The human spine comprises 24 vertebrae, or small bones containing the spinal cord. These vertebrae are grouped into three sections according to location: cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (middle back), and lumbar spine (lower back). Soft tissues, such as ligaments (tissues that connect bones), muscles, and skin, surround and support the spine. Seven vertebrae form the cervical spine. This section of the spine connects the base of the head to the thorax (trunk and shoulders) and, with the help of soft tissues, supports the head. A fracture (break) of the cervical spine is commonly referred to as a broken neck.
The nervous system controls and regulates all functions of the body. The nerves branch out like an ultrasophisticated computer system from the spine. Every area of the body is controlled by nerves. The normal function of these nerves may be disturbed by the misalignments of the vertebrae, called subluxations,in your spine. Read what my patients have to say…

SCOLIOSIS

Everyone's spine has natural curves. These curves round our shoulders and
make our lower back curve slightly inward. But some people have spines that
also curve from side to side. Unlike poor posture, these curves can't be
corrected simply by learning to stand up straight.

This condition of side-to-side spinal curves is called scoliosis. On an
X-ray, the spine of an individual with scoliosis looks more like an "S" or a
"C" than a straight line. Some of the bones in a scoliotic spine also may
have rotated slightly, making the person's waist or shoulders appear uneven.

Who gets scoliosis?

Scoliosis affects a small percentage of the population, approximately 2
percent. However, scoliosis runs in families. If someone in a family has
scoliosis, the likelihood of an incidence is much higher - approximately 20
percent. If anyone in your family has curvature of the spine, you should be
examined for scoliosis.

* Children - The vast majority of scoliosis is "idiopathic," meaning its
cause is unknown. It usually develops in middle or late childhood, before
puberty, and is seen more often in girls than boys. Though scoliosis can
occur in children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal bifida and
other miscellaneous conditions, most scoliosis is found in otherwise healthy
youngsters.

* Adults - Scoliosis usually develops during childhood, but it also can
occur in adults. Adult scoliosis may represent the progression of a
condition that actually began in childhood, and was not diagnosed or treated
while the person was still growing. What might have started out as a slight
or moderate curve has progressed in the absence of treatment.

In other instances, adult scoliosis can be caused by the degenerative
changes of the spine. Other spinal deformities such as kyphosis or round
back are associated with the common problem of osteoporosis (bone softening)
involving the elderly. As more and more people reach old age in the U.S.,
the incidence of scoliosis and kyphosis is expected to increase.

If allowed to progress, in severe cases adult scoliosis can lead to chronic
severe back pain, deformity, and difficulty in breathing.

Patterson Chiropractic Center
420 West Las Palmas Avenue
Patterson, CA 95363

(209) 892-2915
drpittson@hotmail.com