What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that causes it to curve sideways, either in an S-shape or C-shape, and is a generally painless condition with no known cause or prevention method. Around 3 million new cases of scoliosis are identified every year in the United States, most of which are diagnosed in children ages 10-12, and many more mild cases going undiagnosed altogether.
Severity of scoliosis can range from mild unevenness of the hips and shoulders, to severe sideways curvature of the spine that requires surgical correction—though only a small percentage (10-30%) of cases require intervention with treatment such as physical therapy, bracing or surgery. Because the majority of scoliosis cases are mild, physical therapy such as Beverly Hills chiropractic treatments are a common form of treatment.
Scoliosis in Children vs. Adults
Adults are affected by scoliosis in one of two ways: degenerative and idiopathic. Degenerative scoliosis is when the diagnoses occurs in adulthood and is more common in adults 65 years old and older, caused by degeneration and deterioration of the spine’s facet joints due to aging. This breakdown of the facet joints instigates the spine to shift from side to side and result in abnormal curvature of the spine. Overall, adult degenerative scoliosis is treated with bracing, nerve block injections, and ongoing monitoring. While degenerative scoliosis cannot be reversed, it can be arrested—if initial treatments fail and functionality of the spine continues to decrease or other complications arise, a patient may need surgery.
Idiopathic scoliosis in adults is diagnosed only when a childhood diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis occurred: children whose spines presented curves greater than 50 degrees and who maintained that abnormal curvature into adulthood. Most cases are diagnosed in children between the ages of 10 and 12 during routine pediatrician checkups and school screenings—because most of those affected by scoliosis are children before they hit puberty, curvature tends to straighten out as the child endures growth spurts through adolescence. Early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring are key to help promote alignment and prevent later complications.
How Scoliosis Can Affect Your Everyday Life
Only rarely does scoliosis result in severe cases of immobility or pain, and most of those diagnosed with scoliosis can live relatively unrestricted lives. Very few individuals with scoliosis endure complications such as chronic pain, respiratory issues, and decreased mobility. Though severe instances are rare, it is always a possibility that these spinal deformities will worsen with age rather than correct themselves. A spinal curve can be disabling not only in terms of mobility and discomfort, but also in a reduction of chest space and therefore, lung functionality. Most patients report prolonged back pain and poor posture due to spinal curvature and misalignment.
Symptoms and Signs of Scoliosis
- Noticeably curved spine
- Asymmetrical ribcage
- Protrusion of the ribs on one side due to prolonged twisting of the spine
- Respiratory issues: trouble breathing and/or chest pain
- Uneven shoulders
- One prominent shoulder blade
- Uneven hip height
- Uneven leg lengths
- Poor posture
- Chronic back pain
- Limited spinal flexibility/mobility
With an understanding of the causes and effects of scoliosis in children and adults, scoliosis can be a manageable and even reversible condition. Treatment with regular chiropractic care can help manage symptoms and promote healing as well as increase overall wellness and functionality affected by scoliosis.
How You Can Treat Scoliosis with Chiropractic Treatment
Luckily, most cases of scoliosis in children and adults can be managed with chiropractic care. While chiropractic treatments cannot reverse structural spinal curvature or cure scoliosis, many patients find that spinal manipulations and spinal decompression in Beverly Hills help to alleviate discomfort and pain, and also to promote healthier posture and overall wellness. In fact, mobility and spinal flexibility are key benefits to treating scoliosis with regular chiropractic care treatments, making it the easiest way to live with this common condition.
At Tannenbaum Chiropractic in Beverly Hills, our scoliosis treatment team in Beverly Hills helps both children and adults, offering stress-free spinal health management even after a scoliosis diagnosis.
Our licensed experts at our Beverly Hills Chiropractic Care Facility want to keep your spine healthy and your body mobile. Call Tannenbaum Chiropractic to schedule your consultation today!
