Some cases of scoliosis require surgery to implant rods into the spine to force a straightening of the abnormal curvatures. Fortunately this is not common. It is important to detect scoliosis early enough in a child’s development AND BEGIN TREATMENT to help arrest this process. Oftentimes a patient is prescribed “therapy” by their doctor, which means physical therapy. Although this can be helpful, it is usually not enough, because stretching and exercises are only part of the equation.

Since scoliosis usually becomes more obvious during the adolescent years, it is ideal to have children in pre- or early adolescence checked for this condition.

The Missing Link?

How have you been doing so far on your resolutions for 2010? If you have honestly tried to exercise regularly and make better food choices, but the scale remains unfriendly, it may be that you have a problem with your adrenal glands.

You may notice that we use labs that measure salivary cortisol levels, not blood. If you have had your cortisol level checked by your doctor, and he/she has questions about the use of saliva samples, you may be wondering what’s best.

“I’m Not Overweight, I Must Be Fit”

Not necessarily. Many people equate keeping their weight under control with being physically fit, but this isn’t always true. Although extra weight in the belly can put additional stress on the lower back, it is actually more of a problem with the core that keeps a person from being “fit."