What is Scoliosis?

What is Scoliosis?

Everyone’s spines curve a bit, however, when someone has scoliosis, their spine takes on the shape of a “C” or an “S”. This is considered to be an abnormal curvature of the spine and can have many side effects. It can develop at any age and seems to affect girls more often than boys. There are several types of scoliosis and each type is caused by very different factors.

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis and has no known cause. When an abnormal curvature of the spine develops in a child under the age of 3, it is called infantile scoliosis. When it affects children between the ages of 4 and 10, it is classified as a juvenile scoliosis. Adolescent scoliosis develops in children between the ages of 11 and 18. There are no genetic predispositions to getting a scoliosis and some people are just more likely to develop this condition. The severity of the curvature tends to increase during a child’s growth spurt.

Another type of abnormal curvature is a congenital scoliosis. This is present at birth and develops when the baby’s ribs and/or vertebrae (bones of the spine) do not fuse properly during development.

The third type of scoliosis is a developmental issue that is a side effect of a neuromuscular disorder such as Spina Bifida, Polio, Cerebral Palsy and/or Muscular Dystrophy.

The degree of a scoliosis may vary from being mild to very severe. Symptoms will also vary based on the severity of the curvature and may include generalized back pain, uneven hips and shoulders and fatigue after standing for long periods of time.

How do you know if you have a scoliosis?

A Chiropractor can determine is there is an abnormal curvature in your spine by doing an examination of your spine. Your Chiropractor may also perform x-rays of the spine to measure the severity of the curvature. It is important to identify a scoliosis early on so that the proper treatments can be given. Depending on the severity and intensity of the curvature, a variety of treatments can be sought out. One very simple and effective way to promote normal curvature of the spine is by getting regular Chiropractic adjustments to restore proper function to the body. Other techniques include back braces and surgery.

Getting a scoliosis screening for your child is easy, quick and painless. In many cases, if a curvature is identified early enough, adjustments can often correct the abnormal curvature or reduce the severity of the curve.

Call Gallatin Valley Chiropractic at 551-2177 if you have any questions about scoliosis or if you would like to set up a screening for your child.

Call us: 406-551-2177

Schedule online at: https://appointments.mychirotouch.com/?clinic=GVCL0001