Have you ever felt like your spine is curving or twisting? If so, you could be suffering from scoliosis. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature and twisting of the spine that can result in discomfort and pain. While it is usually diagnosed in younger children, adults can also be diagnosed with scoliosis later in life as well. In this post, we will discuss what scoliosis is and what can be done to treat this condition.
What is scoliosis?
The spine is made up of 24 bones stacked on top of each other with a disc in between thats acts as a cushion/shock absorber. Ideally, each of these bones would line up in straight line from the neck down to the lower back. Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature and twisting of the spine to the side. It can be seen as an “S” or “C” shape on x-rays. Although scoliosis most commonly occurs in the thoracic spine (mid back) it can also occur in the lumbar spine (low back) as well. Although the most common cases of scoliosis have no known cause, there are also conditions and risk factors that can lead to scoliosis. Scoliosis can be classified as one of these main types:
- Idiopathic Scoliosis: Also known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, this means that there is no definitive cause for the scoliosis. About 80% of scoliosis cases are classified as idiopathic. This is the most common type and affects females more than males. This type of scoliosis can be the result of genetic or environmental factors. In most cases of idiopathic scoliosis, the curve develops around the time a person hits puberty and can continue to progress until the spine is finished growing.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is usually caused by an underlying neuromuscular condition. It can be associated with diseases such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy. These diseases that hinder the musculature around the spine can cause the spine to deviate and become deformed, causing the scoliosis. This is the second most common type of scoliosis. This type of scoliosis usually develops more rapidly than idiopathic scoliosis and often requires surgical treatment.   Â
- Congenital Scoliosis: Congenital scoliosis occurs when there is a malformation of one or more vertebrae during the development of a fetus. In this type of scoliosis, the vertebrae may not grow evenly or may be malformed causing the spine to make a curvature. The severity of this type of scoliosis can vary from mild to life threatening. This is due to the spine and other organ systems developing at the same time during pregnancy. Many children with this type of scoliosis suffer from bladder, kidney, and nervous system issues. This is the least common form of scoliosis.
- Degenerative Scoliosis: This scoliosis usually affects older adults due to wear and tear of the structures around the spine. As the name states, this scoliosis is caused by spinal degeneration, usually over many years. Other conditions such as arthritis can put a person more at risk for developing this type of scoliosis. Daily microtraumas and daily activities that are jarring on the spine, such as heavy lifting, can also progress this condition.Â
What are the signs and symptoms of scoliosis?
When it comes to scoliosis there can be many signs and symptoms that are associated with this condition. Here are some to look out for if you believe you might have scoliosis:
- Achiness/Stiffness/Pain in the back
- Visibly curved spine
- Leaning to one side
- Uneven shoulders and/or hips
- Ribs sticking out on one side
- Breathing problems
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
Scoliosis is usually diagnosed by a medical provider. To come to a diagnosis, the provider will take a detailed history along with doing a physical exam to see how the spine is functioning. The best way to reach a diagnosis is by taking an x-ray of the spine. The x-ray can show if the spine is curved, and if so, most modern x-ray programs can measure the degree of the curvature. This measurement is called the Cobb Angle. Using this angle can help determine how severe the scoliosis is. A Cobb Angle from 10 to 20 degrees is considered mild, 20 to 40 degrees is moderate, and greater than 40 degrees is severe. At Apex Chiropractic, we perform a detailed history and exam along with taking x-rays of the spine to determine our diagnosis.
How is scoliosis treated?
Treatment can be non-surgical or surgical depending on which type of scoliosis the person has and how much it has progressed. Scoliosis is best treated if caught early on in life. If the scoliosis is moderate or severe, bracing, and in some cases surgery, might be an option. Mild cases can be treated through therapeutic treatments such as chiropractic care. A chiropractor cannot completely straighten the spine of a scoliosis patient, but chiropractic care can help to improve pain level and function in patients with this condition. Treatment options for scoliosis patients seeking chiropractic care include adjustments to help unlock the joints of the spine, therapies such as electrical muscle stimulation to increase blood flow in the area and to relax the musculature around the spine and exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the spine for better stability.Â
At Apex Chiropractic, we use adjustments, electrical muscle stimulation, and exercises to help reduce symptoms of scoliosis and help our patients live a more comfortable and pain free life. We also have traction tables to help stretch out the muscles of the spine so there is less pressure in the area. If you or someone you know can benefit from chiropractic care feel free to call us at our office to make an appointment or you can schedule online. If you have any questions, please leave them below and we will be sure to answer them.