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.
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.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
