Observations of posture and its relation to health dates back to the era of Hippocrates. He made the correlation that the presentation of the structure (posture) is very important to health and that abnormal spinal curvature can be detrimental to health. Hippocrates coined the terms scoliosis and kyphosis. He used manual and mechanical therapies to treat these conditions. Scoliosis is tragic. It causes both physical pain and emotional suffering. This sideways bending of the spine shows up as abnormal posture and then finally, deformity. If allowed to advance, it can interfere with the lungs, heart and many other vital organs.

There is hope.

Scoliosis affects boys and more frequently, girls between the ages of 8 to 18. The cause varies. Some are born with this spinal deviation (congenital). Others get it from assuming a distorted head or hip position (habitual). Sadly, in many cases the cause is still unknown.

In the beginning, when it is easiest to correct, there are rarely symptoms. However, an alert parent may notice that a high shoulder or low hip makes clothing fit poorly. Back and leg pains may develop but are often overlooked as merely “growing pains.” Neglect is the biggest danger.

If allowed to run its course, scoliosis can steadily worsen. Early detection is critical. Severe cases can involve surgery. This procedure attaches steel rods to the spine to force it to straighten.

Chiropractic care has helped many young women avoid the unhappy effects of scoliosis. The procedure is simple.

First, a thorough examination helps detect scoliosis in its early stage. Then, corrective action can begin at once. The primary course of care is a program of specific chiropractic adjustments. These help improve the function and structure of the spine. Muscles strengthen. Posture can improve.

Chiropractic care has helped countless young women reclaim their health, posture and their self-esteem.

Lateral curvature, of the spine, is abnormal. The spine should appear straight, when looking from the back. Two curves are present, most commonly, in scoliosis: a primary curve and a compensatory curve in the opposite direction.

As with the case of many health problems, early detection can improve the likelihood of correction. Wise parents consult our office soon after the birth of their child. Then they follow up with periodic chiropractic checkups throughout their child’s developing years. Chiropractic is a team approach to better health.

References:

Vasiliadis, E.S., Grivas, T.B., Kaspiris, A, Historical Overview of Spinal Deformities in Ancient Greece, Scoliosis 2009, 4:6. doi:10.1186/1748-7161-4-6.

Smith, Dr. Jacqueline; Scoliosis, Is Early Intervention the Answer? Published on 01-15-2010, fixscoliosis.com.

Woggon, BSc, D.C., D. Adult Scoliosis, clear-institute.org.