The facts

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Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine.​

 

It often causes pain in joints of the spine, the ribs, and the surrounding musculature.

 

Scoliosis often causes poor posture.

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Causes of scoliosis

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So what causes scoliosis?

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• Idiopathic - currently, there is no definitive cause of this scoliosis (subgroups of this type include infantile, juvenile, adolescent and adult)

• Congenital - due to birth defects

• Neuromuscular - due to motor neuron disease (rare)

• Paralytic - due to paralysis of muscles, e.g. quadriplegic (rare).

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90% of people diagnosed with scoliosis are adolescent females.

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Chiropractic treatment of scoliosis

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Initially, chiropractic is aimed at assessing the severity and type of scoliosis. This will often include a physical assessment and diagnostic imaging.

 

If chiropractic management is appropriate, treatment may include:

 

• Physical therapies, e.g. massage and gentle joint mobilisation

• Corrective rehabilitative exercise

• Postural retraining.

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If chiropractic management isn't appropriate, your chiropractor will refer you on accordingly.

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Contact us to find out if chiropractic care may be of benefit to you.

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How can I find out if i have a scoliosis?

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Family members will often notice a difference in the height of a person's shoulders when looking from behind. They may also notice some rotation of the person. 

 

When a person with a structural scoliosis bends forward to touch their toes, when you look from behind you will often notice that there is a rib hump on one side. Note, however, that you could still have scoliosis without this hump or other signs.

 

If you think you have a scoliosis, we suggest you see your local Ascot Vale and Moonee Ponds chiropractor or a health practitioner who can perform physical exams. This may include diagnostic imaging to confirm if you have scoliosis.

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Infantile scoliosis

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This is seen in children between 6 months and 3 years old.

 

It can resolve itself spontaneously or may require ongoing treatment, observation, bracing, or as a last resort, surgery.

 

Contact us or your health care provider for more information.

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Juvenile scoliosis

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This is common in children between the ages of 3 and 10.

 

Juvenile scoliosis is found by seeing a curve in the child's spine when looking at them from behind. Juvenile scoliosis doesn't often resolve itself and may need ongoing treatment and monitoring by a chiropractor or health professional.

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Adolescent scoliosis

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This is the most commonly diagnosed scoliosis. It's found between the ages of 9 and early adulthood, usually in females. It's often first noticed around the ages of 11 and 12.

 

It has a better prognosis than juvenile scoliosis, though it can progress. It's important early on to diagnose, treat and monitor this condition.

 

Adolescent scoliosis can cause pain and stiffness if not managed properly.

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Do you have scoliosis and live in Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds or the surrounding area? If so, have a chat with us today!

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