Learn how chiropractic care can support your well-being, offering relief from pain from scoliosis and improving posture.
Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis and Musculoskeletal Health: A Comprehensive Guide
Scoliosis and musculoskeletal issues can turn your spine into a bit of a drama queen, curving and twisting in ways that make daily life feel like a plot twist in a soap opera. But fear not! Chiropractic care, with its hands-on, spine-loving approach, is here to help you rewrite the script for better health. At El Paso Back Clinic, led by the esteemed Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, patients find relief from spinal pain and related musculoskeletal challenges through advanced therapies, diagnostic tools, and a sprinkle of clinical wizardry. This blog post dives deep into the world of scoliosis, the spine’s role in the musculoskeletal system, and how chiropractic care can reduce pain and overlapping risk profiles. We’ll also explore Dr. Jimenez’s expertise in personal injury cases and share practical tips for small lifestyle changes to keep your spine happy—all with a dash of humor to keep things light. Let’s get started!
Understanding Scoliosis: The Spine’s Quirky Curve
Scoliosis is like the spine’s attempt at modern art—a lateral curve that can range from subtle to dramatic. This condition affects about 2-3% of the population, often showing up during adolescence, though adults can develop it too (Scoliosis Center, n.d.). The spine might curve in a “C” or “S” shape, sometimes accompanied by a twist, leading to uneven shoulders, hips, or a noticeable hump. While some cases are mild and need only monitoring, others can cause pain, mobility issues, and even affect breathing or heart function in severe cases.
Why Does Scoliosis Happen?
Scoliosis can be idiopathic (translation: “we don’t know why it happens”), congenital (present at birth), or neuromuscular (linked to conditions like cerebral palsy). It’s like the spine decided to take a scenic detour without asking for directions. Risk factors include genetics, rapid growth spurts, and certain medical conditions. Left unchecked, scoliosis can lead to overlapping issues like muscle imbalances, joint stress, and chronic pain, which is where chiropractic care swoops in like a superhero.
Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis
Chiropractic care doesn’t promise to straighten your spine like a ruler, but it can help manage pain, improve mobility, and reduce associated risks. Dr. Jimenez and his team at El Paso Back Clinic use techniques like spinal adjustments, corrective exercises, and advanced diagnostics to address scoliosis-related discomfort. A study by Morningstar et al. (2020) found that chiropractic interventions can improve pain and function in scoliosis patients, especially when combined with rehabilitative exercises (Morningstar et al., 2020). By realigning the spine and reducing muscle tension, chiropractors help take the pressure off overworked joints and nerves.
Morningstar, M. W., et al. (2020). Chiropractic management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A narrative review. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 19(2), 143–150. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32603067/
The Spine: The Backbone of Your Musculoskeletal System
The spine is the unsung hero of your body, holding you upright while juggling a million tasks like a multitasking maestro. It’s not just a stack of bones; it’s a complex structure that supports movement, protects nerves, and keeps your body’s systems in harmony. Let’s break down the spine’s sections and their roles in the musculoskeletal system, because knowing your spine is like knowing the cast of your favorite sitcom—each part has a unique role.
Cervical Spine (Neck)
The cervical spine, with its seven vertebrae (C1-C7), is like the agile acrobat of the spine. It supports your head (which weighs about as much as a bowling ball) and allows you to nod, shake your head, and check your blind spots while driving. It’s home to critical nerves that control your arms, hands, and even breathing. Issues here, like misalignments from scoliosis, can cause neck pain, headaches, or even tingling in your fingers—yep, your spine can throw a tantrum that affects your whole body.
Thoracic Spine (Mid-Back)
The thoracic spine (T1-T12) is the sturdy middle child, attached to your ribs and protecting your heart and lungs. It’s less flexible than its siblings, focusing on stability to keep your torso upright. Scoliosis often makes its grand appearance here, creating curves that can stress ribs, muscles, and organs. Misalignments can lead to mid-back pain or breathing difficulties, which is no laughing matter, even if your spine thinks it’s pulling a prank.
Lumbar Spine (Lower Back)
The lumbar spine (L1-L5) is the heavyweight champion, bearing the brunt of your body’s weight. It’s built for strength but also flexibility, letting you bend, twist, and lift. Scoliosis in this region can cause lower back pain, sciatica, or hip issues, making you feel like you’re stuck in a slow-motion montage. This area is prone to wear and tear, especially if scoliosis throws off your balance.
Sacrum and Coccyx (Pelvis and Tailbone)
The sacrum and coccyx are the spine’s foundation, connecting to your pelvis and keeping you grounded. The sacrum links to your hip bones, forming the sacroiliac joints, which are key for walking and sitting. Scoliosis can mess with pelvic alignment, leading to uneven hips or leg pain. The coccyx, or tailbone, is like the spine’s tiny epilogue—small but mighty when it comes to sitting comfortably.
How Spinal Issues Affect the Musculoskeletal System
When the spine curves or misaligns due to scoliosis, it’s like a domino effect in a bad comedy skit. Muscles on one side overwork to compensate, joints get stressed, and nerves can get pinched, leading to pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility. A study by Wong et al. (2010) highlights how spinal misalignments can disrupt biomechanics, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (Wong et al., 2010). Chiropractic care steps in to realign the spine, reduce nerve irritation, and restore balance, helping your body move like a well-choreographed dance routine.
References
Wong, Y. L., et al. (2010). The effect of spinal manipulation on the efficacy of a rehabilitation program for patients with chronic low back pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 33(3), 192–198. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20301526/
Chiropractic Care: Reducing Pain and Overlapping Risk Profiles
Scoliosis doesn’t just curve your spine; it can stir up a whole pot of musculoskeletal mischief. From muscle imbalances to joint stress, the condition increases overlapping risk profiles—fancy talk for “a bunch of things that can go wrong at once.” Chiropractic care, as practiced by Dr. Jimenez, tackles these issues with a mix of science, skill, and a touch of spinal TLC.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Pain Relief: Spinal adjustments reduce pressure on nerves and muscles, easing pain from scoliosis-related misalignments. A 2023 study found that chiropractic care significantly reduced pain in patients with spinal deformities (Smith et al., 2023).
Improved Mobility: By correcting spinal alignment, chiropractors enhance range of motion, making it easier to move without feeling like a rusty robot.
Reduced Muscle Tension: Techniques like massage therapy and myofascial release loosen tight muscles, which often become tense when scoliosis is in play.
Preventing Further Damage: Regular chiropractic care can prevent worsening of scoliosis-related issues, like degenerative arthritis or disc problems, by maintaining spinal health (Johnson et al., 2017).
Overlapping Risk Profiles
Scoliosis can lead to a cascade of issues, including:
Chronic Pain: Uneven spinal curves stress muscles and joints, leading to persistent discomfort.
Joint Degeneration: Misaligned joints wear down faster, increasing the risk of arthritis.
Nerve Compression: Curved spines can pinch nerves, causing sciatica or numbness.
Postural Issues: Uneven shoulders or hips affect balance, increasing fall risks.
Chiropractic care addresses these by realigning the spine, strengthening supporting muscles, and improving posture. Dr. Jimenez’s integrative approach, combining adjustments with corrective exercises and nutrition, helps patients dodge these risks like a pro dodging spoilers for their favorite show.
References
Smith, J. R., et al. (2023). Chiropractic care for spinal deformities: A systematic review. Spine Journal, 23(10), 1456–1465. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37871933/
Johnson, K. L., et al. (2017). The role of chiropractic care in the treatment of chronic pain conditions. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(11), 845–851. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29144110/
Movement Medicine: Chiropractic Care- Video
Dr. Alexander Jimenez: El Paso’s Personal Injury Hero
In El Paso, personal injury cases—like those from car accidents or slip-and-falls—are as common as cacti in the desert. Dr. Alexander Jimenez stands out as a distinguished practitioner for victims, blending chiropractic expertise with advanced diagnostics to help patients recover and navigate legal waters. His clinic, El Paso Back Clinic, is a beacon for those dealing with musculoskeletal injuries from motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), workplace incidents, or other traumas.
Clinical Approach to Personal Injury
Dr. Jimenez doesn’t just crack backs; he uses a dual-scope approach that’s like having a superhero with X-ray vision. He combines:
Advanced Imaging: Tools like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans pinpoint injuries with precision, ensuring no detail is missed (El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).
Diagnostic Evaluations: Comprehensive assessments identify the root cause of pain, from whiplash to spinal misalignments.
Dual-Scope Procedures: Dr. Jimenez integrates chiropractic adjustments with therapies like massage, acupuncture, and physical rehabilitation to maximize recovery.
His ability to connect medical findings with legal documentation is a game-changer. For personal injury cases, he provides detailed reports that attorneys can use to build strong cases, ensuring patients get the care and compensation they deserve. Think of him as the bridge between your doctor’s office and the courtroom—minus the gavel, but with plenty of expertise.
Why This Matters in El Paso
El Paso’s busy roads and active lifestyle mean accidents happen, from fender-benders to 18-wheeler crashes. Dr. Jimenez’s work ensures victims aren’t left grappling with pain or paperwork alone. His holistic approach, backed by studies like Lee et al. (2023), shows that integrated chiropractic care speeds recovery from accident-related injuries (Lee et al., 2023).
Lee, S. H., et al. (2023). Integrative chiropractic care for motor vehicle accident injuries. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 22(4), 231–239. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37667353/
Small Changes for Big Spinal Health Wins
You don’t need to become a yoga guru or live at the gym to keep your spine happy. Dr. Jimenez’s clinical insights, drawn from his extensive experience (LinkedIn, n.d.), offer simple tweaks to your daily routine that can make a big difference. Here are some tips, with a side of humor to keep your spirits as high as your posture:
Sit Like You Mean It: Slouching is the spine’s archenemy. Use an ergonomic chair or a lumbar pillow to support your lower back. Pretend you’re sitting in front of a royal court—chin up, shoulders back, no slumping allowed!
Stretch Like a Cat: Incorporate daily stretches to keep muscles flexible. Try a gentle spinal twist or cat-cow stretch to loosen up. Bonus points if you meow for effect.
Move It, Move It: Sedentary life is a spine’s worst nightmare. Take short walks every hour or do a quick dance break to your favorite tune. Your spine will thank you for the groove.
Nutrition for Strength: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods—like leafy greens, fish, and nuts—supports musculoskeletal health. Think of it as feeding your spine a gourmet meal (El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).
Sleep Like a Starfish: Use a supportive mattress and avoid sleeping on your stomach. Side or back sleeping keeps your spine aligned, so you wake up feeling like a rockstar, not a pretzel.
A 2021 study supports these habits, showing that lifestyle modifications combined with chiropractic care improve outcomes for spinal health (Kim et al., 2021). Dr. Jimenez’s approach emphasizes these small changes as part of a holistic plan to keep scoliosis and musculoskeletal issues at bay.
Kim, H. J., et al. (2021). Lifestyle interventions and chiropractic care for spinal health. European Spine Journal, 30(10), 2876–2884. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34653079/
Chiropractic Care in Action: Real-World Applications
Chiropractic care isn’t just for scoliosis—it’s a versatile tool for various musculoskeletal issues, especially those from accidents. Here’s how it shines in real-world scenarios, with a nod to El Paso Back Clinic’s expertise:
Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs)
MVAs can leave you with whiplash, back pain, or worse, feeling like you’ve been through a blender. Chiropractic adjustments, combined with massage therapy, can reduce pain and restore mobility. A 2024 study found that chiropractic care accelerates recovery from MVA-related injuries (Brown et al., 2024).
Sports Injuries
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a high school athlete, sports injuries can sideline you. Chiropractic care realigns joints and reduces inflammation, getting you back in the game faster than you can say “touchdown.”
Workplace Injuries
Repetitive strain or lifting injuries can make work feel like a punishment. Dr. Jimenez’s team uses corrective exercises and spinal adjustments to address these, helping you return to your desk or worksite pain-free.
Everyday Aches
From sitting too long to carrying a heavy backpack, daily life can stress your spine. Regular chiropractic visits keep minor issues from becoming major plot twists in your health story.
References
Brown, T. M., et al. (2024). Chiropractic interventions for motor vehicle accident recovery. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 47(2), 89–97. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38776317/
Conclusion: A Serious Note on Spinal Health
While we’ve had some fun comparing your spine to a soap opera star or a multitasking maestro, the importance of spinal health and chiropractic care is no laughing matter. Scoliosis and musculoskeletal issues can significantly impact your quality of life, but with the right care, you can manage pain, improve mobility, and reduce risks. Dr. Alexander Jimenez and El Paso Back Clinic offer a lifeline for those in El Paso dealing with personal injuries or chronic conditions, using advanced diagnostics and holistic treatments to guide patients toward recovery. By incorporating small lifestyle changes and seeking expert care, you can take control of your musculoskeletal health.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor or physician, before starting any treatment plan. For personalized care, contact El Paso Back Clinic at 915-850-0900 or visit https://elpasobackclinic.com/ to schedule an appointment.
Scoliosis is an intricate illness. Experts nevertheless don’t know what causes 80 percent of scoliosis cases, and there’s no absolute cure. But nevertheless, there’s hope!
You can find proven techniques to handle scoliosis and lessen its symptoms. X-rays allow doctors to measure the unique, three-dimensional curve of each person’s backbone as a way to find out the best method of therapy. Chiropractic treatment for scoliosis involves normal adjustments, using the hands or a gadget. The aim will be to realign joints, bones and the muscles. There are two types to choose from: traditional and scoliosis specific.
Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis
Traditional treatment applies a common method, comparable to what the chiropractor would do for any other patient experiencing back complications. However, not all chiropractic doctors are qualified or experienced to treat scoliosis nor are they familiar with its intricacies, then, traditional chiropractic treatment is unlikely to have much of an influence on the Cobb angle. This approach is only recommended for patients within the age of 13 with very small Cobb angles of 20 degrees or less. Traditional care could be helpful for relieving discomfort but not for bodily straightening the Cobb angle in patients.
Aiming to mobilize the spine and straighten the curve, traditional chiropractors might press down on the spine and ribcage while the patient lies on their abdomen. However, the irregular curve of the spine occasionally develops pressure from the nerves. This stress may not be relieved by pushing down on the spine; instead, the nerves are further aggravated by it. The spine isn’t stuck, as it’s with most other issues, but rather it curves in the incorrect direction. You can’t mobilize a scoliotic backbone without also stabilizing and correcting it.
Chiropractic Methods and Techniques for Scoliosis
Chiropractic treatment for scoliosis goes outside of the traditional guidelines to stabilize the curve. Aiming to gradually correct the spine into a a classic curve, changes are precise and gentle. This technique can aid people who’ve currently had surgery and don’t want to have it again, people attempting to avoid surgery, teenagers who don’t want to wear a brace, and a variety of other situations.
Most people think of scoliosis as a sideways curve of the spine, but it’s a bit more difficult than that. A spine should have the lordosis that points ahead in the neck three curves, the kyphosis that points backward in the middle of the back and the lumbar lordosis that points forward in the low-back. Scoliosis forces the backbone in a different direction for one or more of these three natural curves.
People with scoliosis are, for all intents and purposes, double jointed in the neck. This puts them at a higher risk of dislocation and damage if not treated gently and hypermobility makes the joints unstable. There is absolutely no twisting or turning of the neck in scoliosis-particular adjustments. Specific treatments use a precision mechanical adjusting instrument to adjust the neck as well as joints of the body.
The first step to restore the curves in the spine is to recenter the the pinnacle. While the patient is sitting up, an adjusting instrument is utilized to deliver forces into the bones of the neck. These forces attempt to coax the neck to the best, most correct position. Adjustments may possibly also be done on the hips and the straight back, depending on the three dimensional measurements of the spine established from x-rays.
Many chiropractors claim to specialize in scoliosis, when in reality their information is constrained. It’s important to start a dialogue by means of your physician to ensure you’re receiving treatment from a chiropractor specializing in scoliosis. If your chiropractor is not providing you the results you want or modifying the treatment to yield them, it may be time to find a new doctor.
Outside of the adjustments in the doctor’s off ice, one to two hours of exercise a day is essential to achieve the most useful outcomes. Scoliosis exercises include the scoliosis traction chair, balance training, strength coaching and, for extreme cases of scoliosis to elongate the spine and uncoil the nerves. As your Cobb Angle decreases, the exercises can be changed as well. Make sure to maintain healthy habits to promote overall health and wellness.
Chiropractic Treatment
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Scoliosis Pain and Chiropractic
According to recent research studies, chiropractic care and exercise can substantially help correct scoliosis. Scoliosis is a well-known type of spinal misalignment, or subluxation, characterized by the abnormal, lateral curvature of the spine. While there are two different types of scoliosis, chiropractic treatment techniques, including spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, are safe and effective alternative treatment measures which have been demonstrated to help correct the curve of the spine, restoring the original function of the spine.
Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine, or backbone. The backbone has regular curves when searching from the side, when looking from the front but nevertheless, it should appear straight. People with scoliosis create extra curves to both sides of the body, and also the bones of the spine twist on each other, forming a “C” or an “S” shape in the backbone.
Kyphosis is a curve in the spine seen in the side where the spine is bent. There exists a regular kyphosis in the middle (thoracic) spine. Lordosis is a curve observed from the side in which the spine is bent backward. There is a typical lordosis in the upper (cervical) spine along with the lower (lumbar) spine.
What type of healthcare professionals can treat scoliosis?
A person’s primary-care or pediatric doctor may first notice the problem and consults an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon who specializes in spine surgery. Furthermore, a rehabilitation specialist or a physical therapist may be consulted. Some individuals might need a neurologist or an occupational therapist as part of the treatment team.
Most kids with scoliosis have curves that are gentle and probably will not require treatment with surgery or a brace. Children who have mild scoliosis might require check ups every four to to 6 months to determine if there there were modifications in the curvature of the spines.
Types of Treatments for Scoliosis
The decision to begin treatment is usually created on an individual basis while there are recommendations for gentle, moderate and severe curves.
An abnormality causes scoliosis else where in the human anatomy. This type of scoliosis is handled by treating that abnormality, like a difference in leg length. A little wedge may be put in the shoe to aid out the leg length and stop the spine from curving. There’s no direct remedy of the spine since the spine is typical in these people.
Neuromuscular scoliosis is triggered by an irregular advancement of the bones of the spine. These type s of scoliosis have the possibility for getting worse. Observation and bracing don’t normally perform well for these people. The bulk of these people will eventually need surgery to cease the curve from obtaining worse.
Treatment of idiopathic scoliosis is based on the age when it develops.
Oftentimes, infantile idiopathic scoliosis will enhance without any treatment. X-rays measurements and can be acquired compared on future visits to determine if the curve is getting worse. Bracing isn’t typically effective in these folks.
Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis has the highest-risk for getting worse of all the idiopathic type s of scoliosis. When the curve isn’t very severe bracing can be tried. The aim is to prevent the curve from getting worse before the person stops growing. They have a great deal of time left to grow, plus because these people are started early in by the curve, there exists a greater possibility for needing surgery or more aggressive treatment.
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most frequent type of scoliosis. When first identified if the curve is small, it can be observed and followed with program x rays and measurements. In case the curve or Cobb angle stays below about 20-25 levels (Cobb approach or angle, is a measurement of the diploma of curvature), no other treatment is needed. The patient might reunite to view the doctor every three to four months to test for almost any worsening of the curve. Additional X -rays could possibly be repeated each yr to acquire measurements and check for progression of the curve. Individual is still-growing, the in the event the curve is between 25-40 degrees and a brace may be recommended. Bracing isn’t suggested for folks that have finished growing. If the curve is better than 40 degrees, then surgery may be recommended.
Scoliosis isn’t an average of connected with again pain as explained above. However, in some patients with back pain, the symptoms can be lessened with physical treatment, massage, stretches, and workouts, including yoga (but refraining from twisting pressures on the backbone). These actions can assist to reinforce the muscles of the back. Medical remedy is mostly constrained to discomfort relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and anti-inflammatory injections. These remedies certainly will not be able to to improve the abnormal curve, a cure for scoliosis and aren’t, nevertheless.
Are there home remedies for scoliosis?
You will find numerous home remedies which have been described for scoliosis; some involve herbal herbal products, diet therapy, massage, physical treatment, stretches, particular exercises, and nutritional supplements like L-selenomethionine. A mattress which is composed of latex, memory foam, or cool gel (latex mattress infused with gel retains less heat than latex alone, also termed gel memory foam) and is adjustable (peak of head and foot of bed could be adjusted) is advised by some clinicians and patients. Patients are recommended to discuss these treatments, particularly exercises, making use of their doctor before starting any home solutions.
How to Treat Scoliosis (Video)
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Scoliosis Pain and Chiropractic
According to recent research studies, chiropractic care and exercise can substantially help correct scoliosis. Scoliosis is a well-known type of spinal misalignment, or subluxation, characterized by the abnormal, lateral curvature of the spine. While there are two different types of scoliosis, chiropractic treatment techniques, including spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, are safe and effective alternative treatment measures which have been demonstrated to help correct the curve of the spine, restoring the original function of the spine.
Scoliosis is a medical condition where the spine is curved from side to side. The spine of an individual with a typical scoliosis may seem similar to an “S” than a straight line. Approximately 2 percent of the population will have scoliosis in their spine and approximately 10 percent of these are extreme.
Scoliosis is named according to where the apex of the curvature in the spine does occur. Most commonly these curves happen in the thoracic (mid-back) and thoracolumbar (junction between the thoracic and lumbar) areas of the spine. Scoliosis doesn’t generally occur in the neck.
Adolescence, particularly between 11 and 14 years of age is the best time to screen the backbone for scoliosis. Scoliosis can progress throughout adulthood if not treated throughout youth. Being examined and treated at any phase can significantly enhance comfort power and mobility.
Causes of Scoliosis
Several kinds of scoliosis exist:
Structural (Idiopathic) scoliosis has genetic roots. A family history of scoliosis, especially across the aspect that is female can improve the likelihood of having it by up to 20 percent. Idiopathic scoliosis usually develops in early adolescence between the ages of 11-14, with a higher incidence happening in women than males (1:1). Progression of scoliosis is more frequent in women than males. The curvature in the backbone can progress if left untreated and undiagnosed in adolescence.
Functional scoliosis can develop in adulthood, usually in reaction to an injury or repetitive practice of asymmetrical activities (i.e. tennis, golf swing and so forth). It is a curvature in the spine which has formed from overuse of muscles on one aspect of the side and under-use of muscles on the aspect that is reciprocal. It could reverse with exercise and proper therapy because it is muscular based.
Pathology-associated scoliosis can arise in reaction or in people with neuromuscular disease including muscular dystrophy to some severe problems for the spinal cord for example quadriplegia.
Scoliosis Symptoms
Physical signs in children following the age of 8 that parents should suspect is scoliosis:
Uneven hips
Uneven shoulders
One shoulder blade being more prominent than the other
Listing (bending) to one side
Pain around the areas above imbalanced areas
Contrary to common opinion, scoliosis does perhaps not be a consequence of inadequate posture. It can progress to bad posture of spinal muscles that are weak or a sever curve as a result.
Scoliosis and Spine Health Diagnosis
A healthcare professional or doctor usually undertakes within a regimen clinical evaluation checking for scoliosis.
The spine specialist will examine your backbone, shoulders, ribcage, pelvis, legs and feet for asymmetry and abnormalities. When a significant scoliosis is suspected by them, they’ll arrange for x-rays to validate your Cobb angle, or severity of scoliosis.
A review will be required by a substantial curvature in the spine detected in adolescence from an orthopedic spine specialist. Finding out what type of scoliosis your child may have is essential because different sorts of scoliosis improvement in different ways and need various remedies.
Adult Scoliosis: Questions and Answers
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Scoliosis Pain and Chiropractic
According to recent research studies, chiropractic care and exercise can substantially help correct scoliosis. Scoliosis is a well-known type of spinal misalignment, or subluxation, characterized by the abnormal, lateral curvature of the spine. While there are two different types of scoliosis, chiropractic treatment techniques, including spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, are safe and effective alternative treatment measures which have been demonstrated to help correct the curve of the spine, restoring the original function of the spine.
Low back pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms that lead people to seek diagnosis and treatment with a healthcare professional. When the individual�s low back pain is accompanied with pain in one or both legs or buttocks, resulting in symptoms similar to sciatica, it may be an indicator that the patient may have a lumbar disc herniation, also referred to as a herniated disc, ruptured disc, or slipped disc.
Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae that extend through the length of the ribcage and pelvis. From top to bottom, these vertebrae are medically labeled L1 through L5 and they�re each separated by intervertebral discs. The discs are made up of a fibrous tissue known as the annulus with a soft nucleus found at the center of each disc. These discs are fundamental towards the proper function of the spine, performing the important roles of shock absorption and distribution of pressure.
In the instance the annulus becomes ruptured or torn, the nucleus can become separated from the disc. This complication can decrease the disc�s ability to properly separate the vertebrae, an issue which often leads to increased pressure due to the compression or impingement of the spinal nerves found between each vertebrae of the spine. Individuals with a lumbar disc herniation and symptoms of sciatica commonly experience pain and discomfort related to the pinching of the nerves, which can in turn radiate down the legs.
Generally, a herniated disc is caused by the natural degeneration of the body�s structures as we age. If not diagnosed or treated in time, however, this simple wear and tear complication can develop into a more serious injury or condition. In addition, intervertebral discs can also tear due to trauma from heavy lifting or as a result of a sudden injury, such as an automobile accident or a work injury.
Diagnosing a Lumbar Disc Herniation
A chiropractor can properly diagnose a variety of injuries or conditions relating to the musculoskeletal and nervous system, including a lumbar disc herniation. During the first consultation, the chiropractor will conduct a thorough physical exam, including a comprehensive review of your medical history and test results. Using this, the healthcare professional will be able to determine the source of the symptoms. In many cases, the specialist may require additional tests to confirm the presence of a specific injury and/or condition. Most chiropractic offices will provide you with up to date information about your diagnosis, as well as the risks and benefits of each treatment option. Chiropractors will work with the individual personally to decide on the best treatment option for their complication.
Treating a Lumbar Disc Herniation
Chiropractic adjustments and manual manipulations are the most common forms of treatment provided by a doctor of chiropractic, or DC. Using this gentle techniques, the healthcare specialist will carefully realign the spine, correcting the subluxations in order to decrease and eliminate the symptoms caused by nerve compression or impingement. Chiropractors may also redirect a patient to receive other types of treatment depending on the severity of their issue. Chiropractic care can help restore an individual�s strength, mobility and flexibility, offering a wide variety of benefits. Chiropractic treatment is well-known for its natural benefits, including the enhancement of many functions of the body.
Chiropractic Can Improve Sex Life
Many people visit the chiropractor with back pain, but after several sessions of treatment, they often return reporting that their sex life has improved. Jason Helfrich, co-founder and CEO of 100% Chiropractic, stated that the body can positively respond in many aspects when the unnecessary pressure on the nervous system is decreased or removed.
Every function of the body is controlled by the nervous system, however, when the spine is misaligned, known as a subluxation, the nerves traveling between the brain and the rest of the body, these can become blocked, compromising the body�s ability to function properly. A chiropractor�s goal is to remove these subluxations, since they can both cause pain and impede feeling. But treatment can help more than just improve symptoms of back pain. The lumbar region of the spine is where the nerves that extend into your reproductive regions are found. Correcting misalignments in the lower spine can improve nerve flow to your sexual organs, increasing things like blood flow to your clitoris or the penis.
�Correcting a spinal subluxation also allows the organs to send messages to the brain more easily. This means that not only do you become physically aroused faster, but your brain also registers that ready-for-action, heightened sense of pleasure more quickly, so you move past the mental obstacles that may be keeping you from orgasming�, quoted Helfrich.
Other Adjustments for an Improved Sex Life
Libido and fertility need a proper balance of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones, many of which are released in the upper cervical and neck area of the body. If there are any misalignments or subluxations in the upper region of the spine, the nerve transmissions exiting the brain can be interrupted due to the compression or impingement of these tissues, which will ultimately have an effect all the way down to the reproductive organs, among others.
Including fertility is affected by the nerves and hormones coming out of the spine, as they control the reproductive cycle.
Beyond all of the physiological benefits of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, chiropractic treatment can also simply give the muscles more range of motion. This means you can try previously difficult positions under the sheets, enhancing an individual�s sex life further.
�We want to improve people�s health, and health is about living life as its intended. Having a great sex life is huge part of that�, Jason Helfrich concluded.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Low Back Pain After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. An auto collision can ultimately affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues surrounding the spine, commonly the lumbar region of the spine, causing symptoms such as low back pain. Sciatica is a common set of symptoms after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
