Scoliosis and NUCCA
Scoliosis remains a puzzling condition for many medical professionals. In more than 80% of cases, researchers cannot identify a specific cause, leading to these cases being classified as ‘idiopathic’ – a medical term meaning the origin is unknown.
Traditional treatment typically follows a passive “watch and wait” approach. This involves monitoring the curve’s progression through periodic X-rays. When worsening is detected, conservative measures like bracing or exercises are usually recommended. If the spinal curve continues to progress significantly, surgical intervention may be suggested as a last resort.
Understanding Scoliosis Development
Scoliosis presents in two distinct forms. Structural scoliosis, the less common type, occurs when spinal segments develop abnormally during childhood, forcing the spine to curve around the affected area. The more prevalent form is physiological scoliosis, where the body adapts to specific stresses by growing in an irregular pattern. This adaptation affects not just the spine, but often results in whole-body postural distortion.
Common signs of postural distortion include:
- Uneven leg lengths
- Tilted pelvis
- Shoulder asymmetry
- Leaning upper body
- Off-center neck position
- Head tilt
- Muscle imbalances
- Protruding shoulder blades
These postural changes are typically identified during professional medical or chiropractic evaluations.
How can an Upper Cervical Chiropractor Help Scoliosis?
Our approach begins with a comprehensive spinal analysis and postural assessment to identify the underlying factors contributing to your scoliosis. Research indicates that misalignment of the upper cervical spine often plays a significant role in adolescent scoliosis development. Through precise X-ray imaging, we can measure the type and severity of any misalignment to determine the exact correction needed.
Using this detailed analysis, we perform a gentle NUCCA correction focused on restoring proper spinal alignment and overall body balance. This specialized technique helps relieve spinal stress and nerve compression. While healing time varies depending on how long the misalignment has been present, many patients notice immediate improvements in spinal pressure and posture.