Can a Chiropractor Help Scoliosis?
A normal spine is straight, without much change from side-to-side, when the body is viewed from behind.Scoliosis is an affliction that is commonly associated with a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature of the spine.This condition often gives the appearance of the patient leaning to one side but it should not be confused with poor posture. Defined by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebra, this complicated deformity oftentimes produces a distinctive “rib hump” in the mid or thoracic spine. This is produced by the vertebrae in the zone of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their fastened ribs posterior hence producing the characteristic rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. If the thoracic curve and rib rotation are severe, exceeding 70 degrees, pulmonary and cardiac function can be impeded. This intensity of curve and subsequent cardiac and pulmonary changes are frequently seen later in life in untreated severe idiopathic infantile and juvenile scoliosis patients and, as such, present a threat to life.
Anatomy
If one were to view the trunk from a side view, the spine would disclose four normal curves: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. In the lower spine there is a natural “C-shaped” curve called swayback or lordosis, while the thoracic curve in the chest area has a “reverse C” called a kyphosis. Increased kyphosis in the thoracic area is called hyperkyphosis, while heightened swayback is termed, hyperlordosis. Alterations from normal that are visible from a side view frequently accompany scoliosis changes. Postural exercises can resolve some round back deformities that are simply due to bad posture. A small portion of individuals with kyphosis have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are associated with vertebral deformity. This kind of deformity, called Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is much more difficult to treat than postural kyphosis, and it’s cause is unknown.
Almost anyone can help to identify a child or adult with scoliosis just by viewing the person in a standing position, preferably bare-chested and in shorts, and observing the following:
- One shoulder may be more elevated than the other.
- One scapula (shoulder blade) may be more elevated or more conspicuous than the other.
- There may be more room between the arm and the body on one side when the arms hang relaxed at the side.
- One hip may look to be raised or more prominent than the other.
- The head is not in plumb with the pelvis.
- When the person is viewed from the rear and asked to lean forward until the spine is horizontal, one side of the back seems more raised than the other.
The child or adult should be sent to a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, for further assessment once scoliosis is suspected. your chiropractor would be happy to help.
The most prevailing type of scoliosis is, by far, Idiopathic, and even though there are various roots and many kinds, Idiopathic Scoliosis accounts for approximately 85% of all cases. “Idiopathic” means “no known cause” and is observed with equal prevalence in boys and girls in the mild or low curve magnitudes. This affliction can be sub-classified into infantile, juvenile and adolescent categories, depending upon the age of onset. Idiopathic Scoliosis may be caused by genetic or hereditary influences as it frequently runs in families. For reasons yet to be found, girls are five to eight times more likely than boys to have their curves increase in size and require treatment. As the term “Idiopathic Scoliosis” implies, this kind of scoliosis usually develops when children are ending their last major growth spurt. Unfortunately, at this age young people are disinclined to permit their body to be seen by parents and other adults, so it is very important to have this age group examined on a regular basis.
If a scoliotic curve is observed in the growing adolescent, it is vital that the curves be monitored for development by periodic examination and from time to time standing X-rays. In ninety percent of cases, the scoliosis is mild and does not require active treatment, however increases in spinal deformity necessitate evaluation to ascertain if a brace or other management is required. In a small number of people, surgical treatment may be needed.~Surgery may be needed for a small number of individuals.
Brace therapy (orthosis) is recommended for newly-identified symptoms of moderate scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis, as well as when an increase in scoliosis or kyphosis is discovered in both juvenile and adolescent children. There are a number of kinds of braces, all designed to prevent curves from increasing through acting as a buttress for the spine during active skeletal growth. Braces will not usually make the spine entirely straight, and cannot always keep a curve from increasing. However, bracing is effective in stopping curve progression in a significant number of skeletally-immature adolescents.
Scoliosis has no simple solution. Most cases, even though frequently monitored, are not actively treated. The usual medical treatment for moderate instances is a brace, whereas severe cases in some cases are treated surgically. You may want to see your local chiropractor first.
Specialized exercise, electric stimulation of spinal muscles, nutritional programs, and chiropractic treatments are among many modalities used in addition to bracing. It appears that the best results have been supported with a multi-faceted approach to the treatment of this condition.
There are chiropractors, that have expertise managing scoliosis conditions.
Comments
Excellent topics, I really like this topic on scoliosis. I found that chiropractors help people with back pain, neck pain, headaches, but didn’t know that chiropractic adjustments help scoliosis. That’s very cool! I think I’ll call a chiropractor today!
I came across your site, i think your blog about chiropractic helping scoliosis is cool, keep us posting.
Thanks for the great information. My wife is affected by scoliosis, and has been having great success with our chiropractor. I have included my e-mail address, and would appreciate any recommendations on mid back therapy or exercises you may have, or any other thoughts pertaining to helping her. Thanks again for the helpful information.
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