Scoliosis is a spinal disorder traditionally defined as abnormal curvatures of the spine. Often, the curves appear S-shaped or C-shaped.
The most common form of scoliosis is idiopathic, which accounts for about 80 per cent of scoliosis cases. Unfortunately, idiopathic means “without a known cause,” meaning experts don’t have all the answers for sufferers. Other forms of scoliosis are:
- Congenital Curve (meaning you were born with the issue)
- Secondary (caused by a secondary condition, such as arthritis, osteoporosis or osteomalacia)
What are the signs and symptoms?
Typically, those who have scoliosis won’t experience back pain, so it’s important to look for physical signs such as:
- Uneven shoulders or a shoulder blade that protrudes farther than the other when standing
- A rib hump (rib prominence) or a lower back hump (lumbar prominence) when bending forward
- One hip may appear higher than the other
What are the treatment options? Least to Most Invasive
- Observation
When scoliosis is diagnosed in children, sometimes there is a period of close observation. This is because in some children as they grow the spine may correct itself naturally without any intervention. However, if the condition worsens then the least invasive and most effective treatment to start with is CHIROPRACTIC accompanied by therapeutic exercises.
- Chiropractic and Therapeutic Exercise
Chiropractic focuses on correcting structural misalignments of the spine thereby removing nerve interferences that could lead to malfunctioning and disease. It is done by HANDS ONLY without the use of drugs or surgery.
Therapeutic Exercise
Swimming is the best exercise for scoliosis because it affects the muscles of the whole back. May help to bring some balance to the entire back.
- Bracing
If scoliosis continues to worsen and reaches a Cobb angle of 25 to 40 degrees then a brace may be recommended. The brace does not correct the curve but may help decrease the progression of the curve in a growing child. Typically the brace will be most effective in girls below 13 years and boys below 14 years of age. As you can see below it is not a comfortable thing for anybody to wear. Most people will have to wear these braces for about 20 hours a day. However if bracing does not help then the last option may be spinal fusion through surgery.
- SURGERY
Surgery may be recommended when the Cobb angle reaches between 40 and 50 degrees. At this stage, the spine may be pushing into vital organs like the heart and lungs. That is why surgery has to be done to prevent organ failure.
We believe in prevention rather than cure. If you suspect that your child or somebody you know may be suffering from scoliosis then the earlier they are checked the better. In my experience as a Chiropractor, children that receive Chiropractic treatment early in life if they have scoliosis get great results hence the avoidance of invasive bracing or surgery. Get CHECKED NOW.
