Corrective Chiropractic Care

At Hutchison Chiropractic, we specialize in corrective, structural Chiropractic care in which we analyze the structure of your spine as compared to normal. These determinations and careful measurements are made possible by the use of X-ray films. Each patient will receive a thorough report of the doctor's findings as well as an outlined plan of action to actually correct any misalignments. Look at the following x-rays and the progression of degeneration as the spine slowly looses normal alignment. 

Near Normal

This is a side x-ray view of the neck. As with all the pictures you will see on this page, the patient is looking to the right of the screen, so you are viewing the right side of their neck. Notice the normal forward curve of the neck. Notice how each of the disc spaces (the black spaces between the white vertebrae) are thick and even. These healthy discs and curve helps absorb shock protecting the vital nerve system which the spine protects. Notice how the front portions (right on the x-ray) of each of the vertebrae are fairly square with clear and well defined borders indicating little wear and tear. Research has indicated that these findings in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines are essential for a proper functioning nerve system. 

Phase One Subluxation Decay

This phase is normally seen when vertebral subluxations have been present between 1 and 15 years. This phase is characterized with a loss or change in the normal curve in the spine. On this example you can see that the normal forward curve is lost and even has formed a reverse curve. The disc spaces have also begun to exhibit a slight change in shape. One good point is that the bodies of each of the vertebrae (the square part in front) still exhibits clean, clear borders. Individual segmental motion may be abnormal, though overall range of motion probably is not affected. Often, no pain is associated with this phase, yet the effects of vertebral subluxation are clearly evident. Chiropractic care helps balance nerve system function, helping the body restore the spine to near normal structure and function.

Phase Two Subluxation Decay

This phase is normally seen when vertebral subluxations have been present between 15 and 40 years. In addition to the characteristics of phase one, spines in this phase show calcium buildup. Disc spaces between the affected vertebrae are noticeably narrower and may appear to be flattening out. These changes are sometimes diagnosed as spurs and/or arthritis. Although people in this phase may not exhibit any symptoms, some may start to feel stiff or achy as range of motion is affected. This phase of degeneration greatly affects the nerve system and its ability to harmonize the functions of the body. Chiropractic care has been shown to stabilize the degenerative process, unfortunately a return to near normal is now a remote possibility.

Phase Three Subluxation Decay

This phase is normally seen when vertebral subluxations have been present between 25 and 65 years. This phase has all of the attributes of phases one and two, only worse. The curvatures are abnormal, the disc spaces are vastly decreased and changed. Vertebrae show obvious changes and mutations in shape as Calcium deposits are abundant. As these spurs enlarge, they start to affect the spinal cord. Normally, people in this phase have a greatly restricted range of motion and probably several health concerns. Along with harmonizing nerve system function, chiropractic care is focused on stabilizing the degenerative process and enhancing quality of life issues.

Phase Four Subluxation Decay

This phase is normally seen when vertebral subluxations have been present throughout a lifetime. Phase four is a grave condition that will negatively affect the patients longevity and quality of life. The massive amount of neurological damage caused by years of vertebral subluxation that have lead to phase four are probably taking a serious toll on this person's health status. This phase reveals serious structural changes to the spine. Vertebrae exhibit massive calcium deposits, disc spaces appear blurred, and the bones themselves appear fused. Severe restriction of range of motion is present, in addition to probably a number of other health issues. Practice members in this phase have a serious situation both structurally and neurologically, but they are certainly not beyond hope. Chiropractic care is provided to maximize what nerve system function is present and with lifestyle coaching, practice members often report improvements in their quality of life. 

It should be noted that the above are basic guidelines and not hard rules. Every person is dynamic and different. For this reason we recommend chiropractic evaluations at a young age.

Of course, if you're currently not under chiropractic care, the best time to start is NOW!

Because of the structural nature of the work we perform, pictures of the spinal column are very helpful. They allow the chiropractor to see what’s happening inside. They’re used to determine the exact extent of the misalignments, called subluxations, in a person’s spine. This process of visualizing the spine enhances the chiropractors understanding of his patients’ condition, which results in more effective care.

In this case, a 47-year-old male, the X-Ray, a lateral neck X-Ray, shows massive degenerative arthritis at the levels of 5, 6, and 7. The two angles shown are particularly important. The lower one should be 42°. In this case the patient has 11, or a 74% loss of their cervical curve. It is not clinically surprising they have radiating arm pain and restricted breathing/tightness in the chest. The X-Ray reveals subluxations that have been there for about 30 years.