Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine that causes stiffness and pain. It is called an idiopathic disease because the cause of it is unknown. Scoliosis is more common in females and begins in childhood. However, merely 2 percent of the population is afflicted. If it is detected early, scoliosis treatment will prevent it from worsening over time. Scoliosis is derived from the Greek term meaning curvature. People with scoliosis have a sideways curve in their spine that makes an “S” or “C” shape. The vertebrae can rotate at the thoracic level of the spine causing this curve and resulting in a hump near the rib cage. If the curve is more than 60 degrees it is considered serious. Usually this curve makes the waist or shoulders uneven. And unlike the normal curvature of the spine, adjusting your posture will not correct the problem.
In some instances, the degenerative diseases of the spine can cause scoliosis. Osteoporosis is when the bones soften and usually occurs in older people. This softening can cause the vertebrae to bend and shape the curve causing scoliosis or kyphosis (round back). If not treated properly, severe back pain, deformity, and difficulty breathing can be some symptoms that will arise.
Chiropractic care can help improve this condition. We look at your overall health examining your spine as well as other factors of your lifestyle. The goal of chiropractic is going to keep the spine mobile which in turn will help slow or stop degenerative changes that happen in the spine due to scoliosis. These patients can and will develop abnormal wear in the joints and discs of the spine due to the abnormal pressures put upon them. That is why its very important to keep the spinal segments mobile, balanced and aligned as much as possible. We may be able to improve some of the curvature, especially in adolescents who have not met skeletal maturity .
Most exams for scoliosis include the Adam’s Forward Bending Test and have been adopted by many schools, whereas they test for this in physical education classes. It requires the person to bend at the waist as someone views the spinal alignment. If there is an abnormal prominence or hump we can help you. We will measure the length of the legs to determine unevenness. We also perform a range of motion test that measures the degree to which the patient has mobility at the waist. The best way to monitor scoliosis is with x-rays and chiropractic analysis.
An orthopedic brace typical does not work. Most people won't wear them. The medical approach is a wait and see approach to see if the curve progresses. This is the last thing you want to do. Why wait until the only intervention is surgery?? It's very important to see a chiropractic physician to help this condition.