Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a progressive lateral curvature of the spine. When you view the spine from the side, you should see the natural curves of the spine. However, when you view the spine from the front, the spine should be straight.

The most common type of scoliosis is "adolescent idiopathic scoliosis". Idiopathic means "of unknown origin". However, recent research into the cause of scoliosis seems to suggest that there is often a genetic factor that affects how the spine grows. Scoliosis can affect both adults and children. In children it can be a more serious condition because it can rapidly progress as the child grows.

Scoliosis is usually first seen in children between the ages of 10 and 15. However, it can occur in younger children aged 3 to 10 years (juvenile scoliosis) and in babies (infantile scoliosis). Scoliosis can also occur in adults with no previous history due to spinal degeneration and advancing age (degenerative scoliosis).

The effects of scoliosis include poor posture, shoulder humping, muscle weakness and pain. In rare cases, scoliosis can lead to heart and lung problems. If scoliosis is detected and treated early, the patient can avoid these symptoms in many cases. However, if left untreated, scoliosis can sometimes require surgery.

Treatment of Scoliosis

The best results of scoliosis treatment are attained when the condition is detected early and treated with appropriate and proven methods. Tailoring an individual program for each patient will often enable the patient to avoid the more unpleasant, expensive and dangerous treatment options such as medications and surgery.

Chiropractic care is a proven treatment method for scoliosis. Your chiropractor will devise a treatment program that may include:

• Specific chiropractic adjustments that are designed to correct dysfunction of the skeletal structures and reduce the tension on the spinal cord;

• Exercises that are specifically designed to address balance, co-ordination and proprioception (body awareness) problems, as well as stretch the muscles around the scoliosis to reduce muscle tension;

• Applied Kinesiology corrections to restore structural, biochemical and emotional imbalances;

• Nutritional support

Chiropractic care for scoliosis can be very effective, especially when the condition is in the early stages. The treatment program requires a commitment by the patient and their family, but if undertaken enthusiastically, it has the potential to prevent the need for much more drastic treatments later on.