Chiropractic Care MN
Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine, or backbone. The spine has normal curves when looking from the side, but it should appear straight when looking from the front. Kyphosis is a curve seen from the side in which the spine is bent forward.
What is Scoliosis?
There is a normal kyphosis in the middle (thoracic) spine. Lordosis is a curve seen from the side in which the spine is bent backward. There is a normal lordosis in the upper (cervical) spine and the lower (lumbar) spine. People with scoliosis develop additional curves to either side, or the bones of the spine twist on each other, forming a “C” or an “S” shape in the spine.
Scoliosis is about two times more common in girls than boys are. It can be seen at any age, but it is most common in those over 10 years of age. Scoliosis is hereditary in that people with scoliosis are more likely to have children with scoliosis; however, there is no correlation between the severity of the curve from one generation to the next.
Scoliosis Treatment
Chiropractic care can help improve this condition. Your chiropractor looks at your overall health examining your spine as well as other factors of your lifestyle. To help identify the problem’s cause, your chiropractor will discuss symptoms and previous injuries, your family’s health history, and recreational and work-related activities. Palpation, orthopedic, and neurological tests performed as well as x-rays to determine the extent.
Most exams for scoliosis include the Adam’s Forward Bending Test and have been adopted by many schools, whereas they test for this in physical education classes. It requires the person to bend at the waist as someone views the spinal alignment. If there is an abnormal prominence or hump, you will be referred to a chiropractor. Your chiropractor will measure the length of the legs to determine unevenness. She/he can also perform a range of motion test that measures the degree to which the patient has mobility at the waist. If needed, your chiropractor will refer you to a specialist for further scoliosis treatment.
In most cases spinal manipulation, physiotherapy, and electric stimulation have not shown to be effective treatments. However, an orthopedic brace can be used to prevent the curve from worsening and does not limit physical activity. Moist heat will help alleviate some pain. In extreme cases surgery may be required but only after the continuous observation has shown that a brace is not helping. Spinal fusion and instrumentation is a surgery specialized for people with scoliosis whereas rods and hooks are inserted to help align your spine and prevent further curving.
Regular visits to your chiropractor, to observe the progression of scoliosis, are an integral part of living a full and happy life. Scoliosis can be treated in various ways to help alleviate pain and restore normal functionality. Regardless of the treatment used, physical therapy may be added to scoliosis treatment to increase muscle strength and mobility. If you have any questions about your physical limitations, Consult your Chiropractor.
