Spine-related Disorders

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is defined as a 3-dimensional alteration in skeletal deformity.

1. Idiopathic Scoliosis

This is the most common type (up to 80% of cases), and the exact cause is unknown.

Subtypes (based on age of onset):

  • Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis: Appears before age 3
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis: Appears between ages 4–10
  • Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): Appears after age 10 (most common overall)

2. Congenital Scoliosis

  • Caused by abnormal development of the spine before birth (e.g., malformed vertebrae)
  • Present at birth and may worsen as the child grows
  • Often associated with other congenital anomalies (e.g., heart or kidney issues)

3. Neuromuscular Scoliosis

  • Caused by conditions that affect the nerves and muscles
  • Common in individuals with:
    • Cerebral palsy
    • Muscular dystrophy
    • Spina bifida
    • Spinal cord injury
  • The muscle weakness and imbalance lead to spinal curvature

4. Degenerative (Adult-Onset) Scoliosis

  • Occurs in adults due to degeneration of spinal discs and joints
  • Usually develops after age 50
  • May result from spinal arthritis or osteoporosis

5. Syndromic Scoliosis

  • Associated with genetic or connective tissue disorders, such as:
    • Marfan syndrome
    • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
    • Neurofibromatosis

6. Functional (Postural) Scoliosis

  • The spine is structurally normal, but appears curved due to another issue like:
    • Muscle spasms
    • Leg length discrepancy
    • Poor posture
  • It usually resolves when the underlying cause is treated

At Sydney Neuro & Integrative Health, we take both a biomechanical and neurological approach to scoliosis. To determine the severity of scoliosis, we must document a patents age, presence of any vestibular asymmetry or neuro-developmental disorders, x-ray signs to indicate ossification closure and angle of curvature.

Lumbar Disc Disease

Otherwise known as slipped disc to the laymans, A Chiropractor for back pain is viable solution. However, not all patients presents with the same examination findings when it comes to presenting with back pain of discogenic origin.

Whilst the mainstream focus are chiropractic adjustments to restore pain, and resolve a “slipped disc”, the focus should also be on restoring movement control, alleviating oxidative and inflammatory signalling that can affect the nutrition, molecular mechanisms and biomechanics of the intervertebral joint and soft tissue.

The Lumbar spine contains 3 structures that when irritated or inflamed, causes pain and disability. The intervertebral disc has a higher probability of being involved in back pain followed by the facet joints then the sacroiliac joint.

At Sydney Neuro & Integrative Health, we are the only clinic that combines neurological, musculoskeletal, imaging and an extensive evaluation of nerve conduction studies to determine the severity, localisation and progression of low back and nerve root problems. Because of this, we are able to provide you a tailored treatment plan that is realistic which has a high probability of success compared to other chiropractors and physiotherapists.

Cervical Disc Disease

What is commonly known as a pinched nerve in the neck, there is strong evidence to support a chiropractor for neck pain. However, not all patients present with the same examination findings when it comes to presenting with neck pain of discogenic origin. Compared to the lumbar spine, the highest probability of pain that arises form the neck is the facet joints, compared to the intervertebral disc in low back discogenic pain.