Scoliosis is defined as a side-to-side curvature of the spine.
The most common form 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 45 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. “Scoliosis
of the spine is a progressive condition and only stops progressing
based on the laws of physics,” he said.
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.
Heavy school backpacks cause further spinal problems and make
existing problems worse. Have your child’s backpack screened
by a chiropractor.
Leg checks and postural analysis performed by these trained
professionals can identify spinal problems before it progresses
into a serious medical condition.
Scoliosis and school backpack screenings can be performed at
Durden Chiropractic Clinic’s Anniversary Open House. A $5
donation will be collected and will be given to the RW Sweat
Foundation for Chiropractic Research.
Visitors can also view a short video which describes the Atlas
Orthogonal Technique. It contains a fluoroscopy (moving X-ray)
of the Atlas adjustment. More information about this technique
can be found at www.atlasorthogonality.com, www.uppercervical.org
or
www.upcsprine.com.
The Anniversary open House at Durden Chiropractic Clinic is
Saturday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Refreshments will
be served. The office is in the North Village Professional Complex,
1130 Senoia Rd., Ste B-4, Tyrone. Call 770-631-7600 for more
information.
— Dr. Marilyn L. 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 10 years and is board-certified in the Atlas Orthogonal
Chiropractic Technique.)
