Back pain and a nagging feeling that something isn’t quite right with your posture can make you feel like your body isn’t working as it should. We understand if you’ve ever felt this way. It can be scary to hear a medical term associated with your spine. This guide supports you as you navigate your journey towards a healthier, happier spine.
With the right information and approach, you can take control of your spinal health. This article will be your partner in understanding scoliosis. We’ll answer questions like how to know if you have scoliosis, explore the different types and causes, and shed light on the common symptoms.
Who Is At Risk Of Developing Scoliosis
Women are diagnosed with scoliosis eight times more often than males during childhood and adolescence. This is due to rapid and hormone-driven growth spurts females experience during puberty, making them more highly susceptible to idiopathic scoliosis.
Here’s a breakdown of individuals who might be more likely to experience scoliosis.
Individuals with a Family History: If you have a close family member, like a parent or sibling, with scoliosis, you have a higher chance of developing it yourself.
People Going Through Puberty: Rapid growth spurts during puberty can contribute to the development of scoliosis. The spine is stressed, and weaknesses or imbalances can become more pronounced.
Those with Uneven Leg Length: While not a direct cause, a slight difference in leg length can affect posture. This can strain the spine and contribute to scoliosis.
What Is Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. It can be mild scoliosis of the thoracic spine or lumbar scoliosis. While the cause of scoliosis, in many cases, remains unknown, different types exist, each with varying potential causes.
Types of Scoliosis
- Idiopathic Scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis, accounting for around 80% of all cases. There’s no definitive cure for idiopathic scoliosis. However, effective management strategies like chiropractic care prevent progression and improve overall well-being.
- Congenital Scoliosis results from spinal malformations that occur during fetal development. These malformations can involve extra vertebrae (bones of the spine) or malformed vertebrae that disrupt the spine’s natural alignment.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis is caused by muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. These conditions can lead to muscle imbalances that put uneven stress on the spine, causing it to curve abnormally.
- Degenerative Scoliosis is caused by wear and tear on the spine in adulthood. Degenerative changes like arthritis or disc degeneration can cause the vertebrae to shift, leading to a curved spine. This type is more common in older adults.
Scoliosis Symptoms
- Uneven Shoulders: One shoulder may appear higher than the other, creating an asymmetry in posture.
- Uneven Waist: When bending forward, the ribs on one side may protrude more noticeably than the other, creating an uneven waistline.
- Prominent Rib Cage: In some cases, one side of the rib cage may be more prominent than the other, particularly when viewed from behind.
- Back Pain: While not everyone with scoliosis experiences pain, some individuals might feel discomfort or aches in their back, especially after extended periods of sitting or standing.
- Uneven Leg Length: In some cases of scoliosis, a slight difference in leg length can be present. This can contribute to postural imbalances and potentially worsen the curvature of the spine.
Early detection is crucial for effective scoliosis management. By understanding the different types of scoliosis and the potential causes, you can be more aware of the symptoms to watch out for.
Can Scoliosis Be Cured: How Can Chiropractic Care Help Scoliosis
While scoliosis cannot be completely cured, chiropractic care can be a powerful tool in effectively managing the condition, preventing progression, and improving overall well-being. Scoliosis treatment with our qualified, experienced chiropractors, led by Dr Michael Bryant, provides a holistic and comprehensive approach to scoliosis care beyond just addressing the symptoms.
How Chiropractic Care With Us Can Help You
Improved Posture and Spinal Alignment: We aim to improve your posture and realign the spine through gentle chiropractic adjustments and targeted exercises. Improved spinal alignment can reduce stress on the spinal joints, alleviate pain and enhance nerve function.
Pain Management: Chiropractic adjustments can help improve joint mobility and minimise scoliosis-related inflammation, leading to significant pain relief and improved quality of life.
Increased Flexibility and Range of Motion: Gentle stretching techniques and personalised exercise programs implemented by our chiropractors can help improve spinal flexibility and range of motion. This increased flexibility can make everyday movements easier and contribute to improved posture.
Enhanced Nerve Function: Chiropractic care can improve nerve function by improving spinal alignment, which scoliosis can affect. Optimal nerve function is essential for overall health and well-being.
Long-Term Management Plan: We understand that scoliosis management is an ongoing process. We work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your needs and goals. This plan may include a combination of chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercises, lifestyle modifications and other supportive therapies, all aimed at promoting long-term spinal health.
Conclusion
Living with scoliosis shouldn’t mean living with limitations. At Elite Spine, our team of experienced chiropractors, led by Dr. Michael Bryant, is dedicated to creating personalised treatment plans for effective scoliosis management.
Recognising symptoms helps how to know if you have scoliosis and empowers you to seek professional help and manage the condition effectively. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Schedule a consultation with Elite Spine Centres and experience the difference a comprehensive approach can make.
Take charge of your spinal health today!