Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescents. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some curves worsen as children grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. Even if the curvature is minimal, when it is left untreated as a child it might grow into multiple health problems as an adult. Scoliosis will put undue stress of the spinal column and lead to spinal osteoarthritis and other degenerative disc diseases. In addition to spinal degeneration, your body will try to compensate for being out of balance, which often leads to unlevel hips. This can lead to degeneration problems in the hip such as arthritis in the hips. Over time, the degenerative problems caused by scoliosis will lead to nerve interference to your vital organs and muscles.
What are the common symptoms of scoliosis?
- Uneven shoulders.
- One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other.
- Head is not centered directly above the pelvis.
- Uneven waist.
- One or both hips are raised or unusually high.
- One side of the rib cage jutting forward.
- A prominence on one side of the back when bending forward.
How to diagnose scoliosis?
Scoliosis is usually confirmed through a physical examination, an x-ray, spinal radiograph, CT scan or MRI. The curve is measured by the Cobb Method and is diagnosed in terms of severity by the number of degrees. A positive diagnosis of scoliosis is made based on a coronal curvature measured on a posterior-anterior radiograph of greater than 10 degrees. In general, a curve is considered significant if it is greater than 25 to 30 degrees. Curves exceeding 45 to 50 degrees are considered severe and often require more aggressive treatment.
How do we treat scoliosis?
The goal of scoliosis treatment is to keep the spinal curve(s) as small as possible and prevent progression. In the initial visit, our chiropratic doctor analyzes spinal maturity, the degree, extent and location of the curve and the potential for progression by an thorough physcial exam and x ray image reading. An individulized treatment plan will be maken and explained to the patient. Our non surgical treatments include physical medicine, stretching, strengthening, rehab exercises, dietary/nutrional suggestions and mental support.