Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. It may not be what your mother told you, but the spine is not meant to be straight. Because of its position, the spine has to take pressure, weight, and force from structures that, by comparison, tend to be heavier and bulkier.
An example is your pelvis, which is a large bone into which the spine wedges. As if that weren't challenging enough, as part of its job, the spine must help keep your whole body balanced in both stillness and movement.
Such balance is modulated and accommodated by the curves of the spine. The spinal column is composed of 33 vertebrae. Most of the column sits on, and is therefore supported by, the "sacral base. The sacral base is the top surface of the sacrum bone , which is a triangular bone wedged in between your two hip bones in the back.
The sacrum bone naturally angles forward a bit, setting the stage for spinal curves. Below the sacrum bone is your coccyx bone , i. And while you may think of the spinal column as your backbone, in reality, it is located in the middle of your body, extending from the center of your skull through your trunk to your sacral base.
As briefly discussed above, you can also understand this the other way around, i. The spinal column houses the spinal cord, which is a key structure of the central nervous system. The spinal cord runs through a hollow space in the center of the stack of spinal bones also known as vertebrae that make up the spinal column. An upright position of the spine—as when you sit up or stand up—is technically called "posture," or "static spine. These areas of the spinal column correspond to your spinal curves.
Generally, only the cervical, thoracic and lumbar curves are talked about to any great extent, especially when the communication is given by doctors and physical therapists to non-medical people. Limiting the talk about spinal curves to the cervical, thoracic and lumbar is also a common practice in the media.
Taken as a whole, the curves in an adult spine make an "S" shape when you look at the body from the side. From the side view, some of the curves go forward toward the front of your body and others go backward. The direction of each curve i. This alternation helps you maintain body posture as well as negotiate challenges to your balance.
The remaining 20 percent are associated with known causes such as neuromuscular, congenital, degenerative, and traumatic. When an abnormal scoliotic curve develops, it can range greatly in severity and produce a wide range of symptoms based on a number of patient and condition characteristics such as patient age, severity level, condition type, and curvature location.
In adult patients, the condition can cause varying levels of pain that can range from intermittent and mild to chronic and debilitating. In older patients who have reached skeletal maturity, meaning they have stopped growing, their spines have settled due to gravity and maturity, so they are vulnerable to the compressive force of the scoliotic curve that can be felt not only by the spine, but also in its surrounding vessels, muscles, and nerves.
In children and adolescents, scoliosis is not known to be painful because as they have not yet reached skeletal maturity, their spines are experiencing a constant lengthening motion, and this counteracts the compressive force of the curvature, known to be the source of most scoliosis-related pain. As a scoliosis chiropractor, I know scoliosis, and I know the spine.
Here at the Center, patients have access to multiple scoliosis-specific treatment disciplines for the most specific and customized treatment plans. Important patient and condition characteristics that help shape a treatment plan include patient age and overall health, condition severity, condition type, and curvature location. With these characteristics in mind, I design treatment plans that are based on how best to impact the condition structurally by reducing the abnormal curvature, and increasing core strength so the spine is better supported and stabilized.
This is achieved through a chiropractic-centered functional approach that prioritizes the overall health and function of the spine. The spine is an important part of human anatomy. It allows us to stand upright, practice good posture, and engage in flexible movement. Just as there are different types of healthy curvatures a spine relies on for its strength, flexibility, and ability to distribute stress, there are different unhealthy curves and spinal conditions an unhealthy spine can develop.
Lordosis involves an abnormal backward curvature that most commonly affects the lumbar spine and gives the posture a swayback appearance. Kyphosis involves an abnormal forward curvature that most commonly affects the thoracic spine and gives the posture a roundback appearance.
Scoliosis involves an abnormal sideways curvature that can develop anywhere along the spine and gives the posture an overall asymmetrical appearance.
Abnormal Lordosis Lordosis, as a spinal condition, is defined as an exaggerated inward curvature of the spine. Spondylolisthesis Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that develops when a vertebra slips out of place, sliding on to the one below and exposing it to adverse pressure and friction. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease that affects bone health and develops as the body loses bone mass. Obesity When obesity is the cause of lumbar lordosis, this is because carrying extra weight stresses the lumbar spine and is related to lumbar spinal disease.
Symptoms of Lordosis While every case is different, there are some symptoms commonly associated with lordosis: A swayback appearance Buttocks being more pronounced When lying flat on the floor, there is a noticeable gap between the back and floor Back pain and discomfort Mobility issues While lordosis involves an abnormal forward spinal curvature, kyphosis involves an abnormal backward spinal curvature.
Abnormal Kyphosis Kyphosis , as a spinal condition, is defined as an exaggerated outward curvature of the spine and can cause a forward-rounded posture. Postural Kyphosis Postural kyphosis is the most common type and often becomes apparent during adolescence. Congenital Kyphosis With congenital kyphosis, patients are born with the condition as it develops in utero. Treatment for Scoliosis As a scoliosis chiropractor, I know scoliosis, and I know the spine. Conclusion The spine is an important part of human anatomy.
Different types of spinal curvature disorders include lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis. Think of the game, Jenga. When you remove a block from the tower, other blocks can be affected. Like the Jenga tower, what goes on globally in the spinal balance and pathology is important.
Mild to moderate spinal deformity is common in older adults, but it can also affect adults in their 50s and younger. X-rays create images of the bones in your spine and show whether any of them are too close together or whether you have arthritic changes, bone spurs, fractures, or slippage of the vertebrae. Special flexion and extension x-rays will be taken to measure misalignment of the bones and curve progression Fig.
Computed Tomography CT scan is a noninvasive test that uses an x-ray beam and a computer to make 2-dimensional images of your spine. It may or may not be performed with a dye contrast agent injected into your bloodstream. It is useful for viewing changes in bony structures. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI scan is a noninvasive test that uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to give a detailed view of the soft tissues of your spine.
Unlike an x-ray, nerves and discs are clearly visible. MRI is useful in evaluating soft-tissue damage to the ligaments and discs, and assessing spinal cord injury.
Myelogram is a specialized X-ray where contrast dye is injected into the spinal canal. A fluoroscope then records the images formed by the dye. Myelograms can show a nerve being pinched by a disc, bony overgrowth or stenosis.
The dye gives a picture of the spinal canal, spinal cord, and nerves in detail. A CT scan follows the test. Treatment for mild to moderate spine deformity in adults is determined by the severity of the symptoms, not the size of the curve. It begins with a trial period of pain management, physical therapy, and nonsurgical options. If pain is caused by inflammation of the facet joints, treatment involves facet joint therapy.
If the curvature is mild, the deformity is not treated. If the curvature is severe, complex spinal surgery may be recommended.
Barring serious "red flags," such as a neurologic impairment, conservative care is used for 3 to 6 months before surgery is considered. Self care: Using correct posture and keeping your spine in alignment are the most important things you can do for your back.
The lower back lumbar curve bears most of your weight, so proper alignment of this section can prevent injury to your vertebrae and discs. You may need to make adjustments to your daily standing, sitting, and sleeping habits. You may also need to learn proper ways to lift and bend. Bone density: Because good bone density reduces the risk of fractures in aging adults, you may be asked to undergo a bone-density scan to determine the strength of your bones.
If osteoporosis is detected, your risk of a fracture to your spine is increased because your bones have weakened and become more brittle. Your doctor may prescribe a medication that slows bone loss. Physical therapy : Exercise and strengthening exercises are key elements to your treatment and should become part of your life-long fitness. Physical therapists can instruct you on proper lifting and walking techniques, and they will work with you to strengthen your back, leg, and stomach muscles.
They will also encourage you to stretch and increase the flexibility of your spine and legs. Check with your doctor before you begin any new exercise program and be sure to see a physical therapist who specializes in spine rehabilitation. Medication: Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help you cope with back pain. Bracing: Wearing a brace is often used for childhood scoliosis, but it will not straighten the adult spine.
A brace may help reduce pain in the short-term, but it also will allow the muscles to get weaker, eventually leading to more back pain. Chiropractic care: Chiropractors apply pressure to an area to align bones and return joints to a more normal motion.
0コメント