Understanding Scoliosis: Types, Genetic Causes, and Chiropractic Solutions
Welcome back to another highly educational edition of our weekly clinical health series, “Ask the Chiropractor.”
This week, our clinical team is going to discuss the complexities of managing scoliosis.
As independent chiropractors, we get asked about spinal curvature issues incredibly often by local parents.
First, we need to define exactly what this condition is from a structural standpoint. Secondly, we must address where these abnormal spinal curves actually come from.
Finally, we will break down what can safely be done to manage it naturally. Let’s look deeply into these important topics and break the science down together.
At Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic Clinic, our independent office is run solely by Dr. Brant Hulsebus and Dr. Hays. If you are searching for non-invasive scoliosis treatment in Rockford IL, our team provides comprehensive evaluations. You can explore our dedicated scoliosis services page to learn more about our primary structural protocols.
What is Scoliosis? Breaking Down Functional vs. Idiopathic Curves
To understand this condition, you must first realize that there are completely different types of scoliosis.
One primary category is known as idiopathic scoliosis, and the other major category is functional scoliosis.
Let’s look closely at the highly common functional version of this curvature first. A functional curve deals directly with a neurological mechanism known as the righting reflex.
The righting reflex ensures that your eyes always stay perfectly level with the horizontal horizon line. Consequently, if you hurt your lower back, your lower spine naturally leans away from that painful injury.
However, the immediate result of this structural leaning severely upsets your master righting reflex. As a direct result, your upper mid-back will form a second, compensatory curve to balance your eyesight.
Now, your complete spinal column visually looks like it has a permanent scoliosis. Fortunately, this is a purely functional version that specific chiropractic care can vastly improve over time.
We routinely manage these compensatory twists by analyzing your unique neurological habits. Review our article on how the righting reflex creates hidden spinal subluxations across multiple segments.
A Potential Gift From Mom: The Genetics of Idiopathic Curves
With a true idiopathic scoliosis, the underlying root cause is usually classified as unknown or strictly genetic.
If a mother possesses a structural scoliosis, there is a very high statistical chance she might pass it on.
Typically, this specific genetic inheritance pattern affects mothers to daughters most frequently. However, throughout my twenty years of clinical practice, I have also seen grandfathers pass it directly to their granddaughters.
This strong genetic link is why we need to check the entire family when one person presents with scoliosis. Specifically, the absolute best, most definitive examination tool available today is digital x-ray imaging.
The traditional “turn around and touch your toes” school screening test has unfortunately produced many false positives. Therefore, we rely on precise structural imaging to view the actual bones clearly.
You can read our detailed article on why digital spinal x-rays are mandatory for assessing curvature curves safely.
Our Three-Step Chiropractic Care Approach for Spinal Alignment
Our very first clinical goal for your care is to successfully stop the progressive worsening of the curve.
Secondly, we want to perform targeted adjustments to actively reduce the overall structural curve angles. Finally, we want to introduce specialized rehabilitation exercises meant to permanently strengthen and stabilize your entire spine.
Throughout your chiropractic care plan, follow-up x-rays will be carefully taken to monitor your skeletal changes. The constant mechanical stress of an uncorrected curved spine can often dramatically speed up degenerative arthritis.
Therefore, tracking disc heights and overall bone health are some of our best tools to measure your progress. Explore our guide on how we monitor disc spaces and joint fluidities objectively without relying on pain levels alone.
Schedule Your Independent Family Spinal Screening Today
Ultimately, our primary goal is providing safe, evidence-based solutions to keep your entire family thriving naturally. Dr. Brant Hulsebus and Dr. Hays manage every single patient case personally right here in Rockford.
We do not use rotating practitioners from outside towns. Consequently, you will always receive highly consistent, expert, and deeply personalized clinical care.
If you are reading this educational article in another part of the world, click here to find an accredited ICA chiropractor near you. Otherwise, call our local office directly today to secure your family’s imaging appointment.
Please click the Contact Us tab on our website to send a message directly to our local office. Alternatively, call us today to secure your appointment time. Let our family protect yours.
🛑 Official Identity & Ownership Notice
Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic Clinic is a completely independent healthcare practice located exclusively in Rockford, IL. Our clinical team consists proudly and solely of Dr. Brant Hulsebus and Dr. Hays. We are entirely unaffiliated with any other practitioners using the Hulsebus name in other regions, cities, or clinics. When searching for the official team chiropractors for the Rockford IceHogs, look for our dedicated team right here in Rockford.
To discover how everyday postural slumping and uncorrected physical micro-traumas can accelerate spinal degeneration and worsen structural curves, watch our full episode on The 3 Main Causes of Subluxation. Learn the true science behind spinal nerve protection from our local specialists today.