So who seems curvier? Men or women?
Women…and that’s not just a matter of opinion! It’s a matter
of physiology. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka 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. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka has the experience and understanding
of the human spine to be the Sitka chiropractic back pain
specialty practice to turn to when back pain and neck pain occur.
Now, in maintaining 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 comes about 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 do tend to look
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) Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka so enjoys spinal curves…most
of the time.
Sometimes, though, a hyperkyphotic spine walks into this
Sitka 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. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka 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 Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka further looks for impaired
physical function, pain and disability, impaired
pulmonary function and increased risk of mortality when hyperkyphosis presents
itself as these issues are often associated with it. (2) Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka doesn’t
just care for the spine; Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka 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) Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka’s chiropractic
treatment in the form of Cox Technic is gentle and comforting.
So do curves matter? Sure. Which ones? Any that cause
trouble. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka is experienced and ready to manage spinal curves.
Contact Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka today for a complete spinal examination. The Sitka
chiropractic care here appreciates men’s and women’s spines equally!