Among common back conditions, scoliosis is one that has the potential to cause a great deal of discomfort and immobility. Between 5 million and 7 million people in the United States are affected by scoliosis. Brookfield chiropractors have the ability to provide relief to many scoliosis patients, making their day-to-day lives more manageable.
Scoliosis is a form of spine curvature in which the spine develops a lateral or sideways curvature of more than 10 degrees. It is generally diagnosed through both a physical evaluation and x-rays so that the extent of the spine curvature. The majority of the time, the reason for this unusual bend is unknown, although neurological illness, impact, and tumors are to blame in about 20% of cases. When the cause for the curve is unknown, it is called idiopathic scoliosis.
Functional scoliosis is a type of scoliosis that results from an underlying postural, muscular spasm, or limb length mismatch. This form of scoliosis can usually be remedied. If the scoliosis is thought to be structural, various postural methods are typically useless. Scoliosis is more common among girls and usually begins between the ages of 10 and 15 years old. It can also be hereditary, so if one parent or sibling has it, there’s a greater chance that a younger child will as well.
There is a large variety in the symptoms of scoliosis, but they can include intense pain, reduced range of motion, and reduced function of the heart and lungs. While the majority of scoliosis patients only have a curvature of less than 20 degrees, most are in the adolescent stage when they are diagnosed, so it is possible for large changes in the curvature.
Aside from the physical symptoms, there are also psychological symptoms. Many struggle with decreased self esteem that can lead to anxiety and depression. Young girls between the ages of 10-15 being the general patient population, they are already at a heightened risk of struggling with these mental health issues. It is important to focus on overall well being and not just the physical symptoms.
Spinal manipulation, electric muscular stimulation, and therapeutic exercise are some of the most efficient therapies provided by Brookfield chiropractors for scoliosis. Unfortunately, scoliosis is an area that has not received a lot of research, but patients with scoliosis that have tried these chiropractic treatment report an improvement in their condition.
Even if the spinal curvature isn’t completely corrected, any associated discomfort or problems that have been exacerbated as a result of scoliosis addressed. Sometimes, as a result of scoliosis altering a person’s posture and gait, other areas overcompensate. This overcompensation can cause pain and create new concerns. Your Brookfield chiropractor will look for the underlying source of all your structural pains and come up with an individualized treatment plan to ease your pain.
At Advanced Chiropractic and Rehab our team is here to help answer your questions. Please feel free to contact us today.