Monday, February 01, 2010
My office has done over a dozen follow up x-rays for
Scoliosis throughout January. These patients’ ages range from 6-24 years old. Seeing the mostly positive results from the patient’s first and second x-rays, reiterates why we treat this disease.
This is an article written two years ago by our office to help parents understand Scoliosis:
How do I know if my child or I have Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is defined as having an abnormal curve of the spine when looking at someone from the front or back. Although it specifically related to the bone structure seen on an x-ray of the back, scoliosis can be detected by muscle imbalances and postural irregularities.
Many factors can lead to scoliosis. Inheritance plays a significant role, but other factors such as diet and abnormal physical stresses will also play a role. Scoliosis is most distinct during the rapid growth stage of 8 years old until 22, when eventually the bones of the spine stop growing.
The most common signs of scoliosis when looking at a standing adolescent would be leaning to one side, having one shoulder higher than the other, having one leg and foot rotated out, non-traumatic pain next to the back that does not go away with rest, and increased pain with exercise. In the early stages of scoliosis there is usually no pain or other symptoms. With progression, symptoms can become more frequent, and signs more obvious.
To restore normal symmetry of the spine requires the use of carefully prescribed exercises, spinal alignment, bracing, and/or surgery in severe cases.
Early detection and prevention of scoliosis allows the least physical complications as one continues to grow and mature.
You can see the illustrations with the original article at our website by clicking "About Scoliosis in Children and Adults"
In severe cases, scoliosis is a physical abnormality seen upon a chiropractic postural exam. Unfortunately, this degree of severity requires months of treatment that may not be successful. Even with treatment the child not be able to avoid surgery.
On the brighter side, scoliosis, when caught in its
early stages, allows the abnormal curvature to reduce quickly. Then it can be checked infrequently with x-ray to keep it at bay.
The reason we have been successful in our office at catching children at the early stages of scoliosis is checking the
parents’ x-rays first. Inheritance is the primary factor. Then the children are given a physical exam and an x-ray, if warranted, to rule it in or out.
The difficulty in detection of early stages of scoliosis is the
absence of physical signs or pain. But the importance of checking every child far outweighs having the child undergo
surgery this early in their life.
For more information regarding scoliosis or a
free consultation for you and your child, please contact us at:
http://www.euclidchiropracticinc.com
email us:
euclidchiropracticinc@yahoo.com
(909) 981-5666