The case for delayed back pain…

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Scoliosis, the case for delayed back pain… 

For some, scoliosis can strike at any age, and many times it goes undetected for quite some time.

Most people don't realize that scoliosis is marked by an abnormal curvature of the spine, and it also affects adults including those with no history of the condition at all as a child.

1. The most common scoliosis patients are children age 10 to 12, often with idiopathic scoliosis.  This is due to children and teens’ fast growth rate.

2. Patients with idiopathic scoliosis, the most common type of scoliosis, is more commonly found in girls than boys in their same age groups.

3. Scoliosis can be hereditary. If a close family member suffers from a significant scoliosis, consider regular doctor’s checkups.

4. Some cases of scoliosis have unknown causes, where some cases have known causes ranging from injuries, birth defects, infections, or diseases.
 
5. Contrary to popular belief, scoliosis is not caused by activities such as carrying heavy loads, poor posture, or arms and legs of slightly unequal lengths.
 
6. People with scoliosis are often initially asymptomatic. The condition is usually noticed first by family or friends who see an unlevel hemline or one shoulder held higher than the other.
 
7. An x ray is an important scoliosis diagnostic tool. X rays can help a doctor to determine the degree and pattern of curvature of the scoliosis.
 
8. Options for treating scoliosis are based on factors including a person’s age, type of scoliosis, expected amount of continued growth, and the pattern and degree of the curvature.
 
9. Exercise has not been proven to improve an existing scoliosis, but regular exercise remains an important factor in keeping bones strong and growing healthily, especially in youth.
 
10. Surgery is a treatment option for scoliosis exceeding 50 degrees of curvature, and hospital stays for such surgeries are an average of 5 to 6 days.

You may have heard of scoliosis when you were in middle school or high school, or the school nurse checked for it during gym class or before playing a team sport with a special trip to their office.  Most people think of scoliosis as a problem that strikes only children and teenagers especially girls between the ages of 9 and 15.  

You might be asking yourself why is this so important? For adults scoliosis can be an undiagnosed cause of back pain especially when it’s accompanied with radiating complaints into the legs or buttocks.  Numbness or even weakness in the leg or foot may also occur but less commonly.

These symptoms can go on for many years without scoliosis ever being discovered as the reason why.  In fact, the characteristic “S-curve” or "hump-back" of adult scoliosis is sometimes severe enough that it's quite easy to see when barely clothed walking on a beach, or at a pool wearing swim shorts or a bikini while viewed from behind.  But in other cases, the curve is barely noticeable even to the untrained eye, and measurable only on an x-ray by a specialist. 

What actually happens to the spine when scoliosis is discovered as an adult very likely started during childhood… but never diagnosed.  Or, the condition may have first developed in adulthood.  If you're over 40 years of age and develop scoliosis for the first time, then you probably have degenerative scoliosis sometimes referred to as a form of spondylosis... age related degenerative osteoarthritis of the spine.  

Do you have scoliosis?

Here are some signs that you may have scoliosis…

• You've lost more than 1 inch of height
• When looking in the mirror, one shoulder appears higher than the other
• One hip is higher than the other
• The sole or heel of one shoe is wearing faster or differently than the other
• Pant cuffs are wearing unequally
• You sleep comfortably laying on one side but not the other

Here's what begins to occur:

As we get older the discs and the facet joints between the vertebra begin to degenerate. As the discs begin to dehydrate and telescope they lose their vertical height and this collapse over time is what leads to degeneration leading to scoliosis as an adult. It's important to know if you have osteoporosis (bone brittleness, which is far worse than naturally occurring bone degeneration) and you develop scoliosis.  In that event, the scoliosis will progress more rapidly than it would in persons without osteoporosis or osteopenia, (loss of bone density).  

All in all, for adults who had scoliosis has children, the degenerative process can cause the condition to worsen with age. And if this occurs, the S-curve will generally progress by about 1° per year. Scoliosis is diagnosed when the spine is curved vertically or twisted by more than 10°. 

How about spinal stenosis?

Other complications of scoliosis is spinal stenosis. If you find you are more comfortable standing or walking while leaning forward, or if you like to lean on a counter or on a shopping cart while at a grocery store, then this may be the telltale sign of spinal stenosis contributing to your scoliosis. This is a condition that causes narrowing of the bony spinal canal, which protects the spinal cord running the length of the spine.

Also, the degenerative process affecting the spine puts adults at increased risk for scoliosis, even though genetics may also play a role, adult onset scoliosis is usually the result of wear and tear accompanied with the aging process. Scoliosis tends to run in families, and the good news is for most adults with scoliosis they have no symptoms.

How can you have a happy and healthy spine?

If you know you had scoliosis as a child, or you think you may have it as an adult, get professional advice. If your childhood curvature was more than 30° you'd be best advised to go to a spine specialist every 3 to 5 years in order to monitor the progress of changes. On the other hand, if you suspect that you have adult scoliosis, there are certain red flags that signal the condition. Scoliosis is relatively easy for a spine specialist to diagnose with a physical examination and spine imaging such as x-rays, CT or MRI scans.

Important for anyone who has scoliosis is to keep a close eye on his or her weight, (being overweight puts additional stress on your spine) and remember to remain physically active.   The reason why is inactivity can worsen symptoms by allowing trunk muscles to weaken, which can increase the muscle pain associated with scoliosis and accelerate the loss of bone density, strength, and endurance.

Here's how to help yourself:

Once you have scoliosis, exercise won't strain your spine nor will it stop the disorder from progressing. Not even chiropractic adjustments will straighten your spine so don't be misled by someone who says it can. What periodic chiropractic adjustments will do with someone with adult scoliosis will maintain resiliency and flexibility, which in turn helps to reduce pain and stiffness. Exercise will also help you keep your spine supported as best as possible, and reduce pain and keep you feeling stronger, looking and acting younger.

Even though cardiovascular exercise such as Nordic Pole Walking, swimming, or racquetball is a good idea for most people, a core-strengthening program is crucial for anyone with adult scoliosis. If you think of your spine as a radio transmission tower think of your muscles as the guy wires, because it's easy to visualize how the muscles help support the spine much like guy wires support the tower. The goal of core exercises is to strengthen the little tiny muscles of the back and pelvis that attach directly to the spine.  The sling muscles of the abdomen and the lateral oblique muscles, and the strong hip flexor muscles are generally strong enough to handle most any load.

Depending upon your overall fitness and flexibility, a core workout and exercise routine might include abdominal sit back exercises as well as lateral planks, and others that strengthen the front belly muscles rather than the ones behind the stomach, which attach directly to the spine. Because scoliosis can limit movement of the spine, stretching can also  help ease joint stiffness.

Many people with scoliosis are able to alleviate their pain if they work with a skilled and competent chiropractor or physical therapist that can help them design an exercise program that targets their specific areas of weakness. The one program that I have been infinitely impressed with is the BackPower Program endorsed by the National Safety Council, and I've recommended this program to thousands of patients over the past 20+ years with resounding success.

For more help:

Because of the severity of other problems associated with adult scoliosis because of the way it can vary so much from person to person, no one size fits all treatment is appropriate. Daily treatment for two weeks then three times a week for two months, and twice a week for six months, and then once a week for the remainder of the year is simply unnecessary, and not sound advise.  Periodic spinal adjustments however are.  How often?  About every 90- days or about twice as often as you'd typically get your teeth cleaned. 

In addition to a well thought out and focused exercise program there are many non-drug therapies that are helpful these include:

1. Chiropractic care, especially to maintain power, strength, coordination, flexibility and balance. 2. Massage, and sometimes 3. Acupuncture, which seems to help some people with the pain associated with scoliosis. 

Even though bracing is often prescribed for young scoliosis patients especially those who are still growing, it's rarely offered or advised for adults since it restricts motion and weakens the core muscles that can in turn increase symptoms and other problems.  

Bless and be blessed ALWAYS,

Lewis Meltz

The Chiropractic Adjustment

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As a chiropractor in El Dorado Hills many times I'm asked, “What can chiropractic care do for me?”

 

The simplest answer for you is this; chiropractic care is a unique branch of the healing arts that deals with structure and function. Chiropractic doctors have found that if there is a restriction in normal movement anywhere along the spine, from the very tip-top of your neck, (near the base of your skull) all the way down to your tail-bone —silent problems of mobility begin between the vertebra that can develop into episodes of pain if ignored.  What we do is often referred to as:

Manual Orthopedic Performance and Injury Care

Bending, lifting, twisting, or stooping can be the cause of a short-lived problem like this.  Other times, problems develop over time, and you slowly eliminate activities you once enjoyed hoping things will get better… And they don't.   

We gently and specifically adjust your joints, the ones in your spine, pelvis, arms, and legs to restore normal flexibility and resiliency to restricted areas while we leave the joints with good flexibility alone.  That is truly the KEY in achieving a successful outcome. 

Stretched, scraped, pinched or irritated nerves exiting the spine, can interfere with their normal function as it transfers information back and forth between the brain, and where it exits from the spine or anywhere along the nerve's path such as to your shoulder, your hips, your lungs, kidneys, heart or digestive tract.  No wonder a problem in one place, seemingly unrelated to another, could be so closely associated with something else.  It’s not that simple.  Pain is definitely an indicator that something is wrong, and the reason why a lot of people call for an appointment… But not the only reason.

Take your car for instance, some people only bring it in for repair when it won't start, there's a rough idle, the air conditioning is broken or there's poor acceleration. Others bring their car into their mechanic for regular routine and scheduled maintenance. Now and then something might go wrong but for the most part a well-maintained automobile rarely breaks down and will provide years and years of good performance and use. Your body is no different, and only begs you for proper attention, and a little bit of love. 

Some only go to a doctor when there are symptoms of fever, or a life-threatening emergency.    Or after decades of eating crappy food, smoking, and being overweight you think a lap band procedure, a prescriptive medication or two, liposuction, or a knee replacement is just the thing to fix you up and be normal again.   

When life is no longer bearable because of pain, or when blood sugar is so poorly controlled it begins to affect your vision, maybe causing numbness in your toes, and kidney problems…. Believe me, the damage is already done.  It is highly probable that these problems among others will affect muscles, joints, blood vessels and even organs and glands that provide for your vitality and good health. That's why periodic check-ups, and regularly scheduled chiropractic visits will help minimize these other problems that unfortunately compromise your well-being and good health. It is much easier to stay healthy, physically fit and strong rather than struggle with the uphill battle of trying to regain your health once its lost because of neglect. 

It is the chiropractor's job to determine if such a problem exists, and if it can be alleviated or relieved.  Advanced technology and extensive diagnostic training assures you that the findings are valid and the prognosis is reliable.

The nice thing about chiropractic care is no potentially harmful substances are ever introduced into the body, nor is any part of the body cut away or removed.  We don't use drugs, we don't perform surgery, and if I can't find the cause of your problem you’re referred to another specialist who can.

Our statistics reveal that 85% of patients who choose to see a chiropractic doctor, someone like me, becomes symptom-free or shows improvement in a very short period of time.  It is possible that some conditions may have progressed to the point where the tincture of time and nature's healing process have become ineffective, or you’re unable to cope with the damage already done.  And in those cases a cooperative effort is necessary between many different providers. 

Regular chiropractic care can help maintain or restore your good health...  But it all depends upon what you decide is best for you.

Bless and be blessed ALWAYS,

 

Lewis Meltz

Chiropractor in El Dorado Hills Says, "Blow On It First!"

--> "Short term affordable headache, neck, and back pain relief care.  Vitality for life is living life to its fullest... and a regular check-up is the secret."

 

 
As a chiropractor in El Dorado Hills I often explain to people, “you  certainly don’t need to call the fire department to blow out the candles on your birthday cake… or a plumber to pour a little drain cleaner down the kitchen sink.”   

I say, "Blow on it First!"

Simple things like that you can do all on your own with no sweat at all.  But every day, people call on a specialist or an expert of some kind to treat a problem their ‘doctor on the inside’ knows just how to do without any help at all.   

The doctor inside is known as “Dr. You.”  And most often could just as easily take care of it with the right information, adding something different to your diet, eliminating something else, and most times let the tincture of time and nature’s healing process do the rest.

It might come from a lack of understanding, that’s something you can learn.  Or fear of the unknown, a little bit of practice and experience to get more confidence will sole that.  Or the what if’s that come from media conditioning, which makes even a freckle seem life threatening… an annoyance… or an inconvenience that needs to be treated right now.   

You’ve heard all the warnings… or maybe because you’ve heard them so often now you ignore most of them.  Sometimes over-testing is done all for the sake of being careful.  The truth is it creates fear in the hearts of patients who just need to find a simple solution, and hear the truth from someone they can trust.

As a chiropractor, sometimes the greatest challenge we have is to help you realize just how powerful you really are to maintain your own good health. The same physical laws, which holds the universe together is holding you together also!  In the rare case you develop a catastrophic health problem where outside help is needed, rest assured it will generally be there for you.

In the time between fright and flight however, take a moment, breath deeply and relax.  If your Nervous System is clear and working properly, your body is capable of blowing out the ‘flame’ all on its own.

Bless and Be Blessed ALWAYS... 

Lewis Meltz

Neck Injuries Can Impact Your Health

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Regardless of the cause, spinal injuries almost always result in some kind of misalignment or restriction of spinal bones in the neck, mid or lower back.   

These fixations are associated with a vast assortment of health issues, such as headaches, migraines, backaches, neck pain, digestive problems, carpal tunnel syndrome… and now experts report many other more serious conditions may be related.

Research finds how some of these vertebral restrictions caused by even minor injuries affecting the upper neck, overtime can contribute to progressive disorders of the nervous system.  

Disease symptoms worsen as your condition progresses over time.  Problems like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. 

One thing we know, lower your own potential risk (since many of these are genetic, and thus beyond your control) would be to…

Take good care of the things that regulate your cardiovascular health, such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke, and heart disease...

…all of which can lead to poor blood flow to your brain and possibly elevate your risk of developing these problems.

But how could an upper neck injury cause these conditions?

Want to know how?

Researchers theorize that vertebral fixations set up virtual roadblocks within the neck and spinal column.

By suppressing normal function, and dampening the normal feedback mechanisms, this starves other areas of vital information allowing them to function properly.

After years of influence these roadblocks may cause a multiplier effect resulting in what only can be described as…

 …a failure to thrive, and begin to affect every part of the body from the brain to the heart, and the lifestyle conditions associated with them.

The good news is that spinal restrictions are easily correctable with safe and gentle maneuvers called spinal manipulative therapy.

Some prefer a skilled and experienced chiropractor (DC) for their periodic spinal hygiene visits…

While others prefer an osteopath, (DO), or a physical therapist (DPT) who’s skilled and knowledgeable in manual orthopedic therapy.

Neck and back injuries affect more than just the spine.

Spinal injuries occur in just seconds, and an experienced chiropractor like Dr. Meltz, knows that uncorrected spinal bones may last for years, and during that time cause enduring pain and disability or the delayed onset of other problems.

Parkinson’s Disease & MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are two degenerative diseases for which there are no cures.

Research shows that spinal trauma may trigger and worsen MS and PD symptoms.  Eur J Neurol2003;10:109-10. 

Fortunately, initial research shows that chiropractic adjustments help reduce symptoms for both MS and PD patients who’ve sustained neck injuries.

Alzheimer’s Disease

What’s the association between AD and brain injury? One theory explaining the AD- injury risk lies in an enzyme in the blood called thrombin, which has been found in plaques of AD patients’ brains.

Brain injuries, and spinal trauma in which neurons are exposed to high levels of thrombin, significantly increase AD risks.

Depression

Researchers also link neck injuries to clinical depression.  Patients with acute neck whiplash injuries both male and female subjects often report depression as one of the three chief complaints shortly after their neck injury.

After depression the next 2- most common symptoms were concentration, and problems going to sleep or staying asleep —each are many times associated with depression.  J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1993;56:1328-9 

Migraines, Emotional Problems, Neck Pain, Backache and Osteoarthritis

Studies show that the trauma caused by spinal injuries can accelerate the degenerative process of osteoarthritis. In addition, research indicates that osteoarthritis increases the incidence of falls causing fractures regardless of steadiness and bone mineral density. (J Arthritis Rheum2003;49:648-57).

Prevention is the best pathway and solution for:

Improved Health

Better Posture

Greater Flexibility

More Energy

So You Can Enjoy Life Again !

If you’ve sustained any type of accident —from mild to traumatic —then contact Dr. Meltz for a complete spinal evaluation.

If you’re currently in pain, your symptoms could be related to undetected vertebral fixations, which can be easily corrected. 

Even if you feel you’ve escaped the trauma symptom-free, scheduling an appointment with the Dr. Meltz will ensure that your neck and spine are resilient and flexible enough to avoid future problems.

Bless and Be Blessed ALWAYS...

Lewis Meltz