The Stages of Degeneration

Subluxation
Spinal degeneration usually begins with a misaligned vertebral joint (subluxation). Misalignment can happen when the joint is stressed too much due to an incorrect movement (such as if you lean over, instead of squatting, to lift something), or an injury. When a joint is misaligned, the vertebrae cannot move properly, adjacent joints and discs can become stressed, and nerves may become irritated. You may have no symptoms or immediate or recurring symptoms, such as pain, muscle stiffness, head­aches, or numbness. Or you may not have symptoms until years later.

Early degeneration
With repeated microtrauma, a disc near the misaligned joint loses fluid, thins, and is less able to cushion the surrounding vertebrae. During this early stage of degeneration, your vertebrae may develop bone spurs (osteophytes) because of the stress on them. As the disc thins, the spinal ligaments may thicken slightly and the nerves may become irritated due to pressure on them from nearby structures. You may experience no symptoms, or increased pain, stiffness, or numbness. You may begin to lose the ability to move comfortably, and further degeneration may occur.

Advanced degeneration
As a result of ongoing abuse and strain on your spine, the disc becomes almost completely worn, and the vertebrae may begin to grow together (fusion). During advanced degeneration, bone spurs or the disc may pinch the spinal nerves. The spinal ligaments tighten more and more. You may still be symptom-free, or your range of motion may be severely reduced, limiting your ability to participate in the activities you enjoy.