Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. It begins as a postural distortion and can become a permanent deformity. Allowed to advance, it can interfere with the lungs, heart and many other vital organs.

Three Causes are:

1.    Congenital - genetic predisposition
2.    Habitual - behavioral routines
3.    Idiopathic - unknown cause

Regardless of cause, early detection is essential.

An alert parent may notice that a high shoulder or low hip make clothing fit poorly. Or uneven shoe wear offers a clue. Back and leg pains may develop but are often dismissed as growing pains.

Scoliosis is more common than people may realize. It generally appears between the ages of 10 and 15, when a child's spine is growing rapidly, and it affects 5-to-10 percent of all adolescents to some degree. Very mild scoliosis occurs at the same rate in both sexes, but adolescent girls are seven to nine times more likely to develop clinically detectable spinal curvature that requires treatment. The reason for this is not known.

Everyone's spine has normal curves that produce a slight rounding of the shoulder area and an inward curve of the lower back, but in scoliosis the spine also curves laterally (sideways). It may resemble a letter "S" or a long letter "C," depending on the number and types of curves involved. The curvature described above is the most common type.

Another problem in scoliosis is that as the spine grows, it gradually rotates (twists) on its own axis. The rotation slowly pulls the rib cage around so that, in the back, one side of the rib cage becomes higher and sticks out farther than the other. Furthermore, the ribs on the inward (concave) side of the spinal curve are gathered together, while those on the outward (convex) side are spread apart. This distortion of the rib cage can restrict the lungs, causing breathing problems and possibly heart disease in later years.

Progressive scoliosis may produce a cosmetic deformity and incapacitating back pain during adult life. Research has shown that, on the average, adults with advanced (untreated) scoliosis tend to retire earlier and die younger than the general population.

Most adolescent scoliosis is "idiopathic," which means the causes are unknown. It is also a mystery why some curves increase rapidly while most remain stable. A tendency toward scoliosis can be inherited, and the disorder frequently runs in families. If one child is diagnosed, all other growing children in the family should be examined. A few special cases of scoliosis can be traced to neurological disorders such as polio, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.

Allowed to run its course, scoliosis usually worsens. Severe cases involve unsightly bracing or surgery that attaches steel rods, forcing the spine to straighten.

Natural Approach

Chiropractic care is a more natural solution.  A schedule of specific chiropractic adjustments help improve the function and structure of the spine. As muscles are retrained and strengthened, posture can improve. Over the course of several months or longer, the spine can “right itself.”

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (507) 645-8846.