|
Scoliosis
 What
is Scoliosis?
Usually a result of heredity or injury, scoliosis is a sideways
curve of the spine that can lead to increasing back pain and
stiffness. Scoliosis is seen more often in females than
in males, and it usually begins in childhood. If left untreated,
symptoms can become severe.
Can Chiropractic
Care Help Me?
Early detection and treatment of scoliosis during childhood may
help prevent it from worsening over time. Whether scoliosis
is discovered early or not, chiropractic care can do a lot to
improve your condition. Your doctor of chiropractic looks
at your overall health - focusing not only on your spine, but
also on your lifestyle. This integrated approach helps
determine the best way to control your scoliosis.
History, X-rays,
and Physical Exam
You and your chiropractor will discuss your symptoms, any injuries,
your family health history, and your lifestyle, including your
physical activities. X-rays, the "blueprints"
of your spine, may be taken to reveal the condition of your vertebrae.
During the physical exam, a series of other tests may also be
done.
Diagnosis
Scoliosis is detected by uneven shoulder heights, a loss of structural
balance, or a change in posture. Based on the examination
and findings, your doctor of chiropractic may begin an individualized
treatment program to stabilize your scoliosis or improve your
spinal health. If needed, your chiropractor will also consult
with other medical specialists about your condition.
Before Surgery
It is thought that scoliosis is the result of a hereditary problem
or an adaptation to some type of trauma, such as the birth process
or an injury, such as falling off a bicycle. It usually
starts with problems in the lower back.
Because spinal bones continue
to grow well into the early 20s, if left uncorrected scoliosis
often worsens. Unfortunately, the most common treatment
approach has been to wait and see how bad it gets, resorting
to unsightly braces, or eventually surgery if it progresses too
far. The chiropractic approach is to use specific spinal adjustments,
often combined with corrective exercises. If detected early
enough, chiropractic doctors have had excellent success with
scoliosis cases. Early detection and chiropractic correction
is important for optimum results. Do you know someone who
could benefit from a chiropractic examination?
|
