SCOLIOSIS
Scoliosis refers to a condition where the spine has an S or C shape to it when looking from the back (from the side, the spine should have an S shape). In 4 out 5 scoliosis cases, the underlying cause is never discovered.
While anyone can have scoliosis, it is most commonly detected in children. Scoliosis may lead to a lifetime of regular checkups from a general practitioner. A severe case may even lead to spinal braces or the recommendation of surgery. This is usually based on the degree of scoliosis.
Each year in the US alone, about 3 million cases of scoliosis are diagnosed. This makes it an extremely common spine condition. If you are suffering from scoliosis, what do you need to know? First of all, it is important to realize that it may not be as difficult to determine why scoliosis happens as it seems by the fact the 80% of cases are label as idiopathic. Second, it is important to know that there is hope and that invasive surgeries are rarely a necessity.
How Our Chiropractors Can Help
Our Doctors specialize in Upper Cervical Chiropractic, which involves correcting the top bone in your spine.
The Atlas is the top bone in the spine. It balances the head, which weighs approximately 12 pounds depending on the person. If the atlas is even slightly misaligned, it throws the balance of the head off. The body works quickly to compensate for this. As a result, changes in the spine take place in a domino effect.
The rest of the neck can become misaligned. If it stays in a stressed position, the discs between the vertebrae may begin to wear prematurely leading to arthritis in the neck. However, not all atlas misalignments necessarily present with neck pain, and the effects are certainly not limited to the neck.
One shoulder will usually drop to compensate for the misalignment in the neck. You may even notice when standing up straight and looking into a mirror that one shoulder is lower than the other. Continuing on down the spine, the vertebrae continue to move and shift leading to similar disc problems as the neck may already be experiencing. As problems reach the lumbar spine, the hips can become misaligned. This is why most people with a misaligned atlas will also present with one leg that is shorter than the other.
Lower spine problems can lead to sciatica if the misalignment puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Thus, the entire spine is affected. With shoulders at different heights as well as hips and legs at different lengths, the perfect conditions for scoliosis exist.
It makes sense then that fixing the problem at the location where the issues began can help provide restoration, perhaps even avoiding the need for invasive surgery.
From One of Our Patients
This was my first appointment with a doctor where I felt like I was really paying for his expertise and it was well worth it! I appreciated Dr. Culig’s knowledge and passion. I left each appointment with a clear understanding of what happened and what was to happen. After my first adjustment, I felt significant improvement in my neck as well as my hip! I love the friendly and welcoming environment as well.
-Cherie A