Dear Editor:
October was National Spinal Health Month and as a board certified chiropractor in Brick Township, I urge people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, to have their spines checked. More than 80 percent of people suffer needlessly from back and neck pain. It may not cause death, but pain can create debilitating life changes.
Scoliosis is an abnormal, side to side deviation of the spine. It is estimated that about 10 percent of the nation’s adolescent population has some degree of scoliosis. The advanced cases of scoliosis can be crippling and cause an unsightly bump on one side of the back.
In addition to the cosmetic problems involved which can have a substantial psychological impact, scoliosis can lead to more serious problems: deformity, disability, limited mobility, nerve pressure, muscle stress, degenerative arthritis of the spine, increase back pain, disc disease, sciatica and malfunction of the internal organs (heart and lungs) because of cramping. Often scoliosis is associated with kyphosis (hunchback) and lordosis (swayback). These conditions can lead to a shortened life expectancy.
With early detection of scoliosis and other potential spinal problems, these extreme cases can be avoided. I have seen many patients who wished they had known how simple it was to avoid a lifetime of pain and disability.
I urge you and your whole family to have a screening and make taking care of yourself your first choice. I am so committed to the importance of spinal health that I am offering free scoliosis and spinal screenings during the month of November for everyone, even entire families in my office. You don’t have to suffer.
Daniel J. Cruoglio
781 Brick Blvd.
Brick, NJ 08723
732-920-5646