Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), in most cases the cause of scoliosis is unknown or idiopathic. About 8 out of 10 cases are idiopathic. Scoliosis is not related to diet, poor posture or exercise.
Some signs and symptoms can include:
- A visible curve of the spine
- Leaning to one side
- Uneven shoulders
- Hips and ribs that stick out
- Clothes don’t fit well
There are four types of scoliosis:
- Thoracic scoliosis
- Lumbar scoliosis
- Thoraco-Lumbar scoliosis
- Combined scoliosis
Some facts about scoliosis include:
- 2-3% of the U.S. population has scoliosis
- 80% of the cases, the cause is unknown
- 30% of scoliosis patients have a family history of scoliosis
- Scoliosis most often occurs between ages 10-15
- 10% of adolescents have some degree of scoliosis
- 7:1 is the ratio of girls to boy
- 40% are more likely to have suicidal thoughts
- 80% of children who wear a brace do not have to undergo spinal surgery
- 30,000 children are fitted for a brace per year
- 38,000 patients undergo spinal fusion surgery
- Braces are used for mild cases
- Pulleys and hammocks are used in severe cases in the medical world
Chiropractic Care and Scoliosis
Chiropractic can help manage the condition. It can help with non-invasive methods of managing the condition. Chiropractors work on the subluxations (misalignments) of the spine. Adjustments can decrease symptoms like pain. Overall, Chiropractic can help to lower cost of medical bills/procedures long term with management of the condition.
At home exercises include:
- Bird-dog
- Cat-cow
- Latissimus stretch
- Pelvic tilt
These exercises are designed to help strengthen the weak side of the body and to help stretch the tight side of the body. These exercises will help to aid in your therapies and chiropractic adjustments.