Proper spinal alignment is essential for healthy and pain-free living. When there is a trauma to a joint, one of the ways your body responds is the stabilization of the area by formation of new bone. With time, calcium deposits build up, eventually as abnormal bony growth. This arthritic 'splinting' of bones is nature's attempt to stabilize the injured joint. If left untreated, subluxation takes the form of ongoing degeneration known as 'subluxation degeneration' and can lead to chronic health related problems. As these x-rays show, there is a progressive degeneration that can be halted, or slowed, with proper chiropractic care.   NORMAL PHASE ONE PHASE TWO PHASE THREE Proper spinal curves permit normal turning and bending. Openings between joints allow nerve roots to exit the spine without interference. The edges of the bones are smooth and well defined. Equal disc spacing is a sign of healthy spinal function. Loss or normal curves and misalignment restrict or exaggerate normal ranges of motion. ligament and muscle strength is reduced. Even with nerve irritation and soft tissue inflammation, pain or other obvious symptoms may not be present. Years of accumulated calcium deposition are now visible. Bone spurs attempt to fuse malfunctioning joints. Adjacent surfaces are rough and uneven. Joint instability is accompanied by continued nerve irritation and disc degeneration. After years of neglect, complete fusion has immobilized the joint. Obstructed nerve openings cause permanent nerve irritation as soft tissue degeneration continues. This irreversible condition is usually associated with other chronic health problems.

Dr. James Hook, D.C., 7801 Norfolk Ave Suite 100, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Tel: (301) 652 0500 E-mail Dr. Hook

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