Scoliosis and Chiropractic Treatment
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. It most often occurs during growth spurts that children go through during puberty. It can also be caused by certain diseases like Cerebral Palsy and muscular dystrophy. About three percent of all adolescents are diagnosed with scoliosis. Most cases are mild, although some spine deformities develop into more severe conditions as an adolescent grows older and can become disabling. A severe curve in the spine can actually reduce the amount of space a person’s lungs have to function properly.
Adolescents who are diagnosed with scoliosis are monitored closely. They typically undergo x-rays, and have a doctor who checks on them periodically to ensure their condition does not get any worse. Some signs and symptoms of scoliosis include:
- poor posture
- uneven shoulders
- an uneven waist
- one hip that is higher than the other
- one shoulder blade that appears to be more prominent than the other
Many direct causes of scoliosis are unknown, although the condition appears to involve hereditary factors, as it tends to run in families. It can also be caused by neuromuscular conditions, birth defects, and injuries or infections of the spine. A major risk factor for scoliosis is age, as the signs and symptoms typically show up during adolescence when a child reaches puberty. The sex of a child is also a factor, in because while both boys and girls can develop mild scoliosis, girls tend to have a much higher risk of it and require treatment more often. Complications of scoliosis can include lung and heart damage, back problems, and appearance since the condition can cause people to have poor posture, uneven hips and shoulders, and prominent ribs.
Many parents opt to make appointments with a chiropractor for their children's treatment. Chiropractic care can help with scoliosis pain management to improve the quality of life for people who suffer from the condition. Our chiropractors can reposition the joints of the spine and relax the muscles associated with your or your child’s spine to alleviate pain and allow for increased mobility. Our staff helps our patients retrain their brain to use their muscles and spinal joints differently in order to lessen back pain that is associated with scoliosis.
Ongoing chiropractic treatment for scoliosis includes massage therapy, stretches, and exercises along with periodic scoliosis-specific spinal adjustments.
If you need a chiropractor in Vancouver, call upon the trustworthy and experienced chiropractic professionals at Davis Family Chiropractic and Massage, PLLC today.