So who appears curvier? Men or women?
Women…and that’s not just a matter of opinion! It’s a matter
of physiology. Chiropractic Associates see spines all day long. Each gender – male and
female – present its own unique set of circumstances for care and relief of
back pain and neck pain. Chiropractic Associates has the experience and understanding
of the human spine to be the Preston chiropractic back pain
specialty practice to turn to when back pain and neck pain rear their ugly heads.
Now, in staying with the theme here, the curviness of a
spine isn’t good or bad. It just is. There is reason for its shape. For the
women, the curvier lower lumbar spine likely grown over time to accommodate
and reduce the stress on the vertebral elements of the spine during pregnancy
and nursing. (1) Now, the spines of men and women may appear
a little different, but they both curve inward similarly forming the lordosis
curve. However, the upper part of a woman’s lumbar spine curve leans back a
little further than a man’s. (1) Chiropractic Associates so enjoys spinal curves…most
of the time.
Sometimes, though, a hyperkyphotic spine walks into this
Preston chiropractic back pain clinic to excite the day! Interestingly,
it seems more research articles discuss it in relation to women. (There’s that
curvier spines in women theme!) But research also states that 20% to 40% of the
population (men and women) – more common in the geriatric population –
experience hyperkyphosis. Chiropractic Associates sees both men and women with this
condition. Now, hyperkyphosis is the excessive
curvature of the thoracic spine and may be associated with adverse health
effects. It stems from a variety of issues like degenerative changes in the
spine, vertebral compression fractures, muscular weakness, and changed
biomechanics. It’s not a surprise then that hyperkyphosis is more commonly seen
in older patients. So Chiropractic Associates further looks for compromised
physical function, pain and disability, compromised
pulmonary function and increased risk of mortality when hyperkyphosis presents
itself as these issues are often associated with it. (2) Chiropractic Associates doesn’t
just care for the spine; Chiropractic Associates cares for the whole body. So what is
typically done for hyperkyposis? Surgery is rare as surgical risks are higher
in the elderly population who more commonly have hyperkyphosis, but it may be
done for significant deformity. Nonoperative management may slow its
progression and improve function though. (ailon) Chiropractic Associates’s chiropractic
treatment in the form of Cox Technic is gentle and comforting.
So do curves matter? Sure. Which ones? Any that cause
trouble. Chiropractic Associates is experienced and ready to manage spinal curves.
Contact Chiropractic Associates today for a complete spinal examination. The Preston
chiropractic care here appreciates men’s and women’s spines equally!