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Scoliosis

Scoliosis is curvature of the spine and 80% of the time it is of unknown cause! The most common curvature develops around the age of 10 and girls are 9 times more likely than boys to have this form of scoliosis.

Prevention

For prevention, early detection is the key. Children should be checked periodically during their growing years, particularly from 9 years of age as scoliosis can develop very rapidly especially when there is muscular imbalance.

In this example 16 year old Scott has already developed a significant scoliosis.
Scoliosis Spinal Curve Rib Humping
When leaning forwards, as if to touch the toes, our spine should be straight and there should be no rib humping, as seen in Scott’s case.

Children, and adults, can be checked when sitting to see if their spine is in line. A “desk job” may contribute to ongoing pain and discomfort if there are postural stresses for long periods.

Xray of Scoliosis
In Scott’s case, a 13mm short leg on the left is likely to have contributed to his scoliosis in the growing years.

Surgery

The need for corrective surgery is generally only considered if there is a large degree of curve and rapid progression of scoliosis. In its more severe forms scoliosis can create many health problems. It is best detected early before the body has reached skeletal maturity.

 

For scoliosis check-up there is no one better than your chiropractor to do a thorough assessment.

 

Some handy hints for scoliosis detection include looking for:

  • Head tilt
  • Shoulder levels
  • Hip height
  • Waistline asymmetry

For a comprehensive review of scoliosis and the latest on the neurology of scoliosis and treatment strategies click here. This is a blog entry following a major lecture on scoliosis to the chiropractic profession in August 2011.

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