What is Scoliosis?
According to WebMD, “[It’s] a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine, or backbone. The spine has normal curves when looking from the side, but it should appear straight when looking from the front.”
“In about 80% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is not known.”
Unfortunately, the underlying cause of scoliosis remains unknown for most people. It is typically detected in middle-school-aged children during routine exams, but some cases are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Early detection matters. Diagnosing scoliosis in a 7-year-old with an 8-degree curvature is far more beneficial than diagnosing a 13-year-old with a 15-degree curvature. Early intervention increases the chances of stopping progression, reversing some curvature, and mitigating the psychological and physical consequences.
The Consequences of Untreated Scoliosis
Left untreated, scoliosis can lead to:
- Heart and lung complications
- Accelerated spinal disc degeneration
- Osteoporosis
- Chronic spinal pain
- Reproductive issues and complications during pregnancy
Conventional Medical Approaches
Typically, there are three conventional approaches to scoliosis:
- Observation – Doing nothing while monitoring progression
- Bracing – Wearing a full-torso brace for up to 23 hours a day
- Surgery – Invasive spinal correction
The limitation of all three approaches is that they do not address the underlying cause of the curvature.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic: Addressing the Root Cause
A significant contributor to scoliosis may be injuries to the head and neck, which can disrupt the proprioceptive system—the system that allows the body to sense its position in space. The upper cervical spine contains the highest concentration of proprioceptors, and damage to this area can lead to neurological and postural imbalances.
Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on correcting misalignments in the top two vertebrae, restoring proper communication between the brain and body. This approach addresses the root cause rather than simply managing the symptoms, helping improve posture, neurology, and overall function.
Early evaluation and correction can make a meaningful difference in both children and adults diagnosed with scoliosis.
Take the First Step
If you or your child has scoliosis or postural concerns, an upper cervical evaluation can help determine if misalignments in the upper neck are contributing to the curvature.
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Dr. Craig Lapenski at Advanced Spinal Care, in Graham, Washington is one of 27 Board Certified NUCCA Doctors worldwide. His clinic serves the highest quality upper cervical care in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Lapenski also serves a number of patients who are out of state including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New York, and more! He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, vertigo, neck pain, back pain, and more. More information can be found on our website at https://www.nuccawashington.com/