A Better Way to Treat Scoliosis

A BETTER WAY TO TREAT SCOLIOSIS

Parents love and have deep concern for their children's health. Even so, many parents wouldn't have any idea how to answer the question: DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE SCOLIOSIS? We shouldn't be critical of unknowing parents, for scoliosis, "the UNSEEN CRIPPLER," is very difficult to detect in its early stages. The term "scoliosis" refers to the lateral curvature of the spinal column. In fact when the spinal vertebrae move laterally (to the side) they must often rotate or turn as they do so. This results in what is termed "rotary scoliosis." Most doctors simply use the term scoliosis.

Without proper detection techniques, scoliosis can remain unnoticed until it has progressed to near crippling proportions and can last a lifetime. More commonly, however, scoliosis will cause sub-clinical manifestations due to misalignment. Manifestations such as pressure on the delicate nervous system. The nervous system is housed within, and exits at different levels, from the spine. These nerves control every single function of the body. The function of these nerves leading to vital organs like the lungs or bronchioles can be impaired causing conditions such as asthma. Perhaps the impairment will be at the ninth thoracic level causing allergies. Let me repeat myself to stress the importance of proper spinal alignment...EVERY SINGLE FUNCTION OF THE BODY IS CONTROLLED BY THE NERVES THAT ARE INSIDE THE SPINAL COLUMN (with exception to the 12 cranial nerves that come directly off the brain). Misalignments need only be off by as little as 1/2 millimeter to put pressure on these delicate nerves. The deep concern for children is the fact that research shows most adults who have scoliosis developed this disease between the ages of 4 & 10. Of the 10,000 adult subjects tested, nearly 80% of the subjects with rotation in some area of the spine also had organ or neuromuscular dysfunction of clinical significance. The next question a person might ask is: If scoliosis is so common, why isn't it better known? The answer to this lies in four simple facts: FACT ONE: When a scoliosis is being formed there is usually no immediate pain involved. As a result, the individual is often unaware that a problem exists. FACT TWO: Unfortunately the majority of people do not get regular check-ups for their family or themselves. This means early detection is hampered. FACT THREE: Since there is no pain involved, children don't often complain, and general examinations are not usually directed to scoliosis detection. FACT FOUR: Until recently, little attention was given to spinal care and the formation of spinal abnormalities. People are now becoming more aware of the importance of spinal care. With the recent passage of spinal care laws, and mandatory spinal check laws for school children, we can often identify scoliosis in its early stage when it is easiest to correct. The problem with the recent attempts to control scoliosis is that detection is left up to the school nurse. The school nurse usually doesn't know proper methods for detection and even screened students slip thru improperly diagnosed. This is unfortunate as it is considerably easier to treat to success during the developmental years and becomes increasingly more difficult the longer it is present. Fortunately, not all cases progress to the disabling stages of Hyperkyphosis (hunchback) or Hyperlordosis (swayback). Rather, many cases stay in the area termed "functional scoliosis." Sadly, these cases cause dysfunction of the portion of the body controlled by the respective area of the spine. As today’s health care environment begins to touch on the causes, progression and treatment of this disease, Chiropractic patients will be pleased to know that Chiropractic Physicians have the most success with scoliosis treatment out of all of the health care industry. Incidentally, the Chiropractic treatment of scoliosis is comfortable, gentle and relaxing. If you are concerned that a family member may have symptoms of scoliosis, please contact my office to arrange a free screening.

Good health,

Dr. Alden Clendenin