What Type of Problems Do Chiropractors Treat?
Scoliosis
Definition
Scoliosis is not a disease – it is a descriptive term. All spines have curves. Some curvature in the neck, upper trunk and lower trunk is normal. Humans need these spinal curves to help the upper body maintain proper balance and alignment over the pelvis. However, when there are abnormal side-to-side (lateral) curves in the spinal column, we refer to this as scoliosis. Scoliosis is an alteration of both structure and function that occurs in the spine. In some cases there is severe increase of the curve it could eventually harm the functioning of internal organs and body structure.
Normal curvatures of the spine
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Note the differences
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Signs and Symptoms
- Shoulders are different heights – one shoulder blade is more prominent than the other.
- Head is not centered directly above the pelvis.
- Appearance of a raised, prominent hip.
- Rib cages are at different heights.
- Uneven waist.
- Changes in look or texture of skin overlying the spine (dimples, color changes).
- Leaning of entire body to one side.
Causes
- Idiopathic (no known cause)
- Congenital spinal deformities
- Genetic conditions
- Neuromuscular problems
- Leg length
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
- Muscular dystrophy
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Tumors
Over 80% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, which means there is no cause. Scoliosis affects 2% of women and 0.5% of men in the general population. Idiopathic scoliosis is broken into 4 categories:-
- Infantile – children aged 3 and under
- Juvenile – 3 - 9 years old
- Adolescent – 10 – 18 years old
- Adult – after skeletal maturity
80% of idiopathic scoliosis cases, are Adolescent Scoliosis, which develops in a young adult around the onset of puberty. Hence early detection is vital.
Why should we worry about scoliosis?
The major concern with scoliosis is that the deformity or curvature of the spine gets more severe during the child's growth spurt. The progression of curve during the growth phase can be very fast and the spine can become more deformed or "bent". If the scoliosis develops to such a degree that is changes the shape of the rib cage, the child is then in danger of the scoliosis causing problems with breathing and heart function.
Scoliosis changes the child's posture. With postural changes it can also influence the childs psychological development leading to a self conscious nature, withdrawal and in some cases, depression. The postural changes can also affect movement patterns of the spine.
Treatment
- Mild scoliosis curvatures – oberver any progression of the curve, the curve should be monitored every 3-6 months by a scoliosis specialist. Observation of the spine, corrective exercises, rehabilitation and spinal mobilization should be done to keep the spine in optimal flexibility.
- Soft-bracing – these braces allow patients to be braced when the curve is still mild and has not reached the agrressive stage. Mild curves are easier to stabilize and √ than curves that have been left to progress and have become significantly deformed. The advantage of these braces is that they help to strengthen the spinal musculature, while using corrective movements to correct the biomechanical deformity of the spine. They allow normal movements of the spine, thus allowing the child to partake in normal sporting activities and normal day to day activities. They are also easy to conceal under clothing and do not attract attention to the scoliosis sufferers deformity. The most common brace in this category is the SpineCor brace.
- Hard-bracing – these braces are used for progressive curves that have been monitored, but have progressed significantly. The brace is used to stabilize and stop the progression of the curvature so as to avoid the possibility of spinal surgey. The most common braces used are the Boston. Milwaukee and Cheneu braces.
- Severe debilitating scoliosis – if all treatment options for scoliosis have failed, or the curve was only discovered when advanced, then surgery is the option. Surgery is performed to reduce continuous uncomfortable pain syndromes and to √ curves that affect the patients breathing, heart function and daily bodily mobility.
What can you do?
- Perform a home assessment of your child's spine.
- If you notice any change in your child posture, shoulder height or any spinal changes then schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or scoliosis speacialist.
- If a scoliosis is detected the specialist will recommend an X-ray image to assess the severity and extent of the curve.
- Treatment options for the scoliosis will then be discussed to establish which treatment protocol will be the best to follow. This will depend on the severity and type of scoliosis detected.
Points to Remember
- Children between the ages of 7-15 years old should be assessed every 6 months.
- Early detection can help to prevent further progression of the curve and increase the chances of successful treament.
- Early stages of scoliosis can be difficult to detect, hence, a spinal check up with a specialist may be required.
