Statistics show that scoliosis affects about six million people in the United States. When left untreated, moderate to severe scoliosis cases can lead to pain and increased deformity as well as potential heart and lung damage. Scoliosis is most common among pre-teens and teens. Statistics show that about 10 percent of teenagers have some form of scoliosis. If you are concerned about scoliosis for you or your children, Borer Family Chiropractic in Saline, Washington, can evaluate you today.
What Is Scoliosis?
According to the Mayo Clinic, scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most cases of scoliosis is unknown. About three percent of teens have scoliosis.
Most scoliosis cases are mild, but some spine deformities worsen as a child grows. Severe cases of scoliosis can be disabling. In the most severe cases, it can reduce the amount of space in the patient's chest, making it hard for the lungs to function properly.
Children with mild scoliosis are monitored closely, typically with X-rays, to see if the curve is worsening. In some cases, no treatment is needed. Other children need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. In the most severe cases, patients will undergo surgery to straighten the spine and prevent scoliosis from worsening.
Signs of Scoliosis
- Uneven shoulders
- Curve in spine
- Uneven hips
Scoliosis Pain Management
Scoliosis can be painful. Most patients experience some degree of back pain from the condition. At Borer Family Chiropractic, our pain management solutions vary from patient to patient. We tailor our treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs. Some pain management techniques that our patients participate in include exercises, stretches, and chiropractic adjustments.
Scoliosis Treatment
- Rehabilitation: Exercises, stretches, good posture techniques.
- Braces: Braces are used to delay the effects of scoliosis, not reverse them.
- Surgery: As a final solution for the most severe cases of scoliosis, surgery may be recommended to straighten the spine.
Treatment is based on the patient's age, the intensity of the curve, and the progression risk. Chiropractic care is useful in halting the progression of scoliosis.
Chiropractor in Saline
At Borer Family Chiropractic in Saline, Washington, we want you to know you don't have to live with scoliosis pain. Our chiropractor will assess your musculoskeletal system and create a chiropractic care plain tailored to your individual case of scoliosis. For more information about scoliosis pain management or to schedule an appointment, call us at 734-944-7200