Your Spine has 4 curves. Looking at a person from the side you have a forward curve (Lordotic) in the cervical (neck) spine, a backward curve (Kyphotic) in the Thoracic (midback) spine, a forward curve again in the lumbar (lower back) spine and then the Sacrum and Coccyx (tailbone) have a forward curve. Sometimes you might see that the spine has only 3 curves as they do not count the Sacrum and Coccyx. The above is considered normal and each curve should be within certain degrees of curvature. 

Looking at a person form the front or back the spine should be straight and the hips, shoulders, Scapula (shoulder blades) should be level. The head should be held straight up with the eyes and ears level. If not a person usually has a spinal problem that needs to be corrected. It may be a subluxation (bone out of place) of the spine or they may have a hip out of place. It could be a muscle spasm or a "Slipped Disc". These are all conditions that can be treated successfully. 

However it could be Scoliosis. Most often this is noticed in younger adults and often mistaken for bad posture or just slouching. However this should be further examined. There are different types of Scoliosis, some more treatable than others. For example it could be the child had an common accident such as a bicycle wreck or falling off a swing. A vertebrae is knocked out of place (subluxated) and now the rest of the spine sitting on top of that vertebrae will start to lean. The body can compensate for a while, one way being to lean the opposite way. You now have the beginning of Scoliosis. This problem can be successfully treated if caught in time.

Sometimes Scoliosis can be the result of a malformed vertebrae. It does not form correctly and the result is the body will try to adapt as in the above scenario but a malformed vertebrae cannot be undone. This type of scoliosis can be treated but treated differently and the results will not be as good. You need to stabilize the spine so that it does not get continually worse. Chiropractic adjustments can do just that and I have given many adjustments to younger adults. If left unchecked it can become a vary dangerous and life threatening situation even to the point of obstructing normal heart and lung function.

Remember that all Scoliosis is not as noticeable as the person leaning over when walking in the stance of what used to be vulgarly called a "humpback". Any lateral (side to side) curvature of the spine is a form of scoliosis. Many times a person may go undetected and then when they are about 30 years of age they start having all types of problems. Remember that the nerves that are effected go to muscles but some of them also go to internal organs. It is not uncommon for a person with Scoliosis to complain of stomach, gallbladder, or digestive problems and not complain of muscle pain at all. There muscles have adapted a long time ago but over the years their internal organs have not been receiving the correct nerve supply. Not all subluxations cause muscle pain, many can cause internal problems as well.

If you suspect your child of having scoliosis call for an appointment and get it checked out. If an adult has scoliosis that has never been properly treated and is now beginning to have internal problems schedule an appointment. Derickson Health & Wellness Center Center can help.

Call Dr. Mel Derickson D.C. with any other questions you may have. 937-426-9225