Many people remember undergoing scoliosis screening in school. What was once done in nearly every school, scoliosis screenings now only occur in around 50% of schools. Although the usefulness of these programs is sometimes a matter of opinion, one thing that is certain is that early detection is imperative and will usually stop scoliosis from progressing to something extreme.
Understanding Scoliosis
Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal side-to-side curve of the spine. While several different things may cause scoliosis such as neurological diseases, connective tissue disorders and musculoskeletal problems, scoliosis without a known cause is called idiopathic scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type and tends to run in families. Affecting far more girls than boys, idiopathic scoliosis is typically found during childhood. However, there are cases of scoliosis known as adult scoliosis, which begins or is identified after the skeletal growth is complete.
Adult Scoliosis
Affecting between two to three percent of Americans, adult scoliosis is typically mild but sometimes does require treatment. Falling into one of two categories, adults with scoliosis either had the condition as a child or have developed the condition due to degenerative changes in the spine. As with many other conditions, treatment of scoliosis has traditionally relied on the use of braces or physical therapy all the way up to fusion surgery for more severe curvatures. For adults who underwent corrective surgery as children, often they experience problems from the surgery as adults including spinal degeneration below the fusion area. For adults dealing with scoliosis, symptoms can become particularly distressful, interfering with day-to-day living and undermining their general sense of wellness. Considering surgery in adults is even riskier as spinal surgeries come with potential complications that can be very serious, such as infections, spinal imbalance and blood loss, or even death.
Treatment of Scoliosis
When considering the downside of treatment through invasive techniques and surgeries, it is of little surprise that patients want effective treatments that does not involve surgery and its risks. Fortunately, most patients whose scoliosis does require treatment are finding relief in Chiropractic Neurology. Treatments including spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercises and muscle stimulation have all proven effective in the treatment of adult scoliosis, reducing the risk of progression while helping to improve posture and increase mobility. In addition, these types of treatments have also shown to be very effective the treatment of back pain that often accompanies scoliosis. As with many medical conditions, scoliosis is different for each patient and, therefore, require a treatment plan as unique as the person affected. Chiropractic Neurology offers an individualized and tailored approach that is designed with each patient’s unique needs in mind. By performing a thorough assessment and seeking to discover the root cause, your Chiropractic Neurologist can develop the course of action that is best for you.
Would you like to learn more about how Chiropractic Neurology can help you or a loved one in the treatment of scoliosis, back pain or other chronic condition? We would love to help. Please contact the team at the Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today.
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