Scoliosis is a spinal disorder that often occurs in childhood and adolescences whereby it causes the spine to curve abnormally to one side or the other resembling the letter ‘S’ or ‘C’, when looking from the front. There are many causes for scoliosis but most of the time, it is unknown for an individual. It could be genetic, neuro-muscular disorder or having poor posture. Scoliosis commonly occurs in young females (between ages of 10 to 18 years) but can also be evident in some males.
Credit: Google
Most scoliotic curves are initially detected during school postural screening exams, by a pediatrician, family doctor, or by a parent. How to detect if someone might have scoliosis is when they show signs such as uneven shoulders, uneven waist or hips, unequal shoulder blade prominence, and unequal leg lengths. As the scoliosis progresses, rib prominence, back pain and breathing difficulties may occur.
Credit: Google
Health care professionals, like chiropractors often utilize the ‘Adam’s test’ to screen patients for scoliosis. The “Adam’s test” involves getting the patient to bend forward and attempt to touch his/her toes while the examiner observes for a rib hump. However, the patient may be required to have X-rays taken to confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis.
So, can scoliosis be treated and are there treatments that can help return the spine back to its normal curve? For mild to moderate cases the scoliosis can be managed conservatively using treatments that include spinal bracing (eg; SpineCor), chiropractic manipulative therapy and corrective exercises. However for severe and progressive curvature cases, corrective surgery may be needed. If left untreated, the scoliotic curve can continue to worsen reaching to a stage where the patient can only achieve minimal results.
Here at Spinefit Chiropractic, we take a multi-modal approach to our Practice Members’ scoliosis treatment. This includes manual chiropractic manipulative therapy, corrective exercises and proper nutrition and dietary recommendation. Having the right nutrition and diet is essential especially for females in their formative years.
Credit: Google
If you or someone you know are in need for further information regarding scoliosis, make an appointment with our team to have all your concerns addressed. Call us during our opening hours on +603-64193918 or drop us an email to request for the next available slot.