What is subluxation degeneration?

A subluxation is an improper alignment of or function in a joint. The main purpose of chiropractic care is to identify these problems and help you get rid of them. Subluxation degeneration occurs when these malfunctions are left untreated over many years. It is similar to the way your tires will wear unevenly if you leave them unaligned for a long time.

There are several phases to this degeneration starting with inflammation and scarring and leading to perhaps severe loss of disc thickness and bone spurs. Symptoms can vary greatly over the course of the condition. Sometimes there can be no symptoms at all especially in the early phases. Other times there may be weakness or pain in the area. The good news is that with early intervention the degeneration can be prevented or if already present, slowed. Even patients who have advanced degeneration that cannot be reversed report good relief of the associated pain.

There is no self test for this condition. The best way to evaluate it is to consult your chiropractor. It is also helpful to keep moving and stay active. It is thought that this condition is more frequent and more rapidly advancing in sedentary individuals. Just one more reason to get out for that walk or head for the gym.

Interval Training

Being physically active is tremendously helpful to your body whether you are receiving chiropractic care or not. But many people complain that they do not have time in their busy schedules to make exercise a regular event. I also see people on the street and at the gym doing things that might be good overall but are using up huge amounts of time. If they have that available then fine, but many people don't.

A great way to use your time more effectively is interval training. This means that you vary your cardiovascular routine in ways that produce more results in less time. A simple example is if you are taking a 20-30 minute walk, several times during the walk increase your speed for 15-60 seconds. As simple as that sounds, it makes a big difference. Not only does it up the fitness potential but it burns more calories and adds variety to the activity.

A recent study using participants on stationary bikes showed that 20 minutes of interval training three times per week for four months resulted in more weight loss than 40 minutes of non-interval training over the same time frame. So start slow but whatever your fitness level, adding interval training will be a great benefit.