Scoliosis, a condition conventionally defined as a sideways curvature (or curvatures) of the spine, affects 6 to 9 million people in the United States.
It typically occurs during growth spurts, and girls between the ages of 10 and 15 are most commonly diagnosed and treated.
Understanding The Cause
While scoliosis can result from health issues like spina bifida, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause in nearly 80 percent of all cases is unknown.
This form of the condition is called idiopathic scoliosis (meaning without a known cause).
It can lead to a twisted spine, unevenness in the shoulders and hips and severe cases can be debilitating and painful. So what are the best treatment options?
Can Chiropractic therapy play a role? Here’s the newest information on diagnosing and treating scoliosis.
Diagnostic Considerations
Because scoliosis can be inherited, it’s crucial to have family members evaluated by a health care professional if the condition runs in the family or someone is diagnosed, especially young children. Seeing what developmental patterns are occurring in children is a critical part of successful treatment.
To correct postural scoliosis, it must be caught before the joints are damaged.
Treatment Considerations
There are usually three treatment options for scoliosis—observation, bracing or surgery.
The course of action depends on the seriousness of the condition. A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine asserts that bracing is a very useful treatment option for lowering the progression of high-risk curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, chiropractic treatments for scoliosis can include spinal manipulation or adjustments, postural counseling, heel lifts and therapeutic exercise.
Electrical stimulation is sometimes also recommended.
Consider All the Options
Although scoliosis is a condition no parent wants their child to experience, many cases are mild and end up causing few physical problems.
We encourage you to research all the scoliosis care options available and discuss customized prevention or treatment plans with your chiropractor.