Scoliosis in Madison, OH
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that affects overall body proportions and even pain. At French Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Madison, we specialize in diagnosing and treating scoliosis in adults, adolescents and children living in Painesville, Mentor and surrounding towns in Ohio.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that normally begins in childhood when spinal bones are still forming. The precise cause of scoliosis is unknown in many cases. It is believed that the condition is due to heredity or a response to some form of trauma, such as an injury during the birth process. Scoliosis usually manifests in the lower back or pelvis.
Scoliosis can be detected by changes in posture, loss of structural balance or uneven shoulder heights. Spinal curvatures can cause pressure to the discs, nerves, and joints. Since the spine can continue growing into adulthood, scoliosis often grows worse when left untreated.
What Is The Cause Of Scoliosis?
The cause of scoliosis is largely unknown. “Idiopathic scoliosis” affects children and seems related to factors such as genetics because it has often been observed to run in families. During adolescence, children may be reluctant to expose their bodies to parents or other adults, so the condition may go undetected until it becomes quite severe. Screening programs are available so that they condition can be determined early while still treatable. Parents are encouraged to observe their children while passing through puberty to look any signs the condition may be developing in their child.
Scoliosis may also develop in adults because of the degenerative effects of aging.
Types of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is categorized as structural and non-structural.
Non-structural or functional scoliosis is characterized by a spinal curvature without rotation. This means it is reversible, as it is caused by a difference in leg length or pain or a muscle spasm.
Structural scoliosis is characterized by a spinal curvature with rotation that is generally considered irreversible. The cause is usually unknown (idiopathic) or the result of a condition or disease such as:
- Congenital defects such as spina bifida or a bone disorder. Curves like these are more difficult to correct. They may worsen during the teen growth-spurt
- Muscle disorders such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or Marfan’s syndrome
What Are The Symptoms Of Scoliosis?
In children, scoliosis does not normally cause symptoms and cannot be detected until the spinal curve reaches a certain point. Parents may first notice it when they observe that the child’s clothes no longer fit properly or hang unevenly. The child’s ribs may stick out, or their spine may appear crooked.
In children with scoliosis:
- One shoulder or hip may appear higher than the other
- Their head may lean or not be centered over their body
- One shoulder blade may protrude
- Their ribs may be higher on one side when bending forward
- Their waistline may appear flat on one side.
Scoliosis does not normally cause pain in children. If back pain occurs, it may be due to the spinal curvature creating pressure on discs, muscles, ligaments, facet joints, or nerves. The curve itself is usually not the cause. Children with scoliosis who have pain may also be affected by another condition, such as a spinal or bone tumor. If your child has scoliosis pain, it is important that you make them an appointment with a doctor to determine the cause of the pain.
Adults with scoliosis may or may not experience back pain. When back pain occurs, it can be difficult to determine if scoliosis is the cause. However, progressive scoliosis in adults can become severe, leading to difficulty breathing and back pain.
Other conditions such as kyphosis have been known to cause similar symptoms as scoliosis.
What Is The Treatment For Scoliosis?
French Chiropractic and Wellness Center uses two forms of spinal decompression including flexion/distraction chiropractic tables, and a spinal decompression table delivering FDA-approved spinal decompression therapy. Manual adjustments by hand or assisted by an instrument are also employed for conservative treatment of the pain of scoliosis.
Chiropractic care focuses restoring proper segmental motion to dysfunctional vertebral regions. This ultimately improves function and flexibility and reduces pain, as pressure is removed from the nerve endings that line the joint’s surface. French Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Madison is the premier chiropractic facility for those who are experiencing back pain. Those suffering should contact the office for an immediate appointment to explore treatment options for the relief of their pain and improvement in their quality of life.
Isn’t it time you tried chiropractic care for you and your family? If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms of scoliosis, please contact our office now to schedule an appointment.