Scoliosis & How Chiropractic Can Help
If you or a loved one have scoliosis, or you are looking for help with a diagnosis, chiropractic care is an option for you. Read on to learn more about scoliosis and how expert chiropractic care can help alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a spinal abnormality in which the spine curves sideways, rather than forward and backward. In some cases, the spine may also rotate side to side. Most people who have scoliosis experience a mild case and can live a normal, healthy life. However, scoliosis should be monitored as a person grows to ensure the spinal curvature does not worsen.
The majority of scoliosis cases are diagnosed in young people aged 10 to 15, and both girls and boys are equally susceptible. While the majority of scoliosis cases are mild, it can get worse with age and girls are more likely to experience worsening scoliosis as they grow. The cause of most cases of scoliosis is unknown, though children with muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy may experience scoliosis at higher rates.
Signs of scoliosis may include:
- Unevenness in the height of shoulders and prominence of shoulder blades.
- Unevenness in the height of hip bones and sides of waist.
- When bending forward, an uneven protrusion of back muscles or sides of the rib cage.
- Clothes that hang unevenly (resulting from the physical unevenness described above).
- Difficulty breathing — severe scoliosis can result in reduced lung capacity. Any person experiencing difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately.
People with more advanced or severe scoliosis may experience:
- Breathing problems resulting from reduced chest and lung capacity.
- Back pain and discomfort in other areas of the body.
- Difficulty performing certain movements or activities, or pain when doing so.
- Changes in appearance as the spinal curvature becomes more severe.
Fortunately, scoliosis and it’s resulting symptoms are highly treatable, especially when diagnosed early and closely monitored. Chiropractic care can help diagnose and treat scoliosis; read on to learn more and contact Wauwatosa Chiropractor Dr. Corinne Kennedy of Kennedy Chiropractic with questions or to schedule an appointment.
How Chiropractic Can Support the Diagnosis and Treatment of Scoliosis
Chiropractic care can be a great accompaniment to traditional medicine in the treatment of scoliosis. Chiropractors are experts in the form and functioning of the musculoskeletal system and how the bones and joints interact with the nervous system to contribute to pain, inflammation, and inhibited movement.
A patient’s first visit with a chiropractor will include a comprehensive physical examination with a particular focus on the spine. Most chiropractors will also take x-rays as part of this examination. The chiropractor will also want to know about the patient’s medical history, any pain or other symptoms they are currently experiencing, and what type and level of movement they practice in their daily lives. The chiropractor will consider all these elements in the process of making a diagnosis.
Once a chiropractor has diagnosed scoliosis in a patient, they can work with that patient (and their parent or guardian, if the patient is a child) to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Chiropractic treatment of scoliosis includes regular spinal adjustments to encourage realignment and reduce pressure on the bones, joints, ligaments, and nerves. A chiropractor can also provide expert advice on movements and stretches that will reduce pain and stiffness; exercises to strengthen muscles and joints; breathing routines to expand lung capacity; and ways to stay healthy and active without increasing pain or enhancing symptoms.
Many people with scoliosis choose chiropractic care as part of their treatment because it is non-invasive and does not rely on the use of medication. While chiropractic is not a replacement for traditional medical care for people with scoliosis, it is an excellent compliment to a comprehensive treatment plan.
If you’re looking for a Wauwatosa chiropractor with experience treating patients of all ages and who are experiencing many different conditions, Dr. Corinne Kennedy can help. Contact the offices of Kennedy Chiropractic today.
