GENTLE, COMFORTABLE TREATMENT OF HYPERKYPHOSIS AND THE THORACIC
SPINE
The spine has its own standard curvature
or kyphosis. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa knows the spine’s curves quite well! Most West Des Moines
chiropractic clients don’t think about
the spine’s curve, its normalcy or its function,
until there is an issue caused by a curve that is overly
curvy. Take for example the thoracic spine, the upper
back part of the spine, whose normal kyphosis ranges from 20 to 40 degrees in young spines. For 20% to 40%
of over-60-year-olds, this kyphosis is
documented to grow beyond 40°. This “age-related kyphosis” (aka ‘hyperkyphosis’) affects both men
and women but is more often seen in
women who have more functional disorders like reduced
back extensor muscle strength and ability to use erector spinal
muscles in addition to poor health issues. (1,2)
Spinal manipulation and mobilization of the thoracic spine are common ways chiropractors treat musculoskeletal issues in
older adults with conditions like hyperkyphosis. Older spines effectively
received the SMM forces similar to younger spines in research
studies. (3) Fortunately, research describes manual therapy as effective to reduce
and prevent musculoskeletal problems due to
thoracic hyperkyphosis. A recent report noted that
such therapy improved the thoracic
kyphosis angle, thoracic extension range of motion, and thoracic extension
strength. (4) And a bonus: Thoracic mobilization is shown
to boost diaphragmatic excursion and respiratory function to manage
and prevent respiratory dysfunction in patients with thoracic
hyperkyphosis. (5) Your West Des Moines chiropractor delivers gentle,
effective, distractive thoracic spine manipulation that both relieves
hyperkyphosis and is quite comfortable.
Once you feel it, you will ask for it again!
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Joseph D’Angiolillo on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr.
Michael Johnson as he describes gentle distraction care
of upper spine pain with the
Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
West Des Moines CHIROPRACTIC TIP OF THE MONTH: Get Care for Spinal Stenosis Sooner Than Later!
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common
diagnosis for older West Des Moines adults. It’s related to higher utilization of healthcare services. And surgery is
not always the solution according to a study reporting
that 1 in 3 lumbar spinal stenosis patients had
a poor clinical outcome after surgery. Also, 36.1% of
529 patients had a poor leg pain outcome while 27.6% had a poor overall
outcome. Encouragingly, patients who exercised regularly and those who received pre-operative chiropractic
or physiotherapy care were not as likely to describe a
poor overall outcome. (6) A recent study stated that getting
such non-operative care starting within the first 30 days of
diagnosis decreased the use of riskier and more costly health
care services in the following year. Less than 2% of Medicare
beneficiaries receive such care in a timely fashion. (7) Lastly,
manual manipulation for 8 weeks was reported to be effective for patients
with lumbar spinal stenosis by decreasing their pain and improving
their function. (8) Executive Chiropractic of Iowa is ready to get started caring
for your spinal stenosis today, non-operatively and safely.
CONTACT Executive Chiropractic of Iowa
Schedule your next West Des Moines
chiropractic appointment today. Spinal conditions like thoracic
spine hyperkyphosis and lumbar spinal stenosis react well to chiropractic
treatment!
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by
Dr. James M. Cox I."