Scoliosis can be a very scary diagnosis for a parent. Common concerns are, will my child need surgery? Will my child need a back brace? Will my child be able to play sports again? Here is some information to help guide you on what to do next for a diagnosis of scoliosis.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a spinal disorder that causes the spine to curve laterally, or sideways. Most cases are diagnosed during childhood, but many go on to be diagnosed in adulthood. Scoliosis is a progressive disease that usually begins with a mild curvature that may increase in severity. Serious cases of scoliosis may affect the chest which can limit the ability to breathe properly. Most doctors are concerned with the progression of the curvature prior to the age of 18, as this is when the disease tends to progress the most rapidly. The curvature of the spine can cause many organs to become affected from a lessening of nerve flow due to compression.
What causes Scoliosis?
Causes of scoliosis include genetics, congenital abnormalities, or a response to severe trauma. However, it is not always known why the disease progresses in some and not in others. Scoliosis tends to be more common in females reaching puberty. However, males can be diagnosed also.
How is Scoliosis treated?
Traditional Treatment
Conservative treatment of scoliosis in children and adults typically consists of the wearing of a corrective brace. Braces are not designed to correct or fix scoliosis. Their purpose is to keep the curvature from worsening. Braces are typically worn the majority of the patient’s day and can be very uncomfortable or even embarrassing for many children to wear.
Another treatment practiced for scoliosis is surgery. This is typically done on patients with a curvature of 40 degrees or more. Surgery involves placing a rod to straighten the curvature of the spine.
Most practitioners will not begin these treatments unless the curvature has exceeded 20 degrees or more. Mild curvatures or cases of scoliosis many times go untreated. However, research shows that many of these patients experience more back pain than individuals who do not have scoliosis. Untreated scoliosis can lead to degeneration of the spine and early arthritis to the affected area.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic treatments offer scoliosis patients a conservative option to manage and treat back pain and other symptoms associated with scoliosis. Spinal manipulations combined with homecare exercises can help strengthen and support the muscles and ligaments around the spine to prevent further damage caused by scoliosis to the spine. Chiropractic manipulations aim to take pressure off the nerves to allow optimal function of the body. Many studies suggest that scoliosis patients who receive chiropractic care have shown a lessening of the spinal curvature, which leads to less spinal decay and degeneration.
Research shows that patients who undergo Chiropractic care for the treatment of scoliosis show promising results. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to reduce the curvature of scoliosis and increase the patient’s overall ability to function better.
Even a mild case of scoliosis may cause functional abnormalities to the spine. If you or your child have scoliosis, or if you suspect scoliosis, book an appointment today to get your spinal evaluation. Our chiropractors at Harborside Chiropractic are trained to work with adults and children with scoliosis. We serve many patients in the Lakewood ranch and Bradenton area for scoliosis. Call our office today to set up your appointment to see how we can help!
