Scoliosis

What is Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a disorder that causes sideways or abnormal curvature of the spine. Generally, it appears in children. The child may need a scoliosis brace or physical therapy, depending on the age of the child and the angle of the curve. Certain conditions like cerebral palsy can cause scoliosis, but doctors do not know the exact, underlying, cause of scoliosis. Generally, there are different ranges of scoliosis depending upon the angle of the curve.

  • 10-20 degrees – mild
  • 20-50 degrees – moderate
  • greater than 50 degrees – severe

In general, scoliosis is of a mild type but as the children grow, the deformities in the spine get more severe. A severe spinal curve causes a reduction of space within the chest. As a result, the lungs cannot function properly. In most cases, there is not any need for treatment. However, children with scoliosis should be closely monitored to make sure their condition is not deteriorating. Those with severe scoliosis may have to wear a scoliosis brace so the condition of the curve does not worsen.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

There are several symptoms indicating the possibility of scoliosis. If you notice any following symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor

  • Head is a bit off-center, not directly above the pelvis
  • Asymmetrical ribcage
  • One or both hips more unusually high or prominent
  • Uneven shoulder blades, leg lengths or waist
  • Body leaning towards one side

Causes of Scoliosis

The exact cause of scoliosis is unknown. However, some of the causes of scoliosis are bad posture, connective tissue disorders, hereditary factors, neuromuscular conditions, tumors, infections, and some types of injuries.

Types of Scoliosis

There a three main types of scoliosis. These are:

  • Congenital Scoliosis
  • Idiopathic Scoliosis
  • Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis

Chiropractic adjustments and physical therapies can help in improving your quality of life by reducing pain and preventing further degradation of the spine. However, it very important to understand that scoliosis is not technically curable and requires regular ongoing care. The chiropractic adjustments do not cure or reverse scoliosis, but they can improve the motion and mobility of the joints.