The onset of scoliosis is common in children around the age of ten, however, this condition can occur at any age and oftentimes, the cause is not known. While we cannot always narrow down why it happens, we can treat it. The pain and discomfort associated with scoliosis do not have to be something you live with, and there are non-invasive treatment options available to ease the symptoms of and improve this condition.
At Specific Care Chiropractic, we offer North Lauderdale scoliosis treatment tailored to your health needs. Our chiropractors and physiotherapists will work to understand your unique condition, then support you throughout a custom pathway to well-being.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curve of the spine that can be disabling in extreme cases. It is most common in adolescence but can also develop in those with cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Most cases are mild, but if not addressed properly, can become more severe over time. An especially curved spine can reduce the available space in the chest, which makes it difficult for the lungs to function properly.
In many situations, treatment is not necessary for mild cases, as the spine may straighten naturally over time. However, in some cases where the condition does not improve or gets worse, treatment is necessary. As the condition worsens, more obvious signs will start to appear.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
Signs of scoliosis can include:
- Uneven shoulders or waist
- Shoulder blades that pop out, or one appears more prominent than the other
- Ribs that stick out prominently on one side
- Leaning to one side when standing
- Difficulty standing up straight
- Pinched nerves
- Back discomfort
- Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
- Cardiovascular problems (in severe cases)
In many situations, the spine will not only curve, but twist. This will cause the ribs or muscles on one side of the chest or back to stick out more than those on the opposite side.
In children, early signs of scoliosis can include:
- Clothes that do not fit right or hang unevenly
- A visible curvature of the back or bulging of the spine
Any case of asymmetry in a child can indicate scoliosis, but this is not always the case. It is best to have a doctor examine your child if you believe they may have this condition.
Causes of Scoliosis
It is not known what causes scoliosis in young children, but it often happens during growth spurts before puberty. Childhood scoliosis can develop because of birth defects or other hereditary factors. Less common causes are neuromuscular conditions, surgery at a young age, injury or infection, and spinal cord abnormalities.
Risk factors for scoliosis include age, sex, and family history. Signs of scoliosis typically begin in early childhood right before puberty and appear more often in girls. Scoliosis can also run in families, meaning that if other relatives have had the issue, the chances of having scoliosis are greater. However, the condition can also be present in those without a family history of scoliosis.
How Doctors Diagnose Scoliosis
Scoliosis is usually found during a regular checkup or with your doctor at Specific Care Chiropractic. An official diagnosis would require an X-ray and ruling out other possible causes for a spinal abnormality.
Other tests to check for scoliosis are:
The Adam’s Forward Bend Test
This involves bending forward at the waist at a 90-degree angle with arms stretched toward the floor and the knees straight. This will make visible signs of scoliosis apparent without the need for an X-ray in patients that have scoliosis in the upper or mid-back.
Scoliometer
This measures the ability to twist the upper body. A physician places a device on the back in areas where asymmetry is most obvious and measures the angle of trunk rotation (the torso). If this angle is 5 degrees or greater, it may indicate that the person has scoliosis.
Cobb Angle Measurement
Using an X-ray of the spine, the “Cobb angle” is found by measuring the distance between the spine’s two greatest curves. Ten-degree angles or more can indicate scoliosis.
In most cases, scoliosis is diagnosed based on the Cobb angle of the spine, low rotation ability of the torso, and how old a person is. In children, because they have more skeletal maturity to go through, treatment will need to be adjusted to accommodate any growth spurts they will go through. In older patients, there will not be any skeletal growth, so a different treatment is needed.
Scoliosis Treatment in North Lauderdale
Scoliosis can be corrected with spinal manipulation or other chiropractic care. Realigning the vertebrae in the spine can help move the bones back into place. Chronic pain caused by scoliosis can be relieved after a series of spinal adjustment sessions.
Physiotherapy or physical therapy can also aid in relieving pain and discomfort, primarily by improving flexibility and mobility. In extreme cases, patients with scoliosis may require orthopedic surgery. However, the first step in relieving pain and treating scoliosis is non-invasive methods involving physiotherapy.
We Practice Chiropractic Care to Help Treat Scoliosis
At Specific Care Chiropractic, we specialize in chiropractic care and physiotherapy to help treat scoliosis and any negative symptoms associated with the condition. Some techniques we utilize to treat scoliosis include:
- Corrective Care
- Massage Therapy
- Rehabilitative Therapy
- Stretching and Strengthening
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation (E-Stim)
- Ultrasound Therapy
Corrective care is made up of a variety of chiropractic adjustment techniques involving manipulating parts of the body to help align joints, relieve pain, and ease tension in the muscles and bones. This is done either manually by a chiropractic professional or with the help of hand-held instruments.
Call Our North Lauderdale Scoliosis Treatment Team!
Surgery is not the only option when it comes to finding treatment and relief from scoliosis issues. Our team at Specific Care Chiropractic can treat the pain and discomfort of this condition using non-invasive methods.
To map a treatment plan specific to your needs, call (239) 369-9109 today for a consultation at our location near North Lauderdale.
