Scoliosis may affect as many as nine million people in the US alone. It is a chronic condition that must be managed rather than cured. Scoliosis usually appears in late childhood. Here are some things you should know about the condition, courtesy of Coral Canyon Chiropractic Joint & Spine Health, in Hurricane, Utah.
What is Scoliosis?
Simply put, scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. If you were to view the spine from the side, you would see three curves that form an S shape. From the back, the spine should appear straight. Scoliosis causes a spinal curvature that creates an “S” or “C” when seen from the back. In addition, most people who suffer from this condition typically have uneven shoulders. The waist or hips may also be uneven. The distortion of the spine may result in the appearance of prominent ribs or the lower back. Genetics is a factor in scoliosis and in adults osteoporosis may also play a role.
Scoliosis Causes and Symptoms
The actual cause of scoliosis is a mystery in most cases, although it does tend to run in families. Many people may have such a mild case that there are no symptoms. Since the problem typically appears between the ages of 10 and 15, scoliosis screening usually begins in middle school. Uneven shoulder height is often the first symptom, but abnormal posture and back pain may also occur. Untreated or severe scoliosis may also cause:
- Pain, numbness or weakness in one or both legs.
- An inability to stand straight.
- Difficulty walking.
- Height loss as the spinal curvature becomes more pronounced.
- Fatigue.
- Difficulty breathing due to distortion of the rib cage.
Scoliosis and the Chiropractor
When scoliosis first appears, a corrective brace is often prescribed to help support and guide the developing spine. Even adults may wear a brace for spinal support. Although chiropractic adjustments can’t correct the spinal distortion, they can correct other alignment problems and imbalance related to postural changes. Targeted exercise programs strengthen muscles in the core and promote flexibility. Massage can loosen tight, uneven muscles and decrease spasm. In very rare cases, surgery may be recommended. A chiropractor can also make diet and supplement recommendations to ensure ideal nutrient intake, especially of important minerals.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you are concerned about scoliosis or other musculoskeletal problems in yourself or your child, please contact Coral Canyon Chiropractic Joint & Spine Health at (435) 635-7771 Located at 83 S 2600 West, Suite 102, in Hurricane, we offer extended hours to make scheduling easier. In addition to scoliosis screening and treatment, we provide soft tissue mobilization, physical rehabilitation, spinal decompression therapy, massage, physical therapy, laser therapy, and lifestyle counseling. Our goal is to help you maintain or restore your health through non-invasive, drug-free therapies that promote whole body wellness.