The normal spine:
Viewed from the side, the spine has a normal curve, which serves to cushion impact and allow movement. Viewed from the back, however, the spine should appear straight, from the waist to the base of the skull.
 What is a scoliosis?
A scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. It is a biomechanical condition, not a disease. Most spinal curvatures begin with a fall or other injury in the early years of life - between three and ten years.
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After the injury the child compensates their posture to be more comfortable. They may stand on one foot, sit sideways on a chair, curl one leg under them as they sit, or just generally slouch.
Is scoliosis inherited?
Not necessarily, because as bipeds we all tend to compensate our posture in the same way. The resulting change follows a predictable pattern.
The actual scoliosis usually begins with an abnormal curvature to the side. Studies have shown that 85% of the curvatures begin on the right side. .
Check your child
Have your child stand in their undergarments with their back towards you. If the child is a girl look for the level of the bra strap, or the prominence of the shoulder blades. If a scoliosis has begun to form, the shoulder blade on one side will be more prominent. The position of the shorts or panties will also indicate if one hip is higher.
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The position of the shoulders is also very important, since many children will begin to drop a shoulder, as slouching will become a more acceptable posture. the head may tip to one side more than the other, but in early stages this may be a compensatory action.
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Looking at the child from the side you may see a prominent curve in the shoulders or a sway back.
 Medical procedures
The medical profession follows three basic procedures for the treatment of scoliosis:
- Ten degrees or less in a curve - wait and see
- Ten to forty degrees - braces or a cast
- Forty or more degrees - surgery
Chiropractic procedures
The Chiropractic approach is more proactive: to apply specific treatments in the early stages and to prevent them from developing into advanced cases. The Chiropractic profession has incorporated training to properly diagnosis an early case, prevent the progression of improper curvature, and if possible reduce the curvature.
This is done with Chiropractic adjustments, special exercises, and supportive therapy, also without the use of braces. The Chiropractic physician will use Chiropractic adjustments to reduce the rotation of the Vertebral segments, heel and foot supports to hold the changes they are making, exercise to improve the muscle tonicity, nutritional supplements to aid in the general health, and regular evaluations to determine the progress. The changes in the spine can be compared to having a child's teeth straightened. Frequent visits are necessary to control the changes that are taking place.
From fear to reassurance...
You may have heard of the crippling effect of scoliosis, or even death. But remember that, since it is a biomechanical effect on the body, it can often be arrested or even reduced before it becomes too advanced. It's important to cooperate fully with the Chiropractic physician so the maximum amount of correction can be obtained.
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Regular Chiropractic checkups are a vital part of your child's health care, and will detect changes in the spine that could signal the emergence of scoliosis. The Chiropractic profession has incorporated training on scoliosis into the standard for Chiropractic excellence.
This page condenses content from an informational handout entitled "Scoliosis?" designed by R.Bl Mawhiney, D.C. and published by the Roberts Publishing Company. To obtain an original copy of the informational handout, stop by our clinic anytime |
