Scoliosis is spinal curvature problems, which is more common especially in girls starting from early ages. It may be congenital, as well as may occur later.
What are the causes of scoliosis?
Scoliosis may develop due to many causes such as carrying bags on one side of the body
Prolonged sitting in the same position
Asymmetric spine loading
Physical traumas and accidents
Repetitive spine misloading of mothers while breastfeeding their babies
Basically, it is of two types: S-curve scoliosis and C-curve scoliosis.
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
– Asymmetric shoulder levels
– One side of the back is higher when leaning forward
– Uneven hip levels
– One hand is than the other when the arms hang down straight next to the body
– Misaligned spine
may suggest scoliosis. A definitive diagnosis of scoliosis with physical examination and direct radiography (X-ray) is essential.
How is scoliosis treated with chiropractic?
First of all, it should be determined whether it is congenital or acquired. Scoliosis surgery is recommended for congenital scoliosis if it exceeds 40 degrees and threatens the health of individual. Scoliosis exercises are performed in cases of scoliosis not requiring surgery.
For acquired functional scoliosis, treatment is planned with an x-ray showing the whole spine of individual along with chiropractic examination. The general curvature of the spine is treated by properly correcting the axial dysfunctions of the bone and joint that cause this curvature.
Patient-specific scoliosis exercises are done throughout the treatment. Thanks to chiropractic therapies and exercises, the degree of the curvature is reduced and the individuals gets rid of the resulting pain. In general, chiropractic therapy for scoliosis is performed in the form of once a week for 4 sessions in the first month, followed by 1 session in the next month and 1 session in the following month, a total of 6 sessions in 3 months. During this period, scoliosis exercises are performed regularly. At the end, one more scoliosis X-ray is taken to check the changes in the angles and the patient is invited to follow-up for 3 months later. This treatment regimen varies depending on the age, gender and other problems of individual and is the longest treatment program with sessions and time in chiropractic terms.
Scoliosis is an easier to treat problem if diagnosed at an early age. Therefore, routine chiropractic examination every year from childhood to advanced ages is very important in terms of health.