Scoliosis Causes and Treatment
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
Scoliosis is a spinal health disorder in which the spine has a sideways curvature, and often the curves appear to be "S" or "C" shaped. About 80 percent of the cases are idiopathic, a common form of scoliosis. The word idiopathic means without known cause, and doctors don't know all the reasons causing this disease. In other cases, scoliosis may be associated with muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida. It may be caused due to birth abnormalities. Some other forms of scoliosis include paralytic curve, congenital curve, myopathic deformity, and secondary conditions such as osteoporosis or osteomalacia, and degeneration.
Spinal curves are classified as structural or nonstructural. The spine's structural curve may be caused due to medical conditions or injuries, and it is permanent. A nonstructural curve in the spine is considered structurally normal and is temporary.
Who Is Affected?
From 6-9 million people or 2-3 percent of the United States population suffers from scoliosis. Children aged between 10 and 15 form the largest group of sufferers from scoliosis, and compared to boys, girls are more affected by this disease. Though children are majorly affected, there's a concern about the increasing number of adults affected by scoliosis.
What Causes Scoliosis?
Scoliosis causes neuromuscular disorder, congenital scoliosis, specific genes, leg length, syndromic scoliosis, and osteoporosis.
Neuromuscular disorder affects the muscles and nerves. They include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and poliomyelitis.
Congenital scoliosis is a medical condition that occurs at birth. Though scoliosis rarely occurs at birth, it can occur in the fetus when the bones in the spine grow abnormally.
Researchers say at least one gene may play a role in scoliosis development.
If a leg is dissimilar in length to the other leg, the individual may suffer from scoliosis.
Syndromic scoliosis may develop in conjunction with other medical conditions such as Marfan's syndrome or neurofibromatosis.
Due to bone degeneration, osteoporosis may cause secondary scoliosis.
Other reasons that may cause scoliosis include incorrect posture, connective tissue disorders, carrying backpacks or satchels, and injuries that may result in spinal curvature.
Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis
Scoliosis signs are subtle, and an untrained practitioner may miss them. Family and medical history may help diagnose patients suffering from scoliosis. Physical examination and medical imagery of the spine may help the chiropractor for further treatment.
Traditionally chiropractors correct the "stuck" joints in the spine. In scoliosis, joint location that's off is the issue and not the joint mobility. The traditional approach of applying force on the spinal joints may aggravate the condition.
First, the spinal joints have to be repositioned. Along with scoliosis-specific adjustments, the chiropractor may recommend stretches, scoliosis massages, and exercises.
If you're concerned about scoliosis, see the chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in your neighborhood. It doesn't require an appointment, and The Joint doesn't hassle with insurance and has extended and weekend hours.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbia, S.C.