A normal spine is straight, without much disparity from side-to-side, when the body is seen from behind.Scoliosis is a condition that is commonly associated with a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature of the spine.This condition many times gives the appearance of the person leaning to one side although it should not be confused with bad posture. Scoliosis is a puzzling deformity that is defined by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebra often causing a distinctive “rib hump” in the mid or thoracic spine. This is created by the vertebrae in the region of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their connected ribs posterior hence causing the symptomatic rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. If the thoracic curve and rib rotation are severe, exceeding 70 degrees, pulmonary and cardiac function can be interfered with. Often later in life in untreated severe idiopathic infantile and juvenile scoliosis patients, this intensity of curve and consequential cardiac and pulmonary changes can be life threatening.

Anatomy

The spine discloses four normal curves: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral, all of which are apparent from a side view of the trunk. The thoracic, in the chest vicinity, has a normal round curve, “reversed C,” called a kyphosis, while in the lower spine there is a normal “C” curve, known as swayback or lordosis. Hyperlordosis is the term used to describe increased swayback, while increased kyphosis in the thoracic spine is called hyperkyphosis. Scoliosis changes regularly accompany diversions from normal on a side view. Some round back deformities are simply due to unhealthy posture and can often be corrected with postural exercises. A small percentage of people with kyphosis have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are associated with vertebral deformity. This kind of deformity, called Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is much harder to treat than postural kyphosis, and it’s cause is unknown.

Even a nonprofessional can help to identify a child or fully-grown individual with scoliosis simply by observing the person in a standing position, preferably bare-chested and in , and observing the following:

• One shoulder may be raised than the other.

• One scapula (shoulder blade) may be more elevated or more prominent than the other.

• With the arms hanging freely at the sides, there may be more room between the arm and the body on one side.

• One hip may seem to be higher or more prominent than the other.

• The head is not in plumb with the pelvis.

• One side of the back appears more elevated than the other when the individual is viewed from the rear and asked to lean forward until the the spine is horizontal.

Once scoliosis is identified, the child or adult should be sent to a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, for further assessment. your chiropractor would be happy to help.

There are various origins and many varieties of scoliosis, but the most prevalent, by far, is Idiopathic Scoliosis, which accounts for about 85 % of all cases. “Idiopathic” means “no known cause” and is seen with equal prevalence in boys and girls in the mild or low curve magnitudes. Depending on the age of onset, this affliction can be sub-classified into infantile, juvenile and adolescent categories. Idiopathic Scoliosis may be linked to genetic or hereditary influences as it commonly runs in families. However girls, for unknown reasons are five to eight times more likely than boys to have their curves grow in size and require treatment. As the term “Idiopathic Scoliosis” implies, this class of scoliosis commonly occurs when children are completing their last major growth spurt. Unfortunately, at this age young people are hesitant to permit their body to be viewed by parents and other adults, so it is smart to have this age group viewed on a regular basis.

If a scoliotic curve is discovered in the growing adolescent, it is very important that the curves be monitored for change by periodic examination and from time to time standing X-rays. In ninety percent of conditions, the scoliosis is mild and does not require active treatment, however increases in spinal deformity necessitate evaluation to determine if a brace or other management is necessary. In a small number of people, surgical treatment may be necessary.~Surgery may be needed for a small number of individuals.

Brace therapy (orthosis) is recommended for both juvenile and adolescent children when an increase in their scoliosis or kyphosis is identified, or when new symptoms of moderate scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis are found. There are many types of braces, all made to prevent curves from increasing by acting as a buttress for the spine during active skeletal growth. Braces normally will not make the spine perfectly straight, and cannot always keep a curve from increasing. Nevertheless, bracing is effective in preventing curve progression in a significant number of skeletally-immature adolescents.

Scoliosis has no simple answer. The majority of cases, even though frequently monitored, are not actively treated. Severe conditions are occasionally treated surgically, but the general medical treatment for moderate conditions is a brace. You may want to see your local chiropractor first.

Specialized exercise, electric stimulation of spinal muscles, nutritional programs, and chiropractic treatments are among the complementary treatments used along with bracing. It seems like the best results have been supported with a multi-faceted approach to the care of this affliction.

There are chiropractors, that have expertise assisting with scoliosis cases.

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