Have you ever noticed that some people seem to have bumps or noticeable curves in their back when they stand, walk, or even just sit? This can be due to scoliosis, which is when the spinal column is curved instead of being straight, and can cause the body to appear distorted like having one shoulder be higher than the other.
There are two types of scoliosis that affect the musculoskeletal system: functional scoliosis and structural scoliosis
Functional scoliosis is a curve in the spine that is caused by weaknesses in the muscles and ligaments or immobility in the joints. This is the more common type of scoliosis and can be addressed with lifestyle changes such as: strengthening exercises, postural awareness, and chiropractic adjustments for maintaining mobility.
Structural scoliosis is a little more difficult to treat due to it being caused by the bones in the spine growing into a fixed curved position. This can be due to genetic factors, birth defects, neuromuscular conditions, injuries, or infections to the spine.
Depending on the type of scoliosis, there are various causes and triggers that can elicit pain and worsen the effects of scoliosis . With the proper diagnosis and assessment, we can determine factors in an individual’s life that may be contributing to scoliosis.
Common causes of scoliosis include:
- Poor biomechanics
- Poor posture
- Strenuous activities
- Genetics or birth defects
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Injuries
- Infections
What are the symptoms/signs?
- Pain anywhere in the back or ribs
- Uneven shoulders
– One shoulder blade more prominent than the other - Uneven waist
– One hip higher than the other - Ribs on one side sticking out farther than the other
- Difficulty breathing (severe cases)
Although cases are often mild, if left unmanaged and untreated, it can develop into lifelong conditions such as:
– heart and lung damage: due to constant pressure and restriction from the ribs compressing internal organs
– Self esteem issues: becoming self conscious due to Permanent physical deformities
– Back pain: due to constant stress and restriction on joints
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Scoliosis is most prevalent in the youth and pre-puberty population due to the large amount of growth hormones and physical changes occurring in their bodies. As children’s bodies grow, it can often become distorted and mis-shapen, like how a tree can grow crooked without support to keep them straight. Thus, it is important to have consistent care and management throughout children’s growth period to make sure they can properly grow without any interference to influence their posture poorly.
In adults, scoliosis can be managed to reduce pain and increase mobility in the joints for a better quality of life. Depending on the type of scoliosis and the severity of the curves, treatment can be done to help reduce the curves.
Our procedures include:
- Detailed medical history
- Posture Assessment
- Palpation
- Gait Analysis
- Functional Movement Analysis
- Neurological tests
- Orthopedic tests
- Digital X Rays (if necessary)
- Digital MRIs (if necessary)
During the course of the care plan, we will monitor your progress and address how well your body is healing and adapting. Every person is unique in their ability to heal and adapt to stressors, which is why we tailor our treatment plans specifically for each person. Our goal is to get you out of pain as quickly as possible so that you can get back to enjoying what you love with a better quality of life.
An individual’s treatment plan may include some or all of the following forms of therapies:
- Adjustments
- IASTM- (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)
- Myofascial release
- Corrective exercises and stretching
- Laser therapy
- Lifestyle Recommendations