Dispelling Four Misconceptions About Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a complex spinal condition that involves a curvature of the spine in a C or S shape when viewed from the front. As with many medical conditions, myths and misconceptions surround it, leading to confusion, unnecessary fear, and misinformed decisions. This article aims to dispel four prevalent misconceptions about scoliosis.

1. Misconception: Only Posture Causes Scoliosis

Truth: While poor posture can certainly lead to or exacerbate back problems, scoliosis is not merely a product of sitting or standing incorrectly. The exact cause of most idiopathic scoliosis (which accounts for about 80% of cases) remains unknown. However, several factors may contribute to its development:

• Genetics: There's evidence that scoliosis can run in families.

• Neuromuscular conditions: Such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

• Congenital factors: Where spinal bones develop abnormally in the womb.

It's essential to recognize that telling someone with scoliosis to "stand up straight" won't address the underlying issue.

2. Misconception: Scoliosis Only Affects Adolescents

Truth: While the most common type is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which appears during growth spurts in puberty, the condition can manifest or be diagnosed at any age:

• Infantile scoliosis: Occurs in children aged 0-3.

• Juvenile scoliosis: Affects children aged 4-10.

• Adult scoliosis: This can be a continuation of adolescent scoliosis or can arise in adulthood due to spinal degeneration, trauma, or other causes.

3. Misconception: All Scoliosis Requires Surgery

Truth: The treatment of scoliosis is highly individualized, based on the severity of the curvature, its location, and its potential for progression:

• Mild curves: Regular monitoring is often sufficient without additional intervention; however, exploring alternative treatments like upper cervical chiropractic at this stage can help curb the progression of scoliosis.

• Moderate curves: Might benefit from upper cervical chiropractic care, physical therapy, exercises, or bracing.

• Severe curves: Upper cervical chiropractic care, physical therapy, bracing, and targeted exercises are non-surgical treatment options for severe scoliosis spinal curves.

4. Misconception: People with Scoliosis Can't Participate in Physical Activities

Truth: While it's vital to consult with a healthcare professional about specific activities, many people with scoliosis can, and should, be active. Physical activity can:

• Strengthen the back muscles.

• Enhance flexibility.

• Boost overall well-being.

In many cases, activities like swimming, cycling, and even some competitive sports can be beneficial for those with scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a multifaceted condition that impacts individuals differently. By dispelling myths and misconceptions, we can approach the condition with clarity and empathy, ensuring that those with scoliosis receive accurate information and appropriate care. Always consult with healthcare professionals when seeking guidance or making decisions about scoliosis treatment and management.

We Are Here To Help

Dr. Gordon Elder, our resident chiropractic expert, specializes in scoliosis management through the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This method emphasizes the precise realignment of the upper cervical spine, thereby activating the body's innate healing capabilities and offering solace to those battling conditions like scoliosis.

Dr. Elder employs a dual-pronged strategy to address and prevent upper cervical misalignments. The journey commences with a 25-30 minute session, during which he delves into patients' medical histories to ascertain if vertebral misalignments are the root cause of their scoliosis. Subsequently, he presents a detailed treatment roadmap, ensuring patients have ample opportunity to seek clarifications about their diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Part of the diagnostic protocol often entails cutting-edge 3-D imaging to accurately identify misalignment locations.

In the treatment phase, Dr. Elder adeptly employs the Blair Chiropractic Technique to delicately realign vertebrae, thereby neutralizing musculoskeletal irregularities and reinstating the spine's natural curvature.

Post-treatment, it's crucial for patients to revisit for periodic assessments over the span of 3-5 months, guaranteeing the realignment's stability. Generally, patients need around 10 to 15 sessions with Dr. Elder to witness enduring relief.

If scoliosis is affecting your daily life, reach out now to make an appointment with Dr. Elder. Conveniently located in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Elder also extends his expertise to the areas of Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

A Gentle Treatment for Scoliosis In Children

What is Scoliosis in Children?

Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. The condition is usually diagnosed in children after a growth spurt around the time they begin puberty. 

The severity of scoliosis can vary from child to child. In extreme cases, scoliosis can be debilitating and cause heart and lung problems due to the disfigurement of the rib cage. Extreme cases are rare, but even those with mild cases of scoliosis will suffer from pain and health issues throughout their lives if the condition is left untreated.

Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis in Children

During routine physicals, doctors will usually look at your child's back to see if there is any indication of curvature of the spine. Even parents may notice this curvature without a doctor's help. 

A person with scoliosis may have a noticeable sideways curve in the spine, often in the upper portion. The person may have uneven shoulders or hips and may appear to be leaning to one side. The ribs may appear to protrude more on one side than the other when the person tries standing up straight. 

Someone with scoliosis may have back pain of varying degrees of severity. Those with severe curves may also experience breathing issues. 

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Scoliosis in Children

There have been many theories about the cause of scoliosis, but modern research indicates that curves in the spine might be due to minor injuries of the upper cervical spine in childhood. The upper cervical spine is a vulnerable area that is prone to injuries from head traumas and jolts in the neck or shoulders. Children can sustain these kinds of injuries at any time in their lives from falls, roughhousing, contact sports or accidents. 

The atlantoaxial joint consists of the top two vertebrae. These vertebrae begin at the base of the skull, help support the weight of the head, and allow the head to move and pivot. New research suggests that a minor misalignment in the atlantoaxial joint may cause the skull to tilt slightly—so slightly that it goes unnoticed. The body tries to compensate by shifting the weight. As the child grows, this shift causes the spine to grow off-center and become curved. 

How Our Scoliosis Treatment Works for Children

When it comes to scoliosis, the best offense is a good defense. Getting treatment as early as possible can help nip the problem in the bud. Expert spinal corrections at an early age can prevent any curvature from worsening as the child's body continues to grow. Early intervention can save your child from a lifetime of discomfort, pain, future health problems,  mobility issues, and future corrective surgeries. 

Dr. Gordon Elder of the Blair Chiropractic Clinic is a specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. The Blair technique offers a safe, non-invasive, drug-free treatment for scoliosis that is gentle enough for children. With the Blair technique, there are no jarring jolts and twists as in traditional chiropractic methods. 

Using the Blair technique, Dr. Elder begins treatment with a thorough screening using 3D diagnostic imaging tools. This technology allows the doctor to make precise calculations and measurements so that corrections can be more precise and require a lighter touch. The doctor uses gentle pressure to coax the spine into alignment, and in follow-up visits, he will monitor the progress of your child's spine and health as your child continues to grow and develop. 

Regular chiropractic visits can help keep scoliosis under control; in some cases, chiropractic care can help prevent or cure scoliosis all together. Contact Dr. Elder for more information. The doctor treats patients in Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

A Way to Treat Scoliosis Naturally

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis, a condition most commonly found in children 10-15 years of age, is characterized by an overexaggerated, s-shaped curve to the spine. While this condition mainly affects children, adults can also be diagnosed with scoliosis. 

Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is often quite easy to diagnose as it has some obvious, tell-tale signs and symptoms. Children with scoliosis will often present with one shoulder and hip sitting higher than the other, back pain, breathing difficulties, a rotating spine, a body lean, and a protruding rib cage that becomes pronounced when the child bends forward. 

Generally, mild cases of scoliosis have little to no impact on the growth and development of a child. However, in some cases, scoliosis can cause spinal deformities and can have long-term growth implications, so addressing scoliosis sooner rather than later can be critical. 

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Scoliosis

While the cause of scoliosis is largely unknown, there have been significant findings to indicate that early damage to the upper cervical spine could be a key factor in the development of this condition. Because early age vertebral misalignments often go unnoticed, they can lead to significant musculoskeletal imbalances in the spine and surrounding muscles. In an attempt to compensate for these imbalances, the spine can curve in irregular directions, leading to scoliosis and other spinal issues. 

How Our Upper Cervical Treatment for Scoliosis Works

Dr. Gordon Elder, our in-house chiropractic specialist, is an expert in treating scoliosis using the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. Blair chiropractic focuses on restoring the upper cervical spine using precise spinal correction techniques, kick-starting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, and providing relief for patients suffering conditions like scoliosis. 

Dr. Elder’s two-step approach to treating upper cervical misalignments focuses on both healing and prevention. In order to correctly diagnose your condition, patients will attend a 25–30-minute consultation to establish their history and determine whether a vertebral misalignment could be causing scoliosis. Following this, Dr. Elder will provide you with a breakdown of your treatment plan, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions about your condition and treatment. The diagnostic process typically involves the use of advanced 3-D imaging techniques to pinpoint the exact location of any misalignments.

During your first treatment, Dr. Elder will use the Blair Chiropractic Technique to gently guide the misaligned vertebrae back into their natural position, removing the source of musculoskeletal imbalances and restoring the spinal column to natural alignment. 

After the first session, patients will need to return for regular check-ups (for at least 3-5 months) to ensure the adjustment has remained in place. Most patients average between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder to achieve long-lasting results.  

You don’t have to live with scoliosis ⁠— get in touch today to speak with Dr. Elder about the health of your upper cervical spine. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Elder also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.