Scoliosis is a lateral (side by side) curvature of the spine, usually combined with a rotation of the vertebrae. While a small degree of lateral curvature does not cause any medical problems, larger curves can cause postural imbalance & lead to muscle fatigue and pain. More severe scoliosis can interfere with breathing and lead to Spondylosis (arthritis) of the spine. Scoliosis is referred to as “idiopathic” disease because the cause is unknown.
Most exams for scoliosis include the “Adam’s Forward Bending Test” and have been adopted by many schools, whereas they test for this in physical education classes. This test may be done at home as well. It requires the person to bend at the waist as someone views the spinal alignment. If there is an abnormal prominence or hump you will be referred to a Chiropractor. Your Chiropractor will measure the length of the legs to determine unevenness. He or She can also perform a Range of Motion (ROM) test that measures the degree to which the patient has mobility at the waist. If needed, your Chiropractor will refer you to a specialist for further scoliosis treatment.
Regular visits to your chiropractor, to observe the progression of scoliosis, are an integral part of living a full and happy life. Scoliosis can be treated in various ways to help alleviate pain and restore normal function ability. Regardless of treatment used, Physical Therapy may be added to scoliosis treatment to increase muscle strength and mobility. If you have any question about your physical limitations, consult a Chiropractor.
The causes of Scoliosis are generally due to one of the following two categories:
- Genetics: Some people can have scoliosis from birth. This can be due to the formation of the bones in the spine or the baby having fused ribs during pregnancy.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis: scoliosis can also be caused by problems during birth, such as muscle weakness, paralysis and poor muscle control.
Your Chiropractor may run x-rays to determine if your back has an abnormal curve or not. Scoliosis gone untreated can be okay. The majority of people with scoliosis go without treatment as long as the curvature of the person’s spine is less than 20 degrees. If you have scoliosis and your back has a curvature of less than 20 degree you should still have your back checked out by a doctor or chiropractor every 6 to 8 months to make sure that your scoliosis isn’t getting any worse. People who have scoliosis and a curvature higher than 25 degrees are generally recommended to wear a back brace in order to help slow down the development of the curve. Younger people who are still growing and have scoliosis should get treatment as soon as possible since they are still growing.
Common symptoms of scoliosis include:
- Lower back pain
- Abnormal spinal curve
- Uneven shoulders/hips
- Fatigue after standing or sitting for long periods
For more information regarding scoliosis and back pain, call 1-888-BACK-RELIEF today to find a local back pain specialist in your area. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions.