Whose Spine is Curvier - Male or Female? Chiropractic Cares for Both!

 

Women…and that’s not just a matter of opinion! It’s a matter of physiology. Satterwhite Chiropractic 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. Satterwhite Chiropractic has the experience and understanding of the human spine to be the Oxford 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 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) Satterwhite Chiropractic so enjoys spinal curves…most of the time.

Sometimes, though, a hyperkyphotic spine walks into this Oxford 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. Satterwhite Chiropractic 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 Satterwhite Chiropractic further looks for impaired 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) Satterwhite Chiropractic doesn’t just care for the spine; Satterwhite Chiropractic 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) Satterwhite Chiropractic’s chiropractic treatment in the form of Cox Technic is gentle and comforting.

So do curves matter? Sure. Which ones? Any that cause trouble. Satterwhite Chiropractic is experienced and ready to manage spinal curves. Contact Satterwhite Chiropractic today for a complete spinal examination. The Oxford chiropractic care here appreciates men’s and women’s spines equally!