Today, both on this blog, and on the youtube video, I am talking about the second phase of spinal decay and degeneration, which is the phase 2 arthritis. Typically, Phase II is characterized by reoccurring headaches, 2-3 times per week or more. In addition, the patient in phase 2 may experience radiating pain down the arm or leg, numbness or tingling in the extremities, sciatica, cold hands or feet, and fatigue.
On the x-ray, phase 2 is characterized by mild to moderate vertebral scalloping—the bones in the spine begin to show spurs on the edges of the block of bone. This overgrowth of bone matrix grows out over the disc, and the disc space may show signs of disc thinning, as the space appears thinner on the films. Also, a phase 2 patient may have a pinched nerve in the IVF (canal through which the nerve exits the bone), displaying a smaller hole around the nerve root, irritating or pinching the nerve, causing inflammation.
Moderate to severe muscle spasms are common during phase 2, usually caused by inflammation of the nerve supporting the muscle.
Phase 2 is no joke, and these patients may have missed some work due to their symptoms. It is NOT to be taken lightly, and should be examined and treated immediately by a licensed Chiropractor.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Steve Lininger