Scoliosis is a back condition that is estimated to affect as many as 9 million people in the United States. It predominantly affects adolescents, developing in children usually around 10 to 12 years of age. The condition is characterized by a permanent curvature of the spine, but rather than this curve causing excessive roundness of the shoulders (called kyphosis), it is to the side instead. This causes the person to look like they are leaning to one side.
Despite this, most people with scoliosis are able to live normal lives and can do most activities, including exercise and sport. And once a child with scoliosis stops growing, the curvature of the spine shouldn’t get any worse.
Causes Of Scoliosis
In many cases, it isn’t possible to determine exactly why someone has scoliosis. People who have a family history of the condition are believed to be more at risk of developing the condition, as are those who are born female. However, there are also a number of other factors that have been identified as potential contributors to the development of the condition. These include:
- A diagnosis of cerebral palsy
- A birth defect that affects the spinal bones, e.g., spina bifida
- A diagnosis of muscular dystrophy
- Suffering a spinal injury
- Suffering from a spinal infection
Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but they can get worse as children grow. Early intervention is often crucial for keeping it under control.
Symptoms Of Scoliosis
Unless you are a trained chiropractor, recognizing scoliosis yourself might not be easy. The condition is most noticeable when someone is undressed, so it may be necessary for you to strip down to your underwear as part of the diagnostic process. This will enable your chiropractor to visualize your spine and its position. At this point, they may be able to see a shoulder blade or hip bone protruding more extensively on one side than the other. Some chiropractors remark that patients with scoliosis look ‘lopsided’. They will almost certainly use their hands to feel the bones too.
Scoliosis does cause some noticeable symptoms too, including:
- Lower back pain
- Problems breathing owing to a reduced area in the chest for the lungs to properly expand
- A shoulder that sits higher than the other
- A rotating spine
If your child is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to get them checked over by a trained and experienced chiropractor as soon as possible.
How Is Scoliosis Treated With Chiropractic Care?
Often, people are surprised to discover that chiropractic techniques are highly effective in the treatment of scoliosis. Chiropractors are trained and experienced professionals focused on improving physical health and overall wellbeing by ensuring that the spine and wider musculoskeletal system are perfectly aligned. They do this by assessing the position of the spine and various muscles, bones, and other connective tissues to it. They then use a variety of techniques to bring the spine into alignment.
Nevertheless, conventional chiropractic adjustments don’t work for scoliosis. That’s because conventional spinal adjustments are designed to release areas of pressure and trapped nerves, improving mobility and reducing pain. However, since this isn’t the main problem facing patients with scoliosis, chiropractic treatment for the condition instead focuses on a number of gentler techniques to reduce the symptoms associated with your scoliosis. These include massage, stretches, and gentle exercises. These techniques will help to:
- Reduce your pain and inflammation, meaning you will be less reliant on pain medications
- Improve your range of motion
- Improve your flexibility
- Enabling you to enjoy a more active lifestyle with reduced risk of injury
With regular chiropractic treatment, scoliosis sufferers need not suffer at all, but can instead enjoy full and active lifestyles. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Hometown Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa at (563) 205-6670 today.