Scoliosis Specialist

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that occurs when the spine develops abnormal side-to-side curves. When you look at the spine from behind, it should form a straight line.

In people with scoliosis, the spine forms a C- or S-shaped curve instead of going straight down their back. In severe cases, the spine may also twist or rotate.

Scoliosis can develop due to congenital disabilities or neuromuscular conditions. However, 80% of the time, its cause can’t be determined. When there’s no apparent cause, the condition is called idiopathic scoliosis.

When does scoliosis develop?

Scoliosis can appear at any age, from childhood throughout adulthood. It most often appears from 10-15 years old, when a natural growth spurt makes the curvature suddenly get worse.

In some cases, adults are diagnosed with scoliosis that began in their teen years. Adults can also develop degenerative scoliosis when age-related spine degeneration results in abnormal curvatures.

What symptoms develop due to scoliosis?

Though a severely curved spine causes back pain and muscle spasms, most teens seldom experience pain. Their primary symptoms are evident in their appearance. Parents may notice that their child’s neck tilts, they have an uneven waistline, or that one shoulder or hip is higher than the other.

Adults with degenerative scoliosis experience pain and stiffness. Their degenerative disease plus the spinal curvature result in strained muscles and pinched nerves. They’re also more likely to lean forward as they develop a swayback.

How do chiropractors treat scoliosis?

A manual examination of your spine may reveal scoliosis, but Dr. Hoyt performs in-office X-rays to determine the severity of the spinal curvature. Scoliosis treatment is based on the patient’s age, the severity of their curvature, and whether they have other spine conditions.

Posture training helps people of all ages, but it’s essential for young patients whose bones are still growing. Sitting and standing with proper posture improves their scoliosis.

Some of these chiropractic techniques help children; others are reserved for adults:

• Bracing
• Scoliosis-specific exercise therapy
• Range-of-motion exercises
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Therapeutic massage
• Spinal adjustments
• Therapeutic ultrasound

You may also learn exercises you can do at home to enhance your in-office treatments.

If you or your child have signs of scoliosis, call Casa Grande Chiropractic, or book an appointment online today.