Diagnosis and Treatment of Scoliosis
Chiropractic can be helpful in diagnosing scoliosis and in the treatment of individuals with scoliosis. Treatment options are different for each patient depending on a number of different factors, such as severity of the curve, the patient’s age, and cause of the scoliosis.
For those with scoliosis (or suspected scoliosis), our chiropractor will perform a thorough physical exam to evaluate and determine if further testing or imaging is needed, and what treatment options may be best for that patient. Treatment plans are customized, and for minor curvatures often include monitoring, chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitative exercises, collaboration with your medical doctor, as well as other options that are deemed appropriate. If the scoliosis is at a significant angle, bracing or surgery may be necessary. It is important to have scoliosis checked by a chiropractor to evaluate the degree of curvature and discuss your options for care.
Often, minor scoliosis is very difficult to see by the untrained eye. As the degree of scoliosis increases, it becomes more noticeable and can cause numerous health problems. If you suspect you or your children may have scoliosis, it is important to be checked in order to manage it quickly and effectively.
What Causes Scoliosis?
Most scoliosis is termed “idiopathic scoliosis,” which means the cause is unclear. Scoliosis is more prevalent in children and adolescents, and can progress more quickly since the bones are still growing, which is one reason it is important for children’s spines to be checked. Other causes of scoliosis include degeneration, birth defects in vertebrae of the spine, and neuromuscular causes (such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy).
