Wednesday, July 31, 2002

Scoliosis: Wait and see or take action

Scoliosis is defined as a side-to-side curvature of the spine. It is considered "idiopathic", which means the cause is unknown.

Medical protocol does not recommend treatment, bracing or surgery, if the curvature is below 20 degrees.

Dr. R. B Mawhiney, author of "Scoliosis Correction without Braces or Surgery," has been in practice for forty-five years, specializing in the treatment of Scoliosis. He recommends conservative treatment to prevent progression of the curvature.

Dr. Mawhiney views scoliosis as a biomechanical problem. He states that, "Scoliosis of the spine is a progressive condition and only stops progressing based on the laws of physics."

It is these laws of physics, which allow an imbalance of the upper cervical spine (the neck at the base of the skull) and the weight of the head (9 to 17 lbs in an adult), to shift the pelvis over creating distortion of the spine and a short leg.

Distinguished neurophysiologist and chiropractor Dr. Lasca Ann Hospers relates that the brain communicates with mechanisms, which are concerned with body position and equilibrium, through important 'tracts' of the spinal cord. These can be compromised when the Atlas, the first bone at the base of the skull, is misaligned.

Scoliosis is more common in females (80 percent) and is most often exhibited at age 10 or older. It is recommended that young girls, especially those who have a history of scoliosis in the family, have a Scoliosis Screening on a regular basis. They are more susceptible to this condition and should be checked before going through growth spurts.

If these curvatures are caused by the body's reaction to misaligned pelvis or cervical areas of the spine, then correction of these areas will eliminate the bodies need to compensate (curve). Conservative chiropractic care is designed to correct these misalignments.

Scoliosis Screenings should be done by experts in spinal biomechanics chiropractors. Leg checks and postural analysis performed by these trained professionals can identify spinal problems before it progresses into a serious medical condition.

Scoliosis screenings will be available at the Durden Chiropractic Clinic's Anniversary Open House. A $5 donation will be collected and given to the R.W. Sweat Foundation for Chiropractic Research.

The Atlas Orthogonal Technique is featured at the Durden Clinic, where patients can view a short video describing the technique. It contains a fluoroscopy (moving x-ray) of the atlas adjustment. More information can be found online at www.atlasorthogonality.com at www.uppercervical.org.

A massage therapist will also be available at the open house for a free introductory session. Please call for an appointment. Refreshments will be served.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The clinic is in the North Village Professional Complex, 1130 Senoia Rd., Ste B-4, Tyrone.

Dr. Marilyn Lalka Durden

(Marilyn L. Durden, B.S., M.Ed., D.C., is the Director of the Durden Chiropractic Clinic. She has been serving patients for over 8 years and is Board Certified in the Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique.)