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. Apple Country 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. Apple Country Chiropractic has the experience and understanding of the human spine to be the Williamson 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) Apple Country Chiropractic so enjoys spinal curves…most of the time.

Sometimes, though, a hyperkyphotic spine walks into this Williamson 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. Apple Country 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 Apple Country Chiropractic 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) Apple Country Chiropractic doesn’t just care for the spine; Apple Country 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) Apple Country 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. Apple Country Chiropractic is experienced and ready to manage spinal curves. Contact Apple Country Chiropractic today for a complete spinal examination. The Williamson chiropractic care here appreciates men’s and women’s spines equally!