[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Scoliosis is a medical condition that involves a curvature of the spine. The shape can affect any part of the spine but causes it to curve to one side. Common areas affected are the middle and lower regions of the spine. For a diagnosis of scoliosis, the bend must measure more than 10 degrees. In explaining the curve, physicians often refer to a ‘C’ or an ‘S’ to describe the backbone’s curve. Here is what you need to know about chiropractic treatment for scoliosis.
Treating Scoliosis with Chiropractic Adjustment
What Causes Scoliosis?
Structural and non-structural denotes the cause of the curvature. There is no quick cure for anatomical deflection. Causes of non-structural curvature range from one leg that forms shorter than the other, muscle spasms, and chronic inflammation. Once the underlying cause has been treated, the curvature often goes away. Unfortunately, in up to 80 percent of scoliosis cases, a physician never determines an exact reason for the curvature. The term ‘idopathic’ refers to scoliosis with no diagnosed cause. Genetics and family history increases the risk factors for idiopathic scoliosis.
Common causes of spinal curvature include:
- Tumors
- Cerebral palsy
- Congenital disabilities
- Muscular dystrophy
- Infection
- Spinal injuries
- Genetic conditions like Down Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome
Congenital Scoliosis
Congenital scoliosis starts in the developing fetus before birth. In some cases, the vertebra appears incomplete, and others fail to divide. Often, when a baby is first born, a physician may not detect the condition and diagnosis does not occur until the teen years. Females experience curvature at a rate that is 10 times higher than males.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
Many times, there are no discernable symptoms of scoliosis. Many schools and health care providers regularly screen for the curvature during a child’s adolescence and teen years.
Symptoms include:
- A single shoulder blade appears more prominent than the other
- One hip looks higher than the other
- Uneven shoulders
- Lopsided waist
- In extreme cases, the spine twists or rotates
Treatment Options for Scoliosis
Chiropractic adjustments help reduce pain but do not cure the disorder. During adolescence, a corrective brace often supports and straightens out the spine. Further chiropractic adjustments improve the function and promote mobility of the joints which decrease pain and improve posture. Many chiropractors also focus on other symptoms and issues brought on from the condition to provide the sufferer with a more comfortable life. People with adult scoliosis have often had to cope with chronic discomfort and limited mobility. Often improving the posture makes a dramatic improvement on the person’s movement and daily life.
Bracing Systems
It is not uncommon for children and teens to require a brace during their formative years. However, adults who suffer from spinal curvature can also benefit from a brace. Short-term wear of only 4 to 12 hours per day often dramatically improves the curvature of the spine. The brace’s design significantly reduces pain and pressure, improves posture, enhances mobility, releases tension, and enhances the sufferer’s quality of life.
Harrington Rod and Chiropractic Care
Individuals who have had a Harrington rod placed to treat curvature of the spine or spinal surgery might worry that seeing a chiropractor can further damage the spine. Rest-assured that modern chiropractic care utilizes gentle tools and methods to bring much-needed relief without causing damage.
If you suffer from curvature of the spine then adding a chiropractor to your medical team provides you with incredible support. A skilled chiropractor helps stop further degeneration from occurring while relieving pain and discomfort.
Please contact the medical professionals at Harlan Chiropractic to schedule an appointment and learn how chiropractic adjustment can help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vcex_button url=”https://drchrisharlan.com/contact-us/request-appointment/”]Click Here to Schedule Your Chiropractic Appointment [/vcex_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]