September 12, 2012

Back Pain related to increased Kyphosis

Kyphosis is a medical term that is used to refer to a condition whereby the outward curvature of the thoracic spine (upper back) bends forward. This condition can occur either as a birth deformity, or as a result of an abnormal twisting of the spinal vertebrae. Once the thoracic spine bends abnormally, one is likely to experience severe Kyphosis pain.  This condition is more common in adolescent girls than in adolescent boys.

Causes of Kyphosis

There are a number things that can trigger this condition. They are as follows; –

• Osteoporosis that leads to vertebral fracture is the commonest cause of Kyphosis. It is common in adults, and more so in women than in men.  Osteoporosis tends to weaken the spine’s vertebral bones and subjects it to fracture. Once the vertebral bone is crashed, the spine leans forward, leading to a Kyphotic curve that forces the spine to lean forward.
• Another cause of Kyphosis is the malformation of the spinal column, also known as congenital Kyphosis. This can occur when a baby is still in the womb.
• Spinal arthritis is another cause of Kyphosis. This is as a result of the degeneration of discs that is caused by wear and tear of the spine over a period of time.
• Vitamin D deficiencies are another cause of Kyphosis. Having a vitamin D deficiency during childhood can trigger this condition.
• Poor posture and slouching are other contributors to Kyphosis. Even though they may lead to this condition, a person may not necessarily experience Kyphosis pain.
• Abnormal growth of the discs and spine can also lead to Kyphosis. This occurs to men more than to women.

Symptoms of Kyphosis

Besides severe pain, there are other symptoms that can indicate that a person is suffering from Kyphosis. These symptoms include back pain, stiffness in the back and an appearance of a hunchback. In most cases, these symptoms do not progress with time, but remain fairly constant. In some cases, there are some severe symptoms that can emerge to indicate that a person is suffering from this condition.

Some neurologic symptoms such as loss of bladder and bowel control, general body weakness and loss of sensation may also be experienced. Severe cases can bring about pulmonary and cardiac problems that may cause shortness of breath and chest pain. Should a person experience Kyphosis pain that is accompanied by these symptoms, it is very important for him or her to seek medical assistance at once.

Treatment of Kyphosis

There are a number of options when it comes to Kyphosis treatment. However, it is very important for a person to report the symptoms that he or she may suspect to be related to Kyphosis to a doctor. This can help the healthcare provider to do some tests that can help to establish the real cause of this condition. After the root cause of the condition is established, the doctor can recommend some medications that can help to prevent the progression of the condition. Surgery is another option that can be used to address Kyphosis. Physical therapy and exercises can also be very helpful in relieving Kyphosis pain. Therefore, it is highly advisable for one to seek the doctor’s opinion when it comes to choosing the most ideal treatment for this condition.

September 12, 2012

What you Need to Know about Scoliosis Pain

Scoliosis is a potentially crippling medical condition that triggers misalignment of the spinal column’s vertebrae. This misalignment causes the spinal column to either compress, or become deformed. Other terms that are used by health experts to refer to this condition include Kyphoscoliosis/Kyphosis, Spinal Misalignment, Crooked Spine or Spinal Scoliosis. Besides the spinal column, this condition can also affect the neck, also referred to as the cervical spine, upper back/thoracic spine and the lower back/lumbar spine. Those who suffer from Scoliosis experience pain on the affected areas. According to health experts, this condition is more common in girls than in boys. Scoliosis pain is usually a very bothersome symptom that should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible.

Causes of Scoliosis

Congenital deformity from birth is one of the main causes of Scoliosis. Other causes of this condition are idiopathic, meaning that these causes are usually unestablished. There are those idiopathic forms of Scoliosis that occur as a result of progressive deterioration or acute injuries of the spinal vertebral column. This type of deterioration may be caused by a degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) of the spinal cord. One may suffer from acquired Scoliosis as a result of Osteoarthritis or acute vertebrae fracture of the spine, which may lead to deformation, misalignment or rotation of the spine.  In some cases,Scoliosis pain becomes extremely severe such that it triggers a condition known as spondylolisthesis. This is the condition whereby the vertebrae slip off the vertebral body.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

Severe pain on the neck, mid and low back is the major symptom of Scoliosis. This pain may be either sudden or gradual onset. One may also experience this pain whenever there are some spine movements. Scoliosis pain is also aggravated with prolonged walking, standing or sitting. This pain may also radiate into the lower or upper extremities. Besides severe pain, there are other symptoms of Scoliosis, which include weakness, tingling or numbness of the lower or upper extremities, bowel or urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, also known as impotence.

Treatment of Scoliosis

Should one experience severe pain on the arms, chest or head that is accompanied by weakness or numbness that perseveres for more than two weeks, it is highly advisable for him or her to seek medical assistance this can help a health physician to determine whether these symptoms are as a result of Scoliosis or due to other underlying health conditions such as cancer, stroke, heart disease or infections.

After it has been determined that one is suffering from Scoliosis, a health physician may determine the most ideal treatment. It is important to note that, Scoliosis is one of the conditions that affect the spinal column that have no cure. Therefore, the treatment that can be administered can only be helpful in relieving pain and preventing progression of the disease. There are some over-the-counter medications as well as prescription-narcotic and non-narcotic drugs that can help to relieve Scoliosis pain. Steroid injections and traction are other forms of treatments that can be used in combating this disease. There are also some pain-relief lotions that are effective in relieving pain caused by Scoliosis. Even though these relievers are said to be helpful, it is wise to seek a doctor’s opinion before using any of them.

September 6, 2012

Spinecor Brace for Scoliosis

The Spinecor Scoliosis brace was introduced in 1994.

• Spinecor is worn under the clothes while allowing for improved movement and control of the spine.
• Spinecor can be effective even after the spine has finished growing
• Rigid bracing is only helpful if applied during the major growth spurt.
• Combination therapy using rigid bracing at night and the Spinecor brace as a day brace, has been shown to be effective in Progressive Scoliosis curvatures.
• Neuromotor therapy cannot be effective without dynamic bracing.

The benefits of Spinecor Dynamic Scoliosis brace include:

• Eliminates muscle atrophy while increasing tone in a corrected posture
• Eliminates pain in adults
• Halts Scoliosis before it gets worse. (can be utilized in mild scoliosis)
• Improves spinal curves. (the natural flowing curves known as Kyphosis and Lordosis.
• Eliminates the need for surgery
• Coverage by most PPO INSURANCE plans