|
Watch Your Hump Back
Have you ever noticed how some people, develop a hump back in their neck? This condition is called hyperkyphosis (hk) and is usually caused by chronic subluxations (misaligned vertebrae). In a recent study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (Volume 52 Issue 10, October 2004, page 1662). Here are some of the key points:
1. This study shows that hk is not primarily caused by osteoporosis (lack of calcium in the bones).
2. Hk posture is more common in men than women (44% in men, 22% of women).
3. Hk is frequently observed in older people.
4. In the study, persons with even slight hk had a 1.44 times greater rate of death than those without hk posture.
5. Hk is significantly associated with deaths due to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries due to plaque build up).
6. Hk increased deaths due to atherosclerosis by 2.4 times.
7. In these seniors, the greater the hk posture, the greater the rates of death.
8. The hk posture reflects an increased rate of physiological aging.
9. Hardening of the arteries and hk have a common underlying pathology. Hk alters the function of the nervous system. The increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system contributes to hardening of the arteries. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for your flight or fight reaction and release of adrenaline.
10. Interventions specifically targeted at improving hk (such as chiropractic adjustments) could result in reduced mortality rates.
So, please tell those you know with this condition about the benefits of chiropractic care.
Yours in health,
Lynne Sullivan D.C.
www.drsully.com
Ps: we are looking to hire a massage therapist, if you know of anyone, please have them give us a call at
|
