Most everyone is familiar with the term scoliosis as curvature of the spine. If you look at the spine from the side you want to see curves. They are the spine’s natural position, and allow the spine to work like a shock absorber to handle the weight of the body. But when we look at it from the back, we don’t want to see curves. The spine should be straight and stacked on top of itself. If a curve is present when looking from that direction, we call it a scoliosis.
There are two types of scoliosis. Structural and functional. A structural scoliosis is rare, it occurs in 1 in 10,000 cases. In these cases, one of the vertebrae does not develop properly in utero. Instead of being flat across the top and bottom of the bone it develops in more of a wedge shape. This causes the spine to tilt.
In functional scoliosis, all of the vertebrae develop normally, but the spine still curves. This is also called idiopathic scoliosis. Idiopathic really meaning we don’t know why…..There can be rare cases of tumor, severe inflammation, or a neurological condition like cerebral palsy, that cause it, but generally it is more muscular in nature.
Treatment options vary, depending on severity. Non-invasive treatment is often physical therapy, based on strengthening and stretching, to balance muscle strength, length, and tone. A common treatment if it is a more advanced curve, is a scoliosis brace. The brace is designed to hold the spine progressively straighter, to train the body to hold a straight line. If the scoliosis is in the upper back, this really isn't an option. If the curve is advanced enough, over 40 degrees, surgery becomes a topic. In extreme cases, the curve can be so severe that it begins to impair breathing. The surgery involves implanting titanium rods, called Harrington rods, along the sides of the spine, and screwing them into the vertebrae. Flexibility is limited, and generally there are some complications and residual issues.
I see these cases often, and have had great success with the large majority of them. Recently, a young lady came in with a curve that was just a few degrees below the level that surgery starts being discussed. In a few short months, we have decreased the main curve by over 10 degrees, and the smaller curves are almost completely resolved. This was all done with five upper cervical adjustments of the top bone in the neck, and a few minor hip adjustments.
It makes sense, once you look at it. The top bone in the neck is the base for your head. Which means it determines if your brain is level. If the top bone is properly aligned, it will be straight, and therefore your head is straight. If it misaligns, it will slide out to one side and up. This movement creates head tilt, and the brain doesn't like that. It wants your head to be level, so it kicks in a reflex to level itself out. This will cause the rest of the spine to contort itself, and move however is necessary. This can create scoliosis, as it did in this young lady. Once the top bone is corrected, and the brain is level, the alteration to the spine is no longer necessary. As the muscles relax, the body begins to straighten out.
Upper cervical has a great track record of improving scoliosis, and keeping patients out of having to have invasive surgeries, or annoying braces. Being adjusted also improves pain levels and the patient’s quality of life.
We offer a complimentary scoliosis screening and upper cervical exam to determine if a scoliosis is being caused by a cervical misalignment. Call us today to set up your free exam.
Fort Myers, FL - Chiropractic Care Is Very Successful with Scoliosis Correction
SYNOPSIS: Most everyone is familiar with the term scoliosis as curvature of the spine. If you look at the spine from the side you want to see curves. They are the spine’s natural position, and allow the spine to work like a shock absorber to handle the weight
Correcting spinal curves: hope for scoliosis patients
BY: Dr. Lee Angle, Upper Cervical Health Centers of Fort Myers
Most everyone is familiar with the term scoliosis as curvature of the spine. If you look at the spine from the side you want to see curves. They are the spine’s natural position, and allow the spine to work like a shock absorber to handle the weight of the body. But when we look at it from the back, we don’t want to see curves. The spine should be straight and stacked on top of itself. If a curve is present when looking from that direction, we call it a scoliosis.
There are two types of scoliosis. Structural and functional. A structural scoliosis is rare, it occurs in 1 in 10,000 cases. In these cases, one of the vertebrae does not develop properly in utero. Instead of being flat across the top and bottom of the bone it develops in more of a wedge shape. This causes the spine to tilt.
In functional scoliosis, all of the vertebrae develop normally, but the spine still curves. This is also called idiopathic scoliosis. Idiopathic really meaning we don’t know why…..There can be rare cases of tumor, severe inflammation, or a neurological condition like cerebral palsy, that cause it, but generally it is more muscular in nature.
Treatment options vary, depending on severity. Non-invasive treatment is often physical therapy, based on strengthening and stretching, to balance muscle strength, length, and tone. A common treatment if it is a more advanced curve, is a scoliosis brace. The brace is designed to hold the spine progressively straighter, to train the body to hold a straight line. If the scoliosis is in the upper back, this really isn't an option. If the curve is advanced enough, over 40 degrees, surgery becomes a topic. In extreme cases, the curve can be so severe that it begins to impair breathing. The surgery involves implanting titanium rods, called Harrington rods, along the sides of the spine, and screwing them into the vertebrae. Flexibility is limited, and generally there are some complications and residual issues.
I see these cases often, and have had great success with the large majority of them. Recently, a young lady came in with a curve that was just a few degrees below the level that surgery starts being discussed. In a few short months, we have decreased the main curve by over 10 degrees, and the smaller curves are almost completely resolved. This was all done with five upper cervical adjustments of the top bone in the neck, and a few minor hip adjustments.
It makes sense, once you look at it. The top bone in the neck is the base for your head. Which means it determines if your brain is level. If the top bone is properly aligned, it will be straight, and therefore your head is straight. If it misaligns, it will slide out to one side and up. This movement creates head tilt, and the brain doesn't like that. It wants your head to be level, so it kicks in a reflex to level itself out. This will cause the rest of the spine to contort itself, and move however is necessary. This can create scoliosis, as it did in this young lady. Once the top bone is corrected, and the brain is level, the alteration to the spine is no longer necessary. As the muscles relax, the body begins to straighten out.
Upper cervical has a great track record of improving scoliosis, and keeping patients out of having to have invasive surgeries, or annoying braces. Being adjusted also improves pain levels and the patient’s quality of life.
We offer a complimentary scoliosis screening and upper cervical exam to determine if a scoliosis is being caused by a cervical misalignment. Call us today to set up your free exam.
