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Before starting my natural health journey, I never really understood how much our choices affected us. These choices in diet and lifestyle have far-reaching consequences. Over the years I’ve seen firsthand how nutrition, toxins, and trauma impact health. Things I used to do Genetics is a factor that can be attributed.Now I realize that there are many possible causes. You may not believe it, but environmental and nutritional factors can also cause scoliosis.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis can be a result of a number of factors. Unnatural CurvatureThe spine. The natural “S” curve visible when viewed from the side is there to absorb shock during movement. The spine should appear fairly straight from the back or front. You may have scoliosis if your spine curves to one side.
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons, or AANS, defines scoliosis. Scoliosis is diagnosed when the back-to-front imaging shows a curve of the spine that’s at least 10 degrees. The spinal curvature must be off by 25-30 degrees for doctors to consider it significant. A severe scoliosis occurs when the curve exceeds 45 or even 50 degrees.
Scoliosis Idiopathic
Doctors classify the scoliosis according to its cause or origin. Idiopathic scoliosis (“we don’t know”) is the most common type of scoliosis, making up 80% of cases. This primarily happens in teens, so it’s generally called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It usually first appears during growth spurts between ages 10 to 15 and is diagnosed in regular checkups.
Congenital Scoliosis
Congenital scoliosisBefore a baby’s birth, there are many things that can go wrong. Even malformations of one or two vertebrae may cause curvature to change and other deformities. Doctors usually diagnose this type of scoliosis earlier because it’s present at birth.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
This is caused by spinal cord injuries or conditions that affect the muscles or nerves. These include things like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and Marfan’s syndrome. Neuromuscular Scoliosis can worsen with time, and eventually require surgery.
Degenerative Scoliosis
In older adults, scoliosis can be caused by osteoporosis and arthritis. As the spinal discs begin to degenerate, the spine loses its normal shape. Degeneration occurs most commonly in the lower back (lumbar spine) and among those aged 65 or older.
Scoliosis: Symptoms and Signs
Scoliosis isn’t always immediately noticeable since there’s a wide range of severity. But if someone has any of these signs of scoliosis, it’s worth getting it checked out:
- Uneven shoulders
- Shoulder blades sticking out
- The head does not center over the pelvis
- One or both hips are hacked up
- Uneven leg length
- The rib cage appears uneven
- The waist isn’t level
- Kyphosis
- Lower back pain
- Dimples, discoloration, and hairs can be seen on the skin above the spine
- The entire body Leaning to one side
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
Mild scoliosis isn’t always obvious. Teenagers can be diagnosed as part of a regular physical or checkup. The medical professional may recommend additional testing if scoliosis has been suspected.
A chiropractor or a medical professional will diagnose adult scoliosis. A doctor will first perform a physical exam to check for scoliosis. A physical examination will reveal the more severe cases. Others are subtler and require diagnostic imaging.
Diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans or CT scans confirm the diagnosis. The doctor can then suggest treatments once they have determined the severity.
Mainstream Treatment Options
Allopathic medicine provides a limited number of options to treat spinal deformities and curvatures. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the curve. Mild cases may respond well with exercises or bracing. But severe cases might require surgery.
Back Brace
Braces are effective in preventing scoliosis, but only for pediatric patients that are still growing. While they must be properly fitted and worn 16 to 23 hours every day, they’re about 80% effective. An orthopedist will determine the best brace for the child and how long they should wear it at night and during the day.
Scoliosis The following are some of the most effective ways to reduce your risk.
SurgeryIt is only recommended when the curve is more than 40 degrees, and appears to be worsening. Metal rods may be attached to the back to straighten it while the surgeon fused the spine. The curved part of the spine is fused by adding a bone-graft. Both children and adults can undergo this procedure.
Other surgical options are available, some of which are less invasive. It’s important to note that while most people have a positive experience after surgery, this may not be the case for everyone. Likely, that’s due to not addressing what caused scoliosis in the first place.
Scoliosis: Potential Causes
Let’s go back to the 80% of cases. What was the most likely cause of scoliosis in the vast majority? A family history may set you up for a higher risk, but there’s not just one cause. Consider these other factors:
Birth Trauma & Scoliosis
Birth trauma is one of the most common causes of scoliosis. C-sections are one example. After all, being removed directly from the womb through surgery isn’t natural. It doesn’t allow the head and spine to stay in alignment as going through the birth canal does. C-sections can cause a baby’s spine to be misaligned.
A third birth trauma is when forceps or vacuum extraction devices are used to pull the baby out of the birth canal. The upper cervical spine can be thrown out of alignment by using extreme force. This can lead to misalignments in the entire spine over time as it compensates.
Tongue tie and scoliosis
Tongue tiesAnother factor that can contribute to scoliosis is a lack of flexibility. When the tongue is tied, it doesn’t rest against the upper palate in the mouth. It sits lower in the mouth. As a result, it doesn’t do its job of widening and shaping the palate to allow all the teeth to fit, including the wisdom teeth.
The narrowed mouth leads to an uneven bite and crowding of the teeth. The tongue should also be considered The spine is rudder. If it can’t maintain its proper resting position at the roof of the mouth, there may be downstream effects. Poor facial development and spinal misalignment are two examples.
In a 2011 review, it was found that overbites and crossbites as well as other dental problems may be related to scoliosis. The same study found a connection between scoliosis, plagiocephaly and flat heads. Once a rare condition, plagiocephaly rates in babies skyrocketed after the “back to sleep” campaign.
Vaccines for Scoliosis
Vaccines have been a controversial suspectIn the mystery of Scoliosis. They could contain viruses, metals and other toxins, which can affect the nervous systems. The nervous system controls muscles that support the spine.
According to the Clear InstituteMercury in particular can have a negative affect on muscles and tendons. The muscles and ligaments are weakened, increasing the risk of scoliosis. Below, you can read more about heavy metals and the scoliosis they cause. Some vaccines like the flu shot contain thimerosal – a form of mercury. Most vaccines have been reduced or removed thimerosal since 1999. If you’re considering a vaccine, be sure to check the ingredients.
Meningococcal vaccine manufacturers list scoliosisIn prelicensing research, adverse reactions to vaccination were reported in many cases.
Scoliosis and sugar
Sugar is a problem for many of us. It’s hidden in almost all packaged and processed foods. These embarrassingly make up most of the Standard American Diet. It’s a convenience-focused diet appropriately called by its acronym, SAD.
According to World Health Organization sugar should not exceed 10% of daily calories. That’s about 6-12 teaspoons of added sugar per day. In order to put this in perspective, a soda has eight teaspoons. Americans are currently consuming 18 teaspoons of added sugar each day or approximately 18% their daily calories. Sugar processed in any amount isn’t good for us.
There’s already evidence linking sugar to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and many other health problems. What is sugar’s relationship to scoliosis exactly?
Sugar robs your body of minerals, including those in the bones. Your body uses magnesium each time you consume sugar. Magnesium plays a vital role in musculoskeletal function. Depleting magnesium by eating sugar may have an impact on the development of Scoliosis.
Sugar causes inflammation all over the body. It can cause scoliosis. Scoliosis was linked to inflammation of the central nervous system in an animal study. Sugar can also be a source of infection.
Scoliosis and Infections
Another thing to think about is infections. Spinal misalignment can be caused by brain or nerve damage. Scoliosis is associated with both viral and parasitic infections.
Viruses attack the nervous system. Poliomyelitis, usually shortened to “polio,” is a health condition caused by the poliovirus. This infection is associated with paralytic scoliosis, which occurs in about 60% of patients.
An alpaca developed scoliosis of the neck due to a parasitic infection. A horse also suffered the same effects. This was a particular parasite — a brain worm that also infects deer, moose, elk, and other animals. The parasite spreads from the brain to the spinal chord, where it causes inflammation and destroys tissue.
In 2018, Doctors discovered a parasite infection in a woman’s spine. Over 1 million people are affected by these tapeworms every year. The majority of cases are in countries with lower incomes. In some cases, could there be a connection between parasites in humans and scoliosis?
Metal Toxicology in Scoliosis
While there isn’t a body of research yet, metal toxicityIt is also worthwhile exploring. Mercury, for example is selectively taken up by bones, connective tissue, and joints. Metal toxicity in fish was linked to deformed spinal cords. Metal concentrations were higher in fish with deformities than in healthy controls. Other studies similar to this one showed the same effect on spines.
In comparison to healthy individuals, patients with spinal osteoarthritis have lower levels of magnesium and higher levels of cadmium. There were also imbalances between calcium, magnesium and lead and cadmium. They had a higher level of toxic elements, and a lower level of beneficial elements.
Smartphone Use: Poor Posture
Believe it or not, there’s an actual study on this, published in 2016. Researchers discovered that prolonged use of smartphones caused poor posture. The main culprits were rounded shoulders and forward head posture. Inflammation and injury of the neck and lower back ligaments were caused by poor posture. It set the stage for functional spinal scoliosis.
Obviously, this type of posture isn’t unique to using a smartphone. This can happen when you use your iPad or laptop frequently, or when you read a book or play a musical instrument.
Scoliosis and Inflammation
When physical injury or pathogens damage the body Inflammation is a result of lead.. Even though there’s plenty of evidence linking toxicities and deficiencies to scoliosis, many doctors ignore it. They’re reluctant to admit diet and lifestyle factors have anything to do with the condition.
A scoliosis-causing lifestyle is certainly a factor, even though there’s a genetic component.
Scoliosis Treatment: Natural Ways to Manage the Condition
The good news is that there are natural ways to greatly improve scoliosis – even to the point it’s hardly noticeable. There are several ways to treat scoliosis naturally without surgery.
Chiropractic – Especially Chiropractic Biophysics
Over a six-month time period, regular chiropractic visits helped adults with scoliosis. In the study, 28 adults with scoliosis were treated at two chiropractic clinics. Even two years after the treatment, results are still evident.
Chiropractic Biophysics(CBP) has been shown to be particularly effective for treating scoliosis. Drs. Donald and Deed harrison developed CBP in 1980. It uses regular chiropractic adjustments, postural exercises with mirror images, and traction in order to correct spinal misalignments.
The Schroth Method
You can also read about it here Johns Hopkins calls The Schroth Method “a nonsurgical option for scoliosis treatment” and uses it in their medical center. “Schroth” was developed by German-born Katharina Schroth in the early 1900s, as a way to correct her own scoliosis. Later, it was used to establish a clinic that treated others with scoliosis.
The Schroth Method is based on posture awareness. Breathing exercisesA Schroth-trained physical therapist will first examine the X-rays. First, a physical therapist trained in Schroth will examine X rays. Then they’ll design an appropriate program based on the curvatures. They will then teach the patient the exercises that can be performed at home.
SEAS Method
SEAS is an acronym for “Scientific Exercises Approach to Scoliosis.” This method of treating scoliosis is based on the Lyon approach from France. Italian scientists developed it at the beginning of 1960s. These exercises improve neuromotor functions. You can correct your posture automatically by reflex when you are doing regular daily activities.
SEAS can either be done as an outpatient – coming in 2 to 3 times a week for 45-minute appointments or at home through 20-minute daily exercises. Research shows it’s effective for reducing scoliosis and helping avoid bracing and surgery if practiced as recommended.
Yoga for Scoliosis
The Regular yoga practice This may also be beneficial. According to a 2014 study by Columbia University, a specific yoga pose can improve scoliosis within 3 months. The only requirement was to hold the pose for 90 seconds, at least three days a week. What is the pose? The side plank.
This study involved 25 patients with scoliosis between the age of 14 and85. Starting with 10 to 20 second holds a day, they worked up to holding it as long as possible on the side that their spine curves towards. They then worked their way up to holding the pose as long as they could once a daily. The average time they spent holding the pose was a minute and half per day, six times a week. This lasted for more than six month.
What are the results? The results? Even Yoga classes have appeared. Specific for scoliosis.
The bottom line on Scoliosis
If you suspect scoliosis, you’ll likely want to see your chiropractor or practitioner and get diagnosed. If you’re committing to improving it naturally, first take a look at your diet. Sugar and processed sugars are the two main culprits. елдне самт don’t do us any favors. Addition of whole mineral-rich foods is also important.
Then, you can look at the types of bodywork listed above. Each person is unique and has different timelines and goals.
Do you have scoliosis? What factors do you believe contributed to your scoliosis? You found something that helped? Tell us about it!