Spinal Decay

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Spinal Decay is a term coined by Dr. Bernard Furshpan in 1983 [1] to simply describe a complex condition of the human spinal column. The normal and healthy spinal column that contains no genetic anomalies, is flexible and free of any distortions is seen as a stack of 24 moveable vertebrae between the base of the skull and the sacrum base.

Soon after the spinal column has undergone trauma of any kind, the shock-absorbing discs might become displaced and joints of the spine might become fixed together. This begins a series of conditions that will ultimately lead to some form of Spinal Degeneration. Within the many phases of the decaying process, nerves are irritated by the displaced discs and joints, muscles spasm or weaken or time, ligaments are stretched or crimp, and calcium is deposited around the edges of the discs. Over time, the disc heights flatten, like flat tires, bridging between the vertebral bodies occur and ultimately fusion of the vertebrae involved is evident on X-rays and MRIs. The thinning of the disc spaces over time is known as degenerative disc disease. The calcification, spurring and bridging of vertebrae to each other is known as Spondylosis or Osteoarthritis.

Spinal Decay is a lay term used to encapsulate this entire process of degeneration. Phase I of Spinal Decay is merely the displacement of discs and fixations of joints. Phase II is the apparent decaying, disc degeneration, collapsing and arthrtic changes. Phase III is the apparent fusion of vertebrae to each other.