Contents
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition that involves complex lateral and rotational curvature of the spine. While this may sound uncommon, scoliosis affects nearly 3 percent of the population. Most scoliosis cases occur during the growth spurt just before puberty causing potential deformities. Other causes can include cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
The prevalence and severity of scoliosis are higher in girls than in boys. To date, doctors do not know what causes scoliosis, although it appears to involve hereditary factors. Children and adolescents are far more likely than adults to be diagnosed with scoliosis. To detect scoliosis, parents should pay attention to the symptoms below:
- Uneven shoulders
- Prominent shoulder blade
- Uneven waist
- Leaning to one side
- Presence of rib hump in the forward bending position
Treatment for Scoliosis
With the progressive nature of scoliosis, the condition can worsen. Several cases of scoliosis are known to be severely restricted and painful. Curvature in the spine can considerably reduce the chest cavity, which results in limitation in functionality and also the overall well-being of the person.
If you identify the above abnormal symptoms in your child, a consultation with the doctor is necessary for timely intervention. Treatment for scoliosis is complex and depends upon the severity of the curve.
Back Brace
Back brace is often recommended if the scoliosis curve measures between 20 – 40 degrees. Its purpose is to prevent the scoliosis from getting worse. However, a brace can’t correct a curve. The goal is to control it so surgery is not needed.
It is important to note that depending on the severity, a child may wear the brace a minimum of 16 hours daily, until the end of adolescence. Also, it often causes muscle weakness and pain, as well as psychological stress.
Surgery
Surgery is primarily intended for cosmetic improvement. Even a very severe curve is rarely life-threatening. Unfortunately, surgery has many long-term complications. Possible complications after scoliosis surgery include complications from blood transfusions, neurologic complications, infection, lung complications, intestinal blockage, blood clots in the thighs or leg and pain where the bone chips are removed.
Non-invasive Treatment for Scoliosis?
In many cases, scoliosis can be intervened by non-surgical measures such as chiropractic care and rehabilitation. Our doctors at ACC will perform a consultation, examination, and if necessary, refer you out for diagnostic X-ray imaging. Based on the findings of our chiropractic exam and consultation, your chiropractor will elect a suitable type of treatment for your specific conditions.
ACC prides itself on having a very high success rate in treating scoliosis in children and adolescents. Our approach to scoliosis is to combine chiropractic care and rehabilitative programs to correct the curvature of the spine and prevent significant progress. The earlier detection is, the better results of intervention will bring.
ACC has proudly served Vietnamese and Expatriates by providing quality health care for both treatment and prevention. Today, our clinics continue to offer the same sterling standard of customer service, chiropractic expertise, and commitment to health and wellness to all of our patients, no matter their age.
More people decide to choose chiropractic care as a non-invasive way to treat acute or chronic spinal musculoskeletal problems. In order to avoid being deceived and having the condition deteriorate further in the process, everyone should assess and select a doctor carefully. This circumstance matters even more, especially when "fake…
