Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 7/10/2008

Question
Hi,
Im a 27year old female.  About 4 months ago I had a consultation with a chiropractor who took around 6 or 7 xrays of my back and neck. At the time I explained I had a lot of lower back pain, esp in the morning (i actually had difficulty moving to get out of bed)I also had bad headaches 5-6 times/days a weeks, neck pain and slightly reduced movement in turning my head to the right.  I have had these pains for over 10years and was also concerned about the bump on the back of my neck at the top of my spine.  My report showed that I had mild scoliosis caused by my pevlis tilting down to the left by 15mm, and my neck had lost its curve and was straight and bent forwards.  I was given exercises to do at home and was given neck traction and adjustments 3 days a week.  There was also mention of me getting a heel lift for my shoes to help with my tilting pelvis.  I was given my 3rd month progress exam (i was given them once a month) and had more xrays and was told that my neck had improved a lot as it was up straight instead of forward but in order to get the backward curve i would need another 2 months of 3x/week adjustments and traction.  It was also at this point I was finally given my heel lift to wear.  To be honest I cant really afford the treatment so decided to leave the 2 extra months for a while but after only 10 days my headaches (which had disappeared completly) have returned with a vengance and Im just wondering is this normal and does it mean ill need adjustments etc for the rest of my life?? Also I was wanting to know if it was normal not to get the heel lift (which i assumed to be a large part of staightening my back) for 3 months??
Thanks for any help.  Its greatly appreciated.

Answer
Headache, neck pain, scoliosis, heel lift, Xrays.

Hello Aisling,

Sorry to hear of your condition.

Sometimes we develop spinal problems which affect the rest of our health.  These spinal problems: subluxation, misalignment, scoliosis, degenerative joints, herniated discs, curve alterations come about due to injury, poor posture habits, poor movement patterns.

This is similar to dental problems.  Some people need braces.  I wore braces as a teenager.  Some people wear braces for years.  After braces some people wear retainers for years.  Sometimes it takes years for the dentist to move our teeth (bones) into their proper positions.  I know by experience.  I wore my braces for a few years, moved my teeth (bones) to where they where supposed to be, had a great smile.  Then I decided to not wear a retainer.  So now I have a gap between my front two teeth, and my smile is not as great as it could have been.

You have spinal misalignment problems.  It is your spine (it was my teeth).  You can decide what treatment you want, or what treatment you do not want ( I did not want the retainer - - -I got a gap in my teeth - - - I did not listen to the dentist ).  It took years to re-set my teeth bones.  It could take months to re-set your spine bones.
Only you can decide if you want to do it.

You have had success, the headaches stopped, the curves changed for the better.  You can continue treatment, or stop it; the decision is yours.

The heel lift,,,, could have been placed initially, or perhaps your Doctor of Chiropractic wanted to see how resilient and flexible your spine was to Chiropractic care before moving to the lift.  It was not incorrect to wait a while and gauge your progress through chiropractic adjustment before moving to include the heel lift.

To make major changes in your spine you need frequent visits over many weeks.  Some people see the Doctor of Chiropractic or Physical Therapist for treatment for many weeks, sometimes even many months before progressing to maintenance treatment (ie once a month or even less).

I have a couple of information handouts I utilize in my Staten Island Chiropractic Office- these may be helpful to you:

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Scoliosis

Everyone's spine has a natural front-to-back curve -- that's what produces the normal rounding of the shoulders and the sway of the lower back. However, some people suffer from "Scoliosis" – an   abnormal  curvature of the spine, especially one characterized by  a  rotational  side-to-side  deformity.
In simple terms, what this means is that the spine is twisted side-to-side, often taking on an "S" shaped appearance and even resembling a corkscrew in some cases.
Almost three out of every 100 people have some degree of abnormal spinal curvature, and for some it never becomes a serious problem. But for many others,   the curve gets worse over time   and can cause considerable pain, frustration, and limitations on normal activities.   Severe scoliosis can even complicate breathing and circulation.
The  current   medical   approach to scoliosis is to   react   to  symptoms  of  curve  progression,  not  to prevent potential progression. It is mainly a "wait and see" attitude - yes, you have it, but we'll just watch it for a while and when it starts to get worse, we'll do something!" However, according to the Journal of American Family Physicians, 1999, underarm thoroco-lumbar-sacral orthosis (TLSO) braces have a 74 percent success rate in     slowing   curve progression.
According to the AAOS figures, almost all cases of juvenile scoliosis (in children ages 3-10) progress.      This group accounts for 15 percent of the scoliosis cases.   Fifty  percent  of  the  cases  progress  to  a  point  of   surgical intervention.    Adolescence scoliosis (in children older than age 10) comprises 80 percent of scoliosis in children, and 5 percent to 25 percent of these cases progress. The AAOS further states that if the curve is greater than 20 degrees at 10-12 years of age, there is a 68 percent chance it will progress. The AOS also concurs that even after bone maturity, especially in curves greater than 30 degrees, some progression occurs.
Who suffers from scoliosis?
The most common form of scoliosis is called idiopathic scoliosis, which basically means that the cause is unknown. Anyone can suffer from scoliosis; the condition usually begins in childhood, although too often it is not identified until the teenage years or later.
Scoliosis tends to run in families, and it affects many more girls than boys. In fact, research indicates that girls are nearly eight times more likely than boys to have scoliosis and five times more likely to require some form of treatment for their condition than boys, and the curvature of their spine is more likely to worsen over time, especially if left unattended.
What are some of the symptoms of scoliosis?
Sometimes curvature of the spine is visible (the body tilts to the left or the right, or one shoulder blade is raised higher than the other. Some of the actual physical symptoms of scoliosis can include back pain, fatigue (especially postural fatigue -- feeling tired when standing, sitting, etc.), and in more severe cases, problems with circulation and breathing.
What can chiropractic do?
Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify and manage problems relating to the spine and the back. An initial visit to the chiropractor will include a thorough physical and diagnostic examination (including range-of-motion tests and spinal x-rays) to identify any problems you may be having, including whether you or your children may be suffering from abnormal or dangerous curvature of the spine.
If you do show signs of scoliosis, your chiropractor can provide a variety of techniques to help your condition, including spinal adjustments to increase movement and biomechanical function, and advice on posture and exercise to help prevent further increase in the problem.

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Scoliosis and the Chiropractic Approach     http://www.planetc1.com/chiropractic-articles/scoliosis-chiropractic.html
By Matthew Trull

Analysis of Findings
Scoliosis can be very serious. If detected early, the chances for stabilization and reduction of the curves are very good. In my family alone, we have two examples. My sister’s Scoliosis was diagnosed when both her curves had already progressed to 45 degrees. She had Spinal Fusion surgery in Atlanta at Scottish Rites Children’s Hospital. The surgery was successful; her curves were reduced to 20 degrees each. However, it was very dangerous, painful, expensive, and changed her life dramatically. My Scoliosis was diagnosed early, while I had only one curve that was 21 degrees. Following six months of Chiropractic care, I have been completely cured of Scoliosis. The approach was painless, inexpensive, and did not alter my life in any way. I believe Chiropractic care should be the first-line approach for all patients diagnosed with Scoliosis. My research has proven it has a very high success rate: 70% achieving stabilization and reduction, and 15% obtaining total correction!


Typical  Treatment  Options
Bracing: For curves 30-degrees or less, a Milwaukee brace is typically worn. It is a rigid brace that exerts pressure against the spine, in hopes of achieving stabilization. The brace is uncomfortable, unsightly, and is usually worn 20-24 hours per day, until the patient stops growing. It offers no correction, and is only marginally effective for stabilization. Surgery: An orthopedic surgeon performs Spinal Fusion surgery. The patient is placed on a spinal cord monitor to prevent paralysis. After performing an incision, the surgeon manually reduces the curves as much as possible, and inserts metal rods on each side of the spine, attaching them with special hardware. Bone splinters (either removed from the hip area, or donor bone) are applied between the vertebrae. Over time, these fragments grow together to create a solid bone. Surgery is very expensive, painful, dangerous, and requires the patient to alter their lifestyle forever. Surgery is very effective for reducing curves. Surgery should be considered a last resort.

Signs of Scoliosis
Most obvious signs of Scoliosis are: shoulders of unequal height, a ‘rib hump’, which is caused by the ribcage on the back protruding more on one side than the other, and hips that appear unequal in height. Scoliosis clinics are conducted free of charge by health Departments and Chiropractors. A school or Health Department nurse or Physical Education teacher routinely screens students during the middle school years. It is extremely important to diagnosis and treat Scoliosis as early as possible.


Special Thank-You
I want to thank Dr. Marc Schnobrich, of Rincon Chiropractic, for all the many ways he has helped my family and me. He diagnosed my Scoliosis while treating me for an elbow injury. During the following months, he treated me weekly, always explaining what he was going to do. He provided excellent chiropractic care in many other areas, as well. Dr. Marc checked my spine often for progress. After six months of care, I was completely cured!

Dr. Marc has always been very kind, caring and helpful. He has been my friend as well as my doctor! During my research for this project, he loaned me books and other research materials. He patiently answered questions, and was never too busy to talk to me on the telephone between visits. He also answered my emails promptly and accurately. Thanks to Dr. Marc’s care, I will be able to continue my normal lifestyle, which includes baseball and many other physical activities.

Thank you, Dr. Marc!

Conclusion
Spinal Fusion surgery is very painful, expensive, and will alter the lifestyle of the patient forever. Surgery should be considered the last alternative in treating Scoliosis. Wearing a Milwaukee Brace is uncomfortable, limits physical activity, offers no correction, and is mostly ineffective in stabilizing the spine. The Chiropractic approach is very effective at stabilizing the spine, preventing the curve from progressing. At least 70% of the patients achieve some degree of reduction in the size of the curves. Approximately 15% of Scoliosis patients achieve total correction, like I did! That means at least fifteen out of 100 patients will not have to face surgery, take medications, and change their lifestyle forever! All of this is done with a minimum of cost and no pain! Research and experience have proven Chiropractic care is definitely effective in the stabilization and reduction of Scoliosis! Chiropractic care should be the first-line approach for all Scoliosis patients.


Chiropractic Facts
The first Chiropractic adjustment performed on the North American Continent was in 1895, by Dr. Daniel David Palmer. His first patient experienced deafness following a back injury. Following care, the patient reported improved hearing. Dr. Palmer founded the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, which continues to train Chiropractors today.

Spinal manipulation has been practiced since the beginning of recorded time. Over 2700 years ago the Chinese documented this form of treatment. Records indicate that ancient Japanese, Indians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Syrians, Tibetans, and Native Americans practiced a hands on approach to health.

An estimated 19.5 million Americans visit a Chiropractor each year.

There are over 50,000 licensed Chiropractors in the United States, and another 30,000 worldwide.

Chiropractic is the world's second largest health care profession. It promotes the body’s own ability to heal itself. Chiropractic uses no drugs or surgery, and is all-natural.

Evaluation of Work
I believe whole-heartedly in Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis. I am living proof that it works! I thoroughly enjoyed researching this project. I was eager to find if others had similar success. I was delighted to find that more than 2/3 of the Scoliosis patients seeking Chiropractic care had very good results. It was fascinating to speak with Chiropractors who treat Scoliosis on a regular basis. I found them to be very caring, dedicated professionals. I accompanied my sister to Atlanta for her Spinal Fusion surgery, and remember the excruciating pain she suffered. I see her daily life changed. I wish my parents had been aware of Chiropractic when my sister was diagnosed with Scoliosis. Maybe next year I’ll research why more health care professionals don’t offer Chiropractic care as an option to their Scoliosis patients. More public education is definitely needed in this area!

Scoliosis-  is an OBVIOUS  Misalignment of the spine.  The spine compensates- like dominoes - - - one falls here, and the final  domino may be far distant !,  Like the old song- the toe bones connected to the foot bone, the foot bone to the ankle bone, the ankle bone is connected to the leg bone, the leg bone is connected to the knee bone, etc etc etc. the body is all interconnected and interdependent.  A misalignment (subluxation) in the spine can cause a compensation elsewhere contributing to an abnormal curvature- known as a  SCOLIOSIS.

Scoliosis:  a  misalignment  of  the  SPINE  often  contributed  to  by:
         Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
The kinesiopathology of the subluxation (misalignment, improper movement pattern) is often involved with scoliosis, and can sometimes be the cause of the curvature.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of joints, and can cause scoliosis, osteo-arthritic degeneration, Degenerative Disk Disease, degenerative joint disease, etc.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
Subluxation  is  a  serious  condition  identified  by  its  five  parts:
    Spinal Kinesiopathology:
         This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
    Neuropathophysiology:
         Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve  system  dysfunction  can  cause  symptoms  elsewhere  in  the  body.
    Myopathology:
          Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The  resulting  scar  tissue  changes  muscle  tone,  requiring  repeated  spinal  adjustments.
    Histopathology:
         A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation.   Inflammed  Discs can easily bulge,  herniate,  tear,  or  degenerate.   Other  soft tissues  may  also  suffer  permanent  damage.
    Pathophysiology:
         The VSC contributes to  OsteoArthritic  degeneration.  Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term  nerve  dysfunction  can  cause  other  systems  of  the  body  to  malfunction.

The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.  When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition.  Vertebral  Subluxation may cause Spinal Scoliosis, Arthritis, Disk Herniation, Disk Degeneration,  or aggravate such conditions.   
          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone.     Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular-   mechanical-   problem  requires  a   mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment  by  Doctor  of  Chiropractic.

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“Headache”   ( Also Known As-  Cephalgia )

Sometimes  we  experience Headache.   Head pain,  headache, can come from many causes;   perhaps we overindulged in food or alcohol,  headache can result; perhaps an allergy, our eyes, fatigue, tension,  or a multitude of causes can  cause our headache.  Sometimes we take pill after pill with little good result....
Sometimes the cause of headache pain can be in our head/ neck/ spinal alignment, our posture, our movement patterns.    Perhaps your neck is giving you a headache!!

Often-  the true    c a u s e   of  the headache and pain;  is a misalignment,  a  ‘kink’ in the neck- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.

              Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
                   This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:

    Spinal Kinesiopathology:
         This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.

    Neuropathophysiology:
         Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.

    Myopathology:
          Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.

    Histopathology:
         A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.

    Pathophysiology:
         The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.

The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
         Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone.  Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.  For good health- Treat the   Cause,  not just the symptoms.

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What ? ! ,  I have to brush my teeth!?,,, after EVERY meal ! ? ,,, For the REST of my life ! ? ! ...  I don’t  want  to.  period.  I won’t.  To heck with it !  If I get a hole (cavity),  THEN  I’ll take care of  it.   Maybe I won’t get any cavities anyway…..
              It  took  the  American Dental Association YEARS to educate people that they should brush frequently to avoid dental disease.  It has taken YEARS to educate patients that visits to the Dentist for hygiene, cleanings, flossing, coatings, etc.  are  necessary to PREVENT  dental problems.  Some people still do not floss after every meal, some do not even brush often enough  (yyyuuukkkk),  so some people still have severe dental problems  despite  all  the  knowledge  about   PREVENTION   and  dental  health maintenance  that  is  out   there.     Can  you  believe  it  ?? !!
              Some people have the same problem with  PREVENTATIVE  Spinal  Health
that  used to  exist with preventative dental health.  Some people come to the Doctor of Chiropractic and say, ‘...do not adjust me, just give me therapy...’;  some people say,
‘...What ? ! , I have to practice SPINAL HYGIENE !?!, (practice proper postures, proper movement patterns, and  see  the  Chiropractor  periodically !?!),  Naahh, ... I  don’t
want to. period.  I won’t.  To heck with it!  When I get PAIN,  then  I’ll take care of it.
(  pain is often the LAST symptom to appear-  whether a cavity or a heart attack !  )
              Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)
The vertebral subluxation complex can be the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.  A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates  all   function  within  the  body)  and may cause various other conditions,  symptoms and problems.
This  (Subluxation)  is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
      Spinal Kinesiopathology,   Neuropathophysiology,   Myopathology,  
      Histopathology,  Pathophysiology.    
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
         Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, massage, vitamins or physical therapy alone.  Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.  For good health- Treat the   Cause,  not just the Symptoms.
             Chiropractic  corrects  the  Vertebral  Subluxation  Complex.
You  cannot be ‘healthy’ if you have a Subluxation.  You MAY feel it, with a pain, stiffness, or a ‘kink’ in your neck/ back.  You may NOT  even feel it-
just as people often do not feel the cavity growing in their tooth,,,, until it hits the nerve; or you may not feel it at all, like people do not feel high blood pressure or diabetes until AFTER damage has been done!!  PREVENTION-  Visit the Doctor of Chiropractic REGULARLY,,, just like your dentist!  (practice spinal hygiene as you do dental hygiene  -PREVENTION!-

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I hope this helps explain some of your questions, if not do not hesitate to contact this Staten Island Chiropractor through www.AllExperts.com  again.

Wishing you good luck and Good Health Naturally!

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC

http://www.GoodHealthNaturally.info
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com    (email newsletter)
http://www.DocDolan.net