I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.
Characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, scoliosis can affect you in a few different ways. While it alters the way you look, the abnormal curve to the spine can also affect your ability to walk, run, sit, stand, and complete other everyday functions. In addition, scoliosis can be painful for some patients. Even though it affects 2 to 3 percent of the population, most people do not really understand scoliosis. Here are a few surprising facts about this disorder.
Surgery Is Not Always Necessary
If you have been diagnosed with scoliosis, you may worry about the need for surgery. It may be surprising for some patients to learn this, but a scoliosis diagnosis does not necessarily mean you need surgery. There are many options to stabilize the spine and reduce the symptoms of scoliosis. For example, physical therapy, which involves exercises that target the spine, can be beneficial for some patients. Also, pain relief is possible using anti-inflammatory medications or even steroid injections.
In most cases, scoliosis surgery will only be recommended if the curve is so severe that it is inhibiting the patient's quality of life and if the other solutions, such as physical therapy, are not effective.
It's Not Caused by Poor Posture
There is a common myth that scoliosis is caused by poor posture. In reality, your posture really has no affect on the curve of your spine. Determining the exact cause of your scoliosis can be difficult because there are so many possibilities. In many instances, it is hereditary. If you have family members with the disorder, you have a higher chance of developing scoliosis, too.
Hormonal changes, malnutrition, environmental factors, and even trauma can cause a person to be born with or develop scoliosis.
Early Detection Is Helpful
Another fact about scoliosis is that early detection can help prevent further spinal issues. Many schools do test for scoliosis, but not all states require it. Therefore, if you notice your child's spine is curving more than normal, schedule a consultation with their doctor immediately. It is not a life-threatening condition, but an early diagnosis can help reduce the risk of further curving of the spine. With therapy and the use of a spinal brace, you can prevent further curving.
Even though it is best to detect scoliosis at a young age, early detection of adult cases can help reduce pain and stop further changes to the spine from occurring.
You should try to understand scoliosis if you are concerned about you or your child's spine. Reach out to resources like C D Denison for more information about scoliosis.
Share30 September 2019
