Tell me about...
Scoliosis
What is scoliosis?
Everyone's spine has a natural front-to-back
curve -- that's what produces the normal rounding of the shoulders
and the sway of the lower back. However, some people suffer
from "Scoliosis" -- an abnormal curvature of the spine, especially
one characterized by a rotational side-to-side deformity.
In simple terms, what this means is that
the spine is twisted side-to-side, often taking on an "S"
shaped appearance and even resembling a corkscrew in some
cases.
Almost three out of every 100 people have
some degree of abnormal spinal curvature, and for some it
never becomes a serious problem. But for many others, the
curve gets worse over time and can cause considerable pain,
frustration, and limitations on normal activities. Severe
scoliosis can even complicate breathing and circulation.
Who suffers from
scoliosis?
The most common form of scoliosis is called
idiopathic scoliosis, which basically means that the cause
is unknown. Anyone can suffer from scoliosis; the condition
usually begins in childhood, although too often it is not
identified until the teenage years or later.
Scoliosis tends to run in families, and it
affects many more girls than boys. In fact, research indicates
that girls are nearly eight times more likely than boys to
have scoliosis and five times more likely to require some
form of treatment for their condition than boys, and the curvature
of their spine is more likely to worsen over time, especially
if left unattended.
What are some of
the symptoms of scoliosis?
Sometimes curvature of the spine is visible
(the body tilts to the left or the right, or one shoulder
blade is raised higher than the other. Some of the actual
physical symptoms of scoliosis can include back pain, fatigue
(especially postural fatigue -- feeling tired when standing,
sitting, etc.), and in more severe cases, problems with circulation
and breathing.
What can chiropractic
do?
Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify
and manage problems relating to the spine and the back. An
initial visit to the chiropractor will include a thorough
physical and diagnostic examination (including range-of-motion
tests and spinal x-rays) to identify any problems you may
be having, including whether you or your children may be suffering
from abnormal or dangerous curvature of the spine.
If you do show signs of scoliosis, your
chiropractor can provide a variety of techniques to help your
condition, including spinal adjustments to increase movement
and biomechanical function, and advice on posture and exercise
to help prevent further increase in the problem.
Other Resources :
The
More You Know About Pediatric Scoliosis
References
• Oda I, Abumi K, Lu D, et al. Biomechanical
role of the posterior elements, costovertebral joints, and
chest cage in the stability of the thoracic spine. Spine,
1996: Vol. 21, pp1423-29.
• Jones RS, Kennedy JD, Hasham F, et al. Mechanical insufficiency
of the thoracic cage in scoliosis. Thorax, 1981: Vol.
36, pp456-61.
• Gupta P, Lenke LG, Bridwell KH. Incidence of neural
axis abnormalities in infantile and juvenile patients with
spinal deformity. Is a magnetic resonance imaging screening
necessary? Spine, Jan. 1999: Vol. 23, No. 6, pp206-210.
• Maiocco B, Deeney VF, Coulon R, et al. Adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis and the presence of spinal cord abnormalities. Spine,
Nov. 1997: Vol. 22, No. 21, pp2537-41.
• Goldberg CJ, Moore DP, Fogarty EE, et al. Left thoracic
curve patterns and their association with disease. Spine,
June 15, 1999: Vol. 24, No. 12, pp1228-1233.
• Lloyd-Roberts GC, et al. Progression
in idiopathic scoliosis. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery,
1978: 60B(4).
• Sunderland S. Nerves and
Nerve Injuries, 1978. Churchill-Livingstone, New York.
• Trontelj JV, et al. Segmental
neurophysiological mechanisms in scoliosis. Journal of
Bone and Joint Surgery, 1979: 61B(4).
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