Scoliosis and the Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Scoliosis is a medical condition that causes the spine to curve left and right in an S-shaped curve or only one direction in a C-shaped. It usually happens without any known cause, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors are potential risk factors.
Signs can appear as early as toddler age but usually begins to show during puberty. For this reason, many early diagnosis in younger children can call for a ‘wait-and-see approach’ to treatment. As a parent, the ‘wait-and-see’ approach just won’t cut it, and you’ll want to help your child do everything they can to minimize the effects that scoliosis can have on their young, developing bodies.
If you receive the ‘wait-and-see’ diagnosis, chiropractic treatment can help.
SYMPTOMS
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, minor cases may go unnoticed until a child hits a growth spurt during puberty, with the age of onset, usually between 10 years - 15 years old.
Symptoms and signs include:
A visible curve in back
Uneven hips, arms, or leg lengths
One-shoulder blade looks bigger
Ribs stick out farther on the side of your body
DIAGNOSIS
Healthcare providers diagnose Scoliosis by performing various tests, including:
Physical examination
X-Ray: Spinal radiograph
CT scan or MRI
Before the above test, the initial exam performed throughout childhood by pediatricians is the Adam’s Forward Bend Test. During this test, the child leans forward, and the healthcare provider looks for any asymmetry of the trunk or any abnormal spinal curvatures.
TREATMENT
Chiropractic care may help the scoliosis curve and strengthen the area through specific, safe adjustments. There are also specific guided exercises that can relieve the pain and discomfort caused by scoliosis. If a curve is above a certain percentage, a recommendation may be to consult with Orthopedic for bracing.
Chiropractic adjustments and exercises can assist with:
Improving core strength
Reducing pain & discomfort
Reducing muscular weakness
Reduce pressure
Increasing mobility
As with any medical treatment, you need to talk to your healthcare provider and make sure you are working with them before starting any treatments. Want to discuss further?