You are a unique individual with specific physical attributes. Despite what we want to believe, most of us are not perfect. Many people have spinal anomalies (hereditary or developmental abnormalities) that can cause a variety of physical conditions. Chiropractic care can be very effective in managing these conditions. Your neighborhood chiropractor, Dr. Jeffrey Roistacher can discuss your options with you concerning your case.
There are many spinal developmental conditions that can only be recognized with x-rays. That is why most chiropractors require x-rays before they begin treatment. While these conditions may affect the type of treatment you receive from your chiropractor, treatment should still be affective. Some of the anomalies that can still be effectively treated with chiropractic care are:
Lumbarization or Sacralization of the lumbar region.
The lumbar region of the back normally has 5 lumbar vertebrae and 5 segments that fuse into the sacrum. In a small percentage of people the transitional segments Lumbar 5 and Sacrum 1 (the L5-S1 region) may not form normally. Some people have 6 lumbar vertebrae if the S1 segment does not fuse normally with the other sacral segments (Lumbarization). Some people have only 4 lumbar vertebrae as the lowest lumbar vertebrae fuses with the top sacral segment (Sacralization). Either of these conditions may occur without the person even being aware of the condition except for back pain of an unknown origin. Chiropractic care can be very effective in these cases, but the chiropractor needs to aware of the condition to make the appropriate adjustments.
Asymmetrical facets.
In the lumbar region of the spine, the posterior portion of the vertebrae have joints that slide over each other to allow the back to bend. (Flex and extend} Normally these facets are in a transverse plane (the joint space runs from side to side). Sometimes these form in a sagittal plane (the joint space runs front to back). Rarely, one side forms transversely and one forms sagitally. (Asymmetrically) This condition will limit lumbar mobility and affect the way that chiropractor needs to adjust the area, though maintaining normal mobility in these region is vital to maintain health and prevent arthritic degeneration, which this condition is prone.
Defective pars interarticularis (Spondylosis)
The pars interarticularis (pars) is the region of the vertebrae that connects the body of the vertebrae to the posterior articulating joints (the facets). The superior and inferior pars form the neural arch, through which the spinal nerves pass. In some people the pars region does not fuse into one solid bone to form the vertebra. This region will still be connected by fibrous tissue, so it is usually not free floating, though is will be a weak region. In some cases this region does separate and becomes two separate bone segments. Chiropractic treatment can be the best treatment option for these conditions to stabilize the condition and maintain proper alignment. The area will always be unstable, but through chiropractic adjustments the integrity of the region and maintain normal function of the vertebrae.
Increased Sacral Angle
This is a developmental condition where the angle of the Sacrum is greatly increased from a normal angle of around 30-35 degrees. An increased sacral angle puts more stress on the lower lumbar region and the ligaments that hold it together and can cause severe back pain. If there is an increased sacral angle combined with a spondylotic condition, the lumbar vertebrae can actually slip forward on the sacrum (Spondylolithesis) and cause a very unstable and potentially serious condition. Chiropractic treatment often is the treatment of choice to manage these conditions.
Spina Bifida
This is a condition where the posterior aspects of the vertebrae fail to fuse and the neural canal does not form completely. This may leave the spinal cord unprotected and can cause sever neurological conditions. Depending on the severity of the condition, chiropractic care can be utilized to maintain normal mobility and functionality of the spinal segments.
Chiropractic care can be safe and effective for many spinal conditions that you may think are not chiropractic cases. To learn more about how chiropractic treatment can help to manage many types of spinal abnormalities contact:
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