Chiropractic Care in the treatment of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a neuromuscular condition reports ProActive Chiropractic and Appleton chiropractor, Dr. Jason Litwin. For this reason, the best medical practitioner to bring this condition to is a chiropractor. Scoliosis can affect people of all ages. However, the condition tends to be more rampant in adolescents. The condition affects more girls than boys. It is important to note that the condition is hereditary. It is important to visit a doctor for evaluation if the condition is in your family history.
What is scoliosis?
Humans walk on two feet. The central nervous system has a responsibility of keeping the spine straight. Due to several reasons the spine curves. A curvature of more than 10 degrees is not normal. It results in a condition called scoliosis. Curves which are 10 degrees and less are normal posture problems. There are two types of scoliosis; lordosis and kyphosis. Lordosis is a type of scoliosis where the spine curves to the front. Kyphosis on the other hand is scoliosis that results in backward curving of the spine. In some cases the bones which make up the spine are rotated.
Causes of scoliosis
Most of the causes of scoliosis are unknown. Scoliosis that is caused by an unknown cause is referred to ads idiopathic scoliosis. The known causes of scoliosis include; neurological diseases, traumas and tumors among others. Scoliosis is also caused by posture problems, inequality in the lengths of legs and muscle spasms.
Evaluation
Evaluation of scoliosis is similar to any other kind of medical condition. The family health histories as well as physical examinations are the first stages of evaluation. The evaluation also involves posture examinations. If the chiropractor discovers a curvature on the spine, he/she has to carry out a deeper examination. At times an x-ray examination is required to determine the extent of the curvature. Further tests are carried out to determine the cause of the scoliosis. The chiropractor should also examine if the scoliosis is causing any kind of damage to other organs in the body.
A Scoliometer can also be used during the evaluation. This device will help in determining the angle of the curvature. This device causes no pain and does not involve any complicated procedures. The device is used on patients who have already been diagnosed with the condition. It is not effective as a screening device.
Is scoliosis progressive?
If a doctor was to answer that question generally, the answer is no. in most occasions, scoliosis hardly requires any treatment. However, in adolescent girls, the condition does progress. Girls experience scoliosis at that age. If the scoliosis causes a curvature of more than 25 degrees an intervention is needed. Girls rapidly grow and develop in the period before their first menstrual cycle. If they have scoliosis during this period, the angle of curvature rapidly increases.
Treatment
The best treatment for this condition is spinal manipulation and physical exercises. Patients are always advised to seek chiropractic care. Scoliosis is not noticeable in most people. Visit a chiropractor for evaluation.
