Definition
Scoliosis is a lateral curve of the spine. It may also include rotated vertebrae.
Causes and risk factors
No cause has been determined for Idiopathic Scoliosis; it is something that people are born with. Scoliosis is more common in females than males, and normally those most at risk are teenagers between the ages of 9 and 15. For this reason, many parents choose to have their children examined during those years. Signs and Symptoms:
Usually the first signs or symptoms include fatigue or tiredness particularly with prolonged sitting. This tends to lead to additional muscular back aches, feelings of strain, and eventually pain (pain is normally a late sign). Most people will notice some form of deformation. For example, they may notice that one shoulder is higher than the other (usually apparent in teenage years), or one hip may be more forward than the other. People also may notice that the spine is turned to one side or the other.
Diagnosis:
Even though most conditions of scoliosis are apparent by sight, chiropractors will use x-ray to diagnose and view. With x-rays, chiropractors can determine how much rotation there is in the vertebrae, how much bend there is, can measure the angles of where the bend is, and can classify the type of scoliosis.
For someone who is skeletally immature, chiropractors may take films every few months to check the progress of the condition.
Treatment
Currently idiopathic scoliosis is being treated with electrical stimulation, surgery, bracing, exercising, or a combination of the four.
Surgery is only considered if curvature exceeds 50 degrees.
End result
The end result of treatment will depend on the sight and severity of the curve as well as the on-set. Children under the age of four have a better chance of recovery than those who are older. Chiropractors use exercise and monitoring to ensure that the condition does not worsen. Back braces are not used as often as they used to be, as most teenagers do not enjoy wearing them, and very little change occurs as a result of them.
Although chiropractic care does not have explanatory research for its effectiveness, most patients do say there is a great deal of relief due to increased movement in the spine.
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