QuestionI am a 24 year old female, i have recently visited my chiropractor after experiencing severe pain in my lower back and discovering my back was curving to the side. i have had pain in my back before but never to this extent. he has just told me i have spina bifida in the lower back and the curve is not a problem as it appears to be straightening. does this mean i do not have scoliosis.
thank ou
AnswerStaten Island Scoliosis, Spinal Curvature, United Kingdom Chiropractic,
Hello Rosh,
I am sorry to hear of your problem. I could use further description for me to be more clear
on your curve or tilt. I will attempt to give a good answer based upon the info given. If I am off the mark, please do not hesitate to REcontact me here at AllExperts.com
You say, "....I am a 24 year old female, i have recently visited my chiropractor after experiencing severe pain in my lower back and discovering my back was curving to the side.....", this curve, 'discovering' your back was curving to one side, probably points to an episode of antalgia. This TEMPORARY curve that came on SUDDENLY and RESOLVED quickly once under treatment was probably caused by muscle spasm, antalgia, vertebral subluxation, disc block, something along these lines; which is usually safely/ efficently/ fairly quickly repaired under Chiropractic care. A scoliosis usually develops over time. A scoliotic curve
usually develops over time, without pain. A scoliotic curve may straighten over a LONG period of time and treatment. This history of pain and curve, in my mind, does not point to a scoliotic (more permanent) curve, but rather an antalgic (more temporary) curve- reducible with time and treatment.
You also state: "... i have had pain in my back before but never to this extent.....", so you have had back problems before, perhaps taken PAIN KILLERS or muscle relaxants to help with the pain/ spasm- treating the symptoms; but NOT treating the CAUSE of the problem. By treating your PRIOR back problems with a chemical medicine (ie: pain meds, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants), you treated symptoms and left the underlying cause, the underlying problem to slowly insidiously progress to this most recent episode. I have an informational hand-out sheet I give to my patients in my Staten Island Chiropractic office relating to this dangerous pracice of taking medicine to treat symptoms/ cover up a problem rather than treating the CAUSE of the problem. This data may be of interest to you:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
RED LIGHT = Trouble !!
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
Think you should listen??
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?
Significant Statistics:
Pain Killing medication??? = 16,000 deaths ( probably under-reported )
DEATH ! ? ! ? better watch out on those medications!!!
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
SIXTEEN THOUSAND DEATHS: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medications for the treatment of many chronically painful medical conditions. However, it is estimated that 25% of all serious adverse drug reactions involve NSAIDs, with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths occurring annually due to NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI) events."----- http://hhc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/468 Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 13, No. 6, 468-475 (2001) Motrin, Advil = NSAIDS
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
http://rinf.com/alt-news/business-news/prescription-drugs-kill-300-percent-more-
= An analysis of 168,900 autopsies conducted in Florida in 2007 found that three times as many people were killed by legal drugs as by cocaine, heroin and all methamphetamines put together. BE CAREFUL WITH THAT MEDICATION !!!
It was reported in 2000, that 700,000 U.S. citizens die as a result from medical causes (iatrogenics). Of course, other records and statistics had the number above the one million mark. Whether 700,000 or one million people, that's a lot of innocent people dying from visiting a hospital and trusting a medical doctor.= http://www.dherbs.com/articles/iatrogenics-99.html
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine , Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010 , Chiropractor to the Championship NYPD Football Team, and the PSAL High School Football Champions (Curtis) , Staten Island SPORTS Hall of Fame- Unsung Hero 2011 , Selected to the Medical Staff of the 2011 Pan American Games, Guadalajara Mexico
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
By the history you give; you have had prior episodes of lower back pain, now your condition has PROGRESSED to the point where you not only had pain, but you were bent over, 'tilted over', curved due to the back pain. You may be only 24y/o, but you have a CHRONIC history of back pain, perhaps your condition so painful or bothersome that you have taken medications for the complaint(s) in the past, things are PROGRESSING in the wrong, degenerative direction: YOU have a progressive, degenerative condition, YOU have to get to the CAUSE of the problem, and NOT only address the symptoms.
If I read your question information correctly, YOU ARE VERY LUCKY!, You are in England, the United Kingdom, where you have free lifetime healthcare. We are debating that in our country right now! They tell us that free healthcare will allow you to; go to the Doctors you want(need), get the testing you need: Xray / CT or MRI scan / perhaps an EMG for nerve damage testing; all free. Then YOU get to go to the Doctor you need for free treatment to correct the CAUSE of your condition. YOU, and your countrymen are LUCKY to have access to all this Free Healthcare diagnostic testing and treatment! I would start tomorrow with the Xray and MRI! and I would start treatment to correct the CAUSE, the underlying condition as soon as properly diagnosed! See the Orthopedic MD or DC, or see the Neurologist MD or DC (MD = Medical Doctor, DC = Chiropractic Doctor) as you see fit, and get over this episode, and help PREVENT future episodes!
The Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) has many specialties just like MDs. Again, you are lucky that you have Free Healthcare available to you- I would go to the Ortho or Neuro TOMORROW and start on the road to wellness A.S.A.P. (as soon as possible) ( CHiropractic specialties SEE: http://www.acatoday.org/UserFiles/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Approved%20Chiropractic(1).pdf ).
You say, "...he has just told me i have spina bifida in the lower back and the curve is not a problem as it appears to be straightening.....". I have Spina Bifida Occulta (SBO) myself. SBO can be a problem, or may cause no problems at all. I do not believe my SBO has ever caused me any discomfort or problem throughout my lifetime. SBO is the MILDEST form of Spina Bifida, which can come in widely varying degrees, from mild to deadly! For information see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spina_bifida , http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/spina-bifida/DS00417 .
I do not think your SBO contributes to your complaints; BUT only a Doctor who has a hands-on, in person examination of you cann assure that. Also, the idea that your curve is in the process of straightening makes the curve sound correctable, makes the curve sound temporary, makes the curve sound antalgic rather than scoliotic.
In my Staten Island Chiropractor practice, I have an information sheet on Spinal Scoliosis, perhaps this will be of help to you!
Scoliosis
Everyone's spine has a natural front-to-back curve -- that's what produces the normal rounding of the shoulders and the sway of the lower back. However, some people suffer from "Scoliosis" ?an abnormal curvature of the spine, especially one characterized by a rotational side-to-side deformity.
In simple terms, what this means is that the spine is twisted side-to-side, often taking on an "S" shaped appearance and even resembling a corkscrew in some cases.
Almost three out of every 100 people have some degree of abnormal spinal curvature, and for some it never becomes a serious problem. But for many others, the curve gets worse over time and can cause considerable pain, frustration, and limitations on normal activities. Severe scoliosis can even complicate breathing and circulation.
The current medical approach to scoliosis is to react to symptoms of curve progression, not to prevent potential progression. It is mainly a "wait and see" attitude - yes, you have it, but we'll just watch it for a while and when it starts to get worse, we'll do something!" However, according to the Journal of American Family Physicians, 1999, underarm thoroco-lumbar-sacral orthosis (TLSO) braces have a 74 percent success rate in slowing curve progression.
According to the AAOS figures, almost all cases of juvenile scoliosis (in children ages 3-10) progress. This group accounts for 15 percent of the scoliosis cases. Fifty percent of the cases progress to a point of surgical intervention. Adolescence scoliosis (in children older than age 10) comprises 80 percent of scoliosis in children, and 5 percent to 25 percent of these cases progress. The AAOS further states that if the curve is greater than 20 degrees at 10-12 years of age, there is a 68 percent chance it will progress. The AOS also concurs that even after bone maturity, especially in curves greater than 30 degrees, some progression occurs.
Who suffers from scoliosis?
The most common form of scoliosis is called idiopathic scoliosis, which basically means that the cause is unknown. Anyone can suffer from scoliosis; the condition usually begins in childhood, although too often it is not identified until the teenage years or later.
Scoliosis tends to run in families, and it affects many more girls than boys. In fact, research indicates that girls are nearly eight times more likely than boys to have scoliosis and five times more likely to require some form of treatment for their condition than boys, and the curvature of their spine is more likely to worsen over time, especially if left unattended.
What are some of the symptoms of scoliosis?
Sometimes curvature of the spine is visible (the body tilts to the left or the right, or one shoulder blade is raised higher than the other. Some of the actual physical symptoms of scoliosis can include back pain, fatigue (especially postural fatigue -- feeling tired when standing, sitting, etc.), and in more severe cases, problems with circulation and breathing.
What can chiropractic do?
Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify and manage problems relating to the spine and the back. An initial visit to the chiropractor will include a thorough physical and diagnostic examination (including range-of-motion tests and spinal x-rays) to identify any problems you may be having, including whether you or your children may be suffering from abnormal or dangerous curvature of the spine.
If you do show signs of scoliosis, your chiropractor can provide a variety of techniques to help your condition, including spinal adjustments to increase movement and biomechanical function, and advice on posture and exercise to help prevent further increase in the problem.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Scoliosis and the Chiropractic Approach http://www.planetc1.com/chiropractic-articles/scoliosis-chiropractic.html
By Matthew Trull
Analysis of Findings
Scoliosis can be very serious. If detected early, the chances for stabilization and reduction of the curves are very good. In my family alone, we have two examples. My sister抯 Scoliosis was diagnosed when both her curves had already progressed to 45 degrees. She had Spinal Fusion surgery in Atlanta at Scottish Rites Children抯 Hospital. The surgery was successful; her curves were reduced to 20 degrees each. However, it was very dangerous, painful, expensive, and changed her life dramatically. My Scoliosis was diagnosed early, while I had only one curve that was 21 degrees. Following six months of Chiropractic care, I have been completely cured of Scoliosis. The approach was painless, inexpensive, and did not alter my life in any way. I believe Chiropractic care should be the first-line approach for all patients diagnosed with Scoliosis. My research has proven it has a very high success rate: 70% achieving stabilization and reduction, and 15% obtaining total correction!
Typical Treatment Options
Bracing: For curves 30-degrees or less, a Milwaukee brace is typically worn. It is a rigid brace that exerts pressure against the spine, in hopes of achieving stabilization. The brace is uncomfortable, unsightly, and is usually worn 20-24 hours per day, until the patient stops growing. It offers no correction, and is only marginally effective for stabilization. Surgery: An orthopedic surgeon performs Spinal Fusion surgery. The patient is placed on a spinal cord monitor to prevent paralysis. After performing an incision, the surgeon manually reduces the curves as much as possible, and inserts metal rods on each side of the spine, attaching them with special hardware. Bone splinters (either removed from the hip area, or donor bone) are applied between the vertebrae. Over time, these fragments grow together to create a solid bone. Surgery is very expensive, painful, dangerous, and requires the patient to alter their lifestyle forever. Surgery is very effective for reducing curves. Surgery should be considered a last resort.
Signs of Scoliosis
Most obvious signs of Scoliosis are: shoulders of unequal height, a 憆ib hump? which is caused by the ribcage on the back protruding more on one side than the other, and hips that appear unequal in height. Scoliosis clinics are conducted free of charge by health Departments and Chiropractors. A school or Health Department nurse or Physical Education teacher routinely screens students during the middle school years. It is extremely important to diagnosis and treat Scoliosis as early as possible.
Special Thank-You
I want to thank Dr. Marc Schnobrich, of Rincon Chiropractic, for all the many ways he has helped my family and me. He diagnosed my Scoliosis while treating me for an elbow injury. During the following months, he treated me weekly, always explaining what he was going to do. He provided excellent chiropractic care in many other areas, as well. Dr. Marc checked my spine often for progress. After six months of care, I was completely cured!
Dr. Marc has always been very kind, caring and helpful. He has been my friend as well as my doctor! During my research for this project, he loaned me books and other research materials. He patiently answered questions, and was never too busy to talk to me on the telephone between visits. He also answered my emails promptly and accurately. Thanks to Dr. Marc抯 care, I will be able to continue my normal lifestyle, which includes baseball and many other physical activities.
Thank you, Dr. Marc!
Conclusion
Spinal Fusion surgery is very painful, expensive, and will alter the lifestyle of the patient forever. Surgery should be considered the last alternative in treating Scoliosis. Wearing a Milwaukee Brace is uncomfortable, limits physical activity, offers no correction, and is mostly ineffective in stabilizing the spine. The Chiropractic approach is very effective at stabilizing the spine, preventing the curve from progressing. At least 70% of the patients achieve some degree of reduction in the size of the curves. Approximately 15% of Scoliosis patients achieve total correction, like I did! That means at least fifteen out of 100 patients will not have to face surgery, take medications, and change their lifestyle forever! All of this is done with a minimum of cost and no pain! Research and experience have proven Chiropractic care is definitely effective in the stabilization and reduction of Scoliosis! Chiropractic care should be the first-line approach for all Scoliosis patients.
Chiropractic Facts
The first Chiropractic adjustment performed on the North American Continent was in 1895, by Dr. Daniel David Palmer. His first patient experienced deafness following a back injury. Following care, the patient reported improved hearing. Dr. Palmer founded the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, which continues to train Chiropractors today.
Spinal manipulation has been practiced since the beginning of recorded time. Over 2700 years ago the Chinese documented this form of treatment. Records indicate that ancient Japanese, Indians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Syrians, Tibetans, and Native Americans practiced a hands on approach to health.
An estimated 19.5 million Americans visit a Chiropractor each year.
There are over 50,000 licensed Chiropractors in the United States, and another 30,000 worldwide.
Chiropractic is the world's second largest health care profession. It promotes the body抯 own ability to heal itself. Chiropractic uses no drugs or surgery, and is all-natural.
Evaluation of Work
I believe whole-heartedly in Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis. I am living proof that it works! I thoroughly enjoyed researching this project. I was eager to find if others had similar success. I was delighted to find that more than 2/3 of the Scoliosis patients seeking Chiropractic care had very good results. It was fascinating to speak with Chiropractors who treat Scoliosis on a regular basis. I found them to be very caring, dedicated professionals. I accompanied my sister to Atlanta for her Spinal Fusion surgery, and remember the excruciating pain she suffered. I see her daily life changed. I wish my parents had been aware of Chiropractic when my sister was diagnosed with Scoliosis. Maybe next year I抣l research why more health care professionals don抰 offer Chiropractic care as an option to their Scoliosis patients. More public education is definitely needed in this area!
Scoliosis- is an OBVIOUS Misalignment of the spine. The spine compensates- like dominoes - - - one falls here, and the final domino may be far distant !, Like the old song- the toe bones connected to the foot bone, the foot bone to the ankle bone, the ankle bone is connected to the leg bone, the leg bone is connected to the knee bone, etc etc etc. the body is all interconnected and interdependent. A misalignment (subluxation) in the spine can cause a compensation elsewhere contributing to an abnormal curvature- known as a SCOLIOSIS.
Scoliosis: a misalignment of the SPINE often contributed to by:
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
The kinesiopathology of the subluxation (misalignment, improper movement pattern) is often involved with scoliosis, and can sometimes be the cause of the curvature.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of joints, and can cause scoliosis, osteo-arthritic degeneration, Degenerative Disk Disease, degenerative joint disease, etc.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body- i.e.: muscles) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
Subluxation is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Inflammed Discs can easily bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may also suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Vertebral Subluxation may cause Spinal Scoliosis, Arthritis, Disk Herniation, Disk Degeneration, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment by Doctor of Chiropractic. Scoliosis??- nothing better then the CHIROPRACTIC Adjustment. Plus- do your at home exercise (ie 慼anging? as instructed.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine , INVITED to care for USA Olympians at the US Olympic Training Center (Colorado Springs) , Selected to the Pan Am Games medical staff 2011 ( FIRST Staten Island Doctor ever selected to Pan Am )
++++++++++++
You ask; "...does this mean i do not have scoliosis....". You may or may not have scoliosis. Your back pain may or may not be related to the presence or absence of scoliosis. The BEST way to check for scoliosis is by an in-person, hands on examination by your spinal specialist: the Doctor of Chiropractic or other licensed heath professional. You could use a series of STANDING Xray examination to rule in / rule out a scoliosis.
From your discussion, I do not think that SCOLIOSIS contributed to your current episode. I think you aggravated your problematical back doing something. Your transient, temporary curve was just an antalgic reaction.
I hope all of this information helps you.
If you need further- please REcontact me here at: http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm .
Thank You for your question! Good Luck in managing your Back Pain, returning to Good Health Naturally. Good Luck in preventing future degenerative painful episodes!
Your Staten Island Chiropractor,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
www.statenislandchiropractor.com
