.

Don't let your spine decline either.