Scoliosis Symptoms and Treatments

Scoliosis is never fun. Along with the physical pain it brings, it can also result in emotional difficulties for its victims. But chiropractors can usually provide correction if problems are identified in time.

Scoliosis is a condition that results in an improper curving of an individual’s spine and sometimes incorrect rotation of the spine. While the problem begins as abnormal posture, it can progress to deformity and — if untreated — complications to the lungs, heart, and other vital organs.

The formal cause of scoliosis has never been identified, but there are some facts about it that have been determined:

• Scoliosis is usually seen in women
• Individuals with cerebral palsy or spina bifida are more prone to develop scoliosis
• It may be present at birth because of an anomaly
• Trauma may be a culprit in the development of scoliosis in adults
• It may begin or become worse during adolescence
• Often, scoliosis may develop from assuming an incorrect position of the head or hip

Chiropractic care can bring relief to pain and better health to a patient experiencing difficulties associated with scoliosis by restoring the integrity of their spine and nervous system. Regardless of its origins, the biggest threat from scoliosis is ignoring the problem.

Scoliosis is easiest to correct in early stages, but there are rarely symptoms then. However, there may be warning signs that include clothing that will not fit properly because of a high shoulder or low hip. Pain in the legs and back that are often dismissed as growing pains may also be an early indicator of the presence of scoliosis in a child.

Through a simple procedure, chiropractors can help victims of scoliosis on the road to recovery and a safer future by helping them recapture their health, posture, and self-esteem.

The process begins with an examination that helps correct the early stages of scoliosis. This is followed by corrective action that may involve bolting a steel rod to the patient’s spinal column. This, along with focused spinal adjustments, can help improve the function and structure of the spine.

There are three other things everyone should know about scoliosis, both to detect and prevent the problem that include:

1. Any sideways curvature is abnormal. The existence of scoliosis can be seen with the presence of two curves — a major curve in one direction and a compensatory curve in the opposite direction — versus a straight spine.
2. The use of devices that hasten early walking may interrupt the crawling stage, which is essential for proper spinal development. Parents can also help their children avoid scoliosis by encouraging them to use both straps on their backpacks and that their load doesn’t exceed 15 percent of their total body weight.
3. Early detection is the key to fighting almost all health problems, and spinal abnormalities are no different. Parents should take their children to a chiropractor soon after they are born and follow those visits up with regular chiropractic care throughout the child’s development.