Scoliosis is a deformity of a spine where it is curving sideways, giving an appearance of ‘C’ or ‘S’ shaped spine when looked from the frontal and/or back view (normally straight in such view). Unfortunately not much is known about the exact cause of scoliosis, hence the name ‘idiopathic scoliosis’ which idiopathic denotes “unknown cause” for majority of scoliosis cases. Consequently, scoliosis can invariably be accompanied by various undesirable outcomes as it gets worse overtime into adulthood.
At Healing Hands Chiropractic, we can help those suffering from scoliosis by managing the debilitating effects resulting from scoliosis, as well as preventing it from getting worse. It’s imperative that cases or suspected cases of scoliosis be known for preventative reasons at the early stages of the condition which can start as early as nine years old.
The exact cause of scoliosis still remains largely unknown, hence why idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type (about 80%) while the rest is relatively rare. It most commonly affects children and adolescents, especially around the time of their growth spurts before puberty (age 9-15). But it can still arise in people who are both younger and older than such age.
It can often be undetected during the early stage as the curve may not significantly be severe enough to notice or cause symptoms such as but not limited to shortness of breath, one shoulder blade protruding out or more lowered than the other. The diagnosis of scoliosis is confirmed by imaging studies such as X-rays to determine its severity and the size or degree of the curve which is measured to be 10 degrees or more. A child in the early stages may be required to have regular imaging checks(X-rays) in order to assess the progression of scoliosis. If scoliosis is showing any of the following characteristics, it is regarded as a possible serious issue that can warrant referral to a medical specialists for further evaluation to eliminate possible implications of the condition.
Detecting and managing scoliosis early is vital especially in children as their bones and joints have not fully matured and are still growing. Consequently, this puts them at a greater risk of their scoliosis progressing to a larger degree, due to poor postural habits, lack of ergonomics during studying, exercise etc. This will present more severe symptoms that are more likely to persist into their adulthood if the condition is not managed correctly, effectively and efficiently.
As mentioned above, adults can experience and/or have scoliosis as well. These cases are due to scoliosis continuing on from childhood, to ageing and/or degeneration naturally and prematurely in the spine which result in structural imbalance, deformity and instability due to neuromusculoskeletal impairments and conditions.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms associated with scoliosis:
Although chiropractors do not necessarily aim to ‘straighten’ the abnormal curve of a scoliosis condition, we can still help in managing it so that it does not become unnecessary burden in your life or manage it from getting worse. Our goal is to allow you to live a life without restrictions and for you to live it to the fullest regardless if you have scoliosis. With Healing Hands, we work together with you and your child to make this happen through physical education, develop good postural, exercise and ergonomic habits that will allow you, the patient to decide what’s best for your body and health in the long run.
Our treatment is designed to help restore the alignment and functional movements of the spinal joints which can reduce the strain on both the spine and the rest of the body through better movement and function. Additionally, our treatment approach and with your personal commitment to your health, can help your body and spine to stabilize the progression of the scoliosis so that it does not prematurely deteriorate, weaken and lead to more severe symptoms or other associated problems.
Identifying postural imbalances to detect any differences in weight between the right and the left sides of the body, alignment from our head all the way down
to our hips. Tyron thermographic spinal scan helps to measure the muscle temperature around the spine. It detects areas with the greater temperature where muscles are working harder due to poor posture.
1-on-1 consultation with our Chiropractors with a detailed review of your health history.
Our Chiropractor will investigate and educate you on the necessary steps forward in reaching your health goals.
Our Chiropractors will perform a series of range of motion tests to determine your current body condition and an adjustment will be administered if deemed
clinically safe to do so.
Our Chiropractors will use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled force to the spinal joints. “Crack” or “Pop” sound may occur as your spine gets manipulated. Do not be alarmed, as the adjustment releases trapped gasses from your joints.
X-Rays will be prescribed so that we can accurately diagnose your condition before prescribing a customized treatment program. It is also for your safety and for us to rule out any possible underlying conditions that cannot be treated by Chiropractic.
The review of your X-rays is complimentary at your following visit if you take up the X-rays with our preferred diagnostic partners.