Adult scoliosis, medically referred to as degenerative scoliosis, is distinguished by an unnatural, side-to-side curvature of the spine caused by a degeneration of the facet joints, which give the back flexibility and enable the spine to bend and twist smoothly. This condition occurs most frequently among individuals over 65 years of age. The characteristic scoliosis curve that generally forms into a “C” shape, commonly develops in the lumbar spine.

The Different Types of Scoliosis

Many individuals are more familiar with adolescent scoliosis, also called idiopathic scoliosis, but the differences between the two conditions aren’t fully understood by the general population. Idiopathic scoliosis occurs in children and adolescents, typically ranging from 10 to 18 years of age and its cause still remains unknown to experts. In more severe cases of the condition, the lateral shift of the spine can progress immediately as the child grows, often requiring the utilization of a scoliosis brace or even surgery to slow down or stop the unnatural side-to-side curvature of the spine.

Unlike adolescent or idiopathic scoliosis, there is a known cause for adult or degenerative scoliosis. Degenerative scoliosis is caused by a gradual deterioration of the facet joints found in the back due to aging, the same type of process which leads to osteoarthritis of the spine. However, when scoliosis occurs in older adults, the pressure that builds up from the degenerating facet joints is known to be the leading cause for the once naturally straight spine, as viewed from the back, to begin abnormally shifting laterally, curving to one side. Individuals rarely experience pain symptoms from the scoliosis itself. The inflammation of the degenerating facet joints is the true cause of pain for a majority of people, not the curve, which generally progresses slowly at about 1 to 2 degrees per year. As a result, treatment for scoliosis is not focused on slowing down the progress of the scoliosis curvature, but instead, it is centered on relieving the pain and symptoms associated with the condition.

Scoliosis Pain and Chiropractic

According to the location and severity of the pain caused by the degeneration of the facet joints with degenerative scoliosis, there are various forms of treatment to relieve the symptoms of the condition, including non-surgical options or through surgery. The majority of individuals with adult scoliosis can find relief without the use of surgery. Rather than immediately correct the curvature of the spine, the goals of non-surgical treatments are to reduce pain as well as increase the strength, flexibility and range of motion of the spine to help reduce future pain.

As with most types of back pain, increasing strength, flexibility and mobility can both relieve the painful symptoms of adult scoliosis and prevent future pain. Chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulations are gentle yet effective techniques performed by a qualified chiropractic professional which can help improve and maintain the natural mobility of the facet joints while reducing the irritation and inflammation on the surrounding region, reducing the pain. Through the use of chiropractic treatment, a chiropractor will gradually re-align the spine, reducing the lateral curvature of scoliosis and restoring the individual’s original spine health. An appropriate physical therapy program also provided by a chiropractor can contribute with a strengthening and stretching exercise routine that will keep the soft tissues and joints flexible to speed up the rehabilitation process.

For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

Back Injury Relief through Fitness: A Client’s Story

Through the use of chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulations, together with specialized fitness programs, Dr. Alex Jimenez has helped many people with back injuries and conditions as well as helped many achieve their overall health. Pablo Mena and his son came to the clinic to use the Push-as-Rx ®™ system with a great purpose, to gain strength and physical condition. After receiving care for a back injury, Pablo Mena was recommended to begin exercising at Push as Rx. That’s when Mena’s son joined in his workouts to continue supporting him and together with the help and patience of the trainers at Push, they were encouraged to finish their workouts.

 

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s clinic and PUSH-as-Rx ®™ system is leading the field with laser focus supporting our youth sport programs.  The PUSH-as-Rx ®™ System is a sport specific athletic program designed by a strength-agility coach and physiology doctor with a combined 40 years of experience working with extreme athletes. At its core, the program is the multidisciplinary study of reactive agility, body mechanics and extreme motion dynamics. Through detailed and continued assessments of the athletes in motion and under stress loads offer a clear scientific picture of body dynamics. This system also has helped many athletes come back from injury faster, stronger, and ready to safely return to their sport without losing a beat after recovery. Results demonstrate clear improved agility, speed, decreased reaction time and advantageous postural-torque mechanics.  PUSH-as-Rx ®™ offers specialized extreme performance enhancements to our athletes no matter the age.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.elpasochiropractorblog.com

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

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