Condition of the Month
Condition of the Month
October - Scoliosis
[skoh-lee-oh-sis]
1. A specific type of misalignment of the spine. This condition involves abnormal curvature of the spine as seen from the back or front.
A normal healthy spine has natural curves – when viewed from the side. These curves are important in their capacity to serve as ‘shock absorbers’. But when viewing the spine from the front or back, the spine should form a straight line.
An individual with scoliosis will have an abnormal curve to their spine. When viewed from the front or back, the spine will have a curve often resembling an “S” or “C” shape. Scoliosis is usually an "idiopathic" condition, meaning that its cause is unknown.
If scoliosis is left untreated it can wreak havoc on the body. Depending on where in the spine the abnormal curve is and how severe it is, will determine the course of treatment. A severe curve in the thoracic region can pull the rib cage out of place affecting the lungs and heart, which interferes with breathing and blood pressure.
Who is Affected by Scoliosis
Scoliosis typically begins in childhood and is more common in girls than boys. This is why it's so important to catch the problem now. Once the bones stop growing – girls 12 – 13 years old , boys 15 – 16 years old (approximately) - it is more difficult to treat scoliosis.
In adults scoliosis can progress and become worse. This is usually results from a minor condition/small misalignment of the spine that was not treated during childhood. Adult scoliosis can also be lead to degenerated discs in the spine, osteophytic growth (bone spurs) and demineralization/softening of the bones known as osteoporosis.
Scoliosis Screenings
Having your children screened for scoliosis is important. Just as you take your child to the medical doctor or dentist for checkups, getting periodic chiropractic checkups ensures that their spine is developing healthy and normally.
BE CAREFUL: Many people are familiar with a simple scoliosis check that is given to students at school, usually by their school nurse or gym teacher. This test, known as the Adam's Forward Bend Test, requires the child to bend forward reaching toward their feet. This test is very helpful in catching severe cases of scoliosis. The Adam's Forward Bend Test is not a good indicator of early stages of scoliosis.
A better – more sensitive - test for signs of spinal dysfunction, like scoliosis, are Surface Electromyography (SEMG) scans. An SEMG scan measures the amount of electrical activity given off by the muscles that support the spine. These muscles brace, or tense up, when they are affected by a spinal misalignment/subluxation. This tool identifes areas of the spine that need attention. The scan is done with sensitive electronic equipment that is run through a computer to give immediate visual readings. The scan takes a few minutes and is completely painless.
How Chiropractic Helps
Chiropractic is a safe, natural way to help return your spine to its normal function. If scoliosis is caught in its early stages or is a mild case, chiropractic treatment can help reduce and/or correct it by means of spinal mobilization, manipulation/adjustments and supportive therapies. This makes it possible to avoid more serious/invasive solutions like wearing a back brace or having complicated spinal surgery.
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