Scoliosis
Kelly was 14 years old and had lost hope. She found out that she had a 10° sideways curvature or her spine, called a scoliosis. Everyone had told her that nothing could be done. Actually, that is not exactly true. Frequently, kids (and adults) are told that if the scoliosis got bad enough, 35° or so, they would qualify for bracing. And if the scoliosis worsens over the years to 45° or more, they would consider surgery. You may have seen pictures of this. A qualified doctor will implant two, long metal rods and screw them into the spine – permanently. Kelly’s curve wasn’t that bad…YET... So, what should she do about the pain NOW, and how could she prevent it from getting to 35° or 45°? No one had an answer, except for long-term use of pain medication, muscle relaxers, or some strength exercises. Anyone suffering from scoliosis and other health conditions needs to understand 1 important concept: There are 2 types of healthcare treatment, Controlling and Restoring. Controlling treatment suppresses or replaces body function to make the body do what you want it to do. Restoring treatment supports body functions to allow the body to heal itself. There is a time and a place for each. Doing the surgery would have been “Controlling” treatment with certain side-effects, but not many doctors do “Restoring” treatment for scoliosis. Kelly made it to a chiropractic office that specializes in “Restoring” treatment, with a history of success in this area. “When I First came to see my chiropractor, I couldn’t breathe properly. I also had a constant pain between my shoulders. I didn’t have a general impression of chiropractic care before coming here. I had gone to see a doctor for my asthma in which he gave me an inhaler that I used at the least 5 times a week. On my second visit, the doctor showed me my x-ray’s, I had a 10 degree curve in my lower spine which indicated that I had scoliosis. The doctor gave me hope, that since I was young my body has a better chance to heal faster. After only one month of coming to my treatment and doing my exercise at home. I now have a 4 degree curve in my spine. I was so amazed of what can be done in one month’s time; the proof is in the x- ray. I now have better mobility to move, I can breathe without using an inhaler. I also can sleep better. People can see how much happier I am and how much energy I have. Some of my friends ask me why I’m happy even though I have scoliosis. That’s easy; I now live a life with out pain and I don’t have to worry about my scoliosis.” --- initially written by Dr. Jay Hobbs for publication in the Visalia Times Delta |
Scoliosis -- There is Hope |
| Taken on June 1, 2005 Taken on July 7, 2005 10 degree curve 4 degree curve |
your health problem, decide what type of healthcare treatment you want: Controlling or Restoring. You don’t always have a choice. For example, if your condition has progressed so far that it is an emergency, you must have Controlling treatment. Also, remember that Restoring healthcare takes more effort and time, but the side-effects are much less severe and your body is stronger than when you started. |
| Kelly had her hope and her health restored. Fortunately, there are options for those who are willing to look and willing to work on their health in partnership with their healthcare provider. This applies to other conditions as well, like Attention Deficit Disorder, Growing Pains, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Headaches. If your doctor says it’s safe to postpone medications and surgery, there may be hope for you too. |
| Dr. Hobbs shows Kelly the curves in the scoliotic spine model. |
