WHAT IS A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT?
The chiropractic adjustment is the process of manipulating joint components in order to restore them to their optimal alignment. This is important when these structures become misaligned (or are pushed out of alignment) as a result of age-related physical changes, long-standing postural difficulties, or traumatic events such as auto accident injuries. Subluxation is a condition that can affect infants during their passage through the birth canal. From chronic muscle strain and pinched nerves to systemic ailments, alignment errors can cause a number of complaints.
Chiropractic adjustments help errant joint components back into their proper place, allowing the joints to function more normally while also reducing nerve impingement and correcting body symmetry. The traditional manual form of this technique entails the precise application of high-velocity, low-amplitude force. Call us today at (402) 502-3878 to schedule your next appointment.
CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT FOR SCOLIOSIS
Have you been diagnosed with spinal scoliosis? Do you want to know how chiropractic care can help you? First, it's critical to understand what scoliosis is and how much of a curve you have.
Let's begin with the spine. Our spines are made up of 33 bones called vertebrae that naturally produce slight curves from front to back due to their shape and size. This is where the distinctive lower back arch and upper back rounding occur. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that is abnormal (from left to right). This can be a single curve (referred to as "c-curve scoliosis") or two or more curves (S-curve scoliosis).
Scoliosis is caused by what?
The majority of scoliosis causes are unknown, though certain conditions such as muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy may be to blame. It can also be hereditary or caused by a birth defect or a spinal injury. In most cases, it is discovered shortly before puberty. Although 10 percent of adolescents have some degree of scoliosis, less than 1 percent will need medical treatment. Girls are five times more likely than boys to experience progression of spinal curves, and as a result, they require treatment more frequently.
Scoliosis is classified as either structural (if the curve is fixed, usually due to bony changes) or functional (due to muscular issues). The most common cause of adult scoliosis is age-related degeneration, such as osteoarthritis. However, it could have been present since childhood and was only discovered due to back pain!
What can I do if I have scoliosis?
Observation, braces or casts, or surgery are the three main treatment options. Exercise and soft tissue manipulation can also be beneficial. "Cobb's Angle" is commonly used to determine the degree of scoliosis. Parallel lines are drawn between the upper and lower borders of the vertebrae at each end of the curve. The "angle of curvature" is calculated by drawing perpendicular lines and measuring the angle formed when they cross.
Scoliosis is defined by a minimum Cobb angle of 10 degrees. Cobb angles of 15 to 20 degrees are likely to be treated solely through exercise. Regular check-ups are, of course, essential, especially for young patients.
Doctors may advise a rehabilitation program or a back brace if the spine has a moderate curve of 20-40 degrees.
If your Cobb angle is 40-50 degrees, surgery may be recommended. This can be accomplished through traditional fusion or, more recently, through a relatively new treatment known as VBT (vertical body tethering). This method uses a flexible rod to straighten the spine, reducing curves without fusing bones.
It is important to note that surgery is not always the "best" solution for scoliosis. In some cases, physical therapy aimed at strengthening and stabilizing the spine is the best option. Anti-inflammatory injections may also alleviate some symptoms, lowering the impact of scoliosis on daily life. According to research, patients who chose not to have surgery did not always have their curves worsen. The extent to which scoliosis interfered with the patient's normal day-to-day routine was the deciding factor in surgery.
Does scoliosis just affect the spine?
The spine's sideways curve may also result in some rotation or twisting. As a result, the position of the ribs may change. As a result, scoliosis curves can obstruct breathing. Other issues may arise as a result of unlevel shoulders and hips. This can eventually lead to referred pain in the neck or even lower in the knees.
How can chiropractic help people with scoliosis?
Chiropractors study how to assess, diagnose, treat, and prevent problems with the spine and musculoskeletal (MSK) system for more than seven years (joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves). Because of their educational background, they may be ideal healthcare providers for the management or co-management of conditions such as scoliosis.
Chiropractors can help patients with a variety of issues, including lifestyle counseling, pain relief, and mobility restoration.
Here are three specific ways in which chiropractic treatment can help:
1. Scoliosis monitoring expertise.
Scoliosis can worsen in some cases, posing additional challenges to a patient's quality of life. A chiropractor can track the progression of scoliosis, which is particularly important in adolescents. Because their bodies are still growing, there is a possibility that their scoliosis will worsen during growth spurts. When this occurs, chiropractors can refer patients directly to the appropriate medical specialist.
2. Functional support treatment.
Other than the treatment of the spine, functional support refers to other related conditions that may present in relation to scoliosis. For example, a scoliosis patient may experience more discomfort in one side of their hip due to an uneven posture. Chiropractic care can help to relieve pain and restore full function to these other joints."
3. When necessary, direct referral to medical specialists.
Chiropractors regularly work with other healthcare experts. If a chiropractor notices that a patient's condition worsens or requires specialized care, they will refer them to other medical professionals who can provide additional support or optional treatment.
Here are some things to consider if you have scoliosis and want to try chiropractic:
• Inform the chiropractor of your scoliosis and any previous treatment you have received.
Most adjustments are nearly identical to those given to patients without scoliosis, but immobilized parts of the spine and weight-bearing joints are given special consideration.
If your chiropractor knows that you have scoliosis ahead of time, they will be able to treat you more efficiently and effectively. Furthermore, patients who have undergone corrective surgery and have spinal implants will require treatments that are tailored to their specific needs.
• Inquire about the chiropractor's approach to scoliosis treatment and their relationships with other medical professionals.
This question will help you understand the types of treatment the chiropractor can provide and will demonstrate their understanding of scoliosis management. If you need specialized treatment, you'll be able to find out if they have the resources to refer you directly to the appropriate medical specialist.
• Pay attention to the chiropractors' recommendations for treatment.
Recommendations should be reasonable and include re-evaluation intervals. Re-evaluation is important because it allows you to see how your scoliosis is progressing. It also helps in determining whether the patient is gaining function and improving his or her ability to perform daily activities.
Consult with our trusted chiropractors in Millard, NE, at Komp Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic for more information on how chiropractic can relieve pain and help people with scoliosis!
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