Scoliosis Specialist
Abnormal sideways curvature of the spine is called scoliosis. Scoliosis is common in adolescents during the period before puberty when the body undergoes a growth spurt.
Scoliosis manifests itself through significant changes in your physical appearance. In addition to abnormal side-to-side curvature, there may also be twisting and rotation of the spine in several cases. Other common symptoms of scoliosis include one shoulder higher than the other, stabbing pain in the lower back, imbalance in the prominence of shoulder blades, one hip higher than the other, an uneven waist, and severe shooting pain in the hips.
On this page, Dr. Jerry Thomas Weider Jr DC will talk about the types, causes, and scoliosis treatment options available.
Types Of Scoliosis
In most patients, scoliosis develops due to unknown reasons, like idiopathic scoliosis. It affects mainly adolescents. The other two scoliosis types are:
- Congenital scoliosis is a spinal deformity at the time of birth, usually at the fifth lumbar vertebra level.
- Acquired scoliosis is an irreversible condition resulting from repetitive injuries or trauma to the spine.
Causes Of Scoliosis
There is no exact cause for most scoliosis cases. Hereditary factors may be the significant reason behind idiopathic scoliosis as it tends to run over generations. The following are the possible causes for the other two less common scoliosis forms.
- Neuromuscular disorders like muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy
- Spinal trauma
- Infections of the spine
- Physical deformity
- Frequent muscle spasms in the area around the spine
- Spinal deformities at the time of birth
Temporary Pain Relief
Most people resort to self-care for temporary pain relief:
- Placing an ice pack over the inflamed area to reduce the swelling
- Traditional massage therapy
- Taking OTC painkillers
Wearing a brace also helps in reducing the curve in a child’s growing body.
In rare cases, severe scoliosis requires complex surgical methods for treatment.
- Spinal decompression and spinal fusion
- In rare cases, bone grafting
Scoliosis surgery is not always necessary and is usually the last option. Chiropractic care offers a better, non-invasive treatment option.
Chiropractic Treatment For Scoliosis
If scoliosis gets severe, it can lead to stiffness and complete loss of motion. Further complications that may result from lack of treatment include herniation or slipped discs.
Chiropractic treatment offers immediate pain relief through stretching and spinal reconstruction. We carefully assess the patient’s condition and use spinal manipulations, traditional non-surgical therapies like soft tissue therapy, and spinal exercises in conjunction with treatment medications.
Ballard Seattle Chiropractic Center is a chiropractor in Seattle for the treatment of all health conditions. Our chiropractors conduct a physical examination to ascertain the root cause of scoliosis and formulate your customized scoliosis treatment.
Contact us to book an appointment if you have scoliosis.
Book An Appointment
Request an appointment online by calling us at (206) 783-6000
You can also use the online booking tool below for an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scoliosis
Can scoliosis be helped?
Non-surgical scoliosis treatment can treat moderate scoliosis. Medical experts recommend chiropractic treatment for scoliosis. Not only does it improve the Cobb angle, but it also relieves the tension and reduces the pressure along the spine. Wearing a brace can also help in improving your posture.
Are Seattle, WA Chiropractors good for scoliosis?
Seattle, WA chiropractors are highly experienced in treating scoliosis. Chiropractic care is a great long-term solution to manage scoliosis. Ignoring moderate scoliosis and leaving it untreated, can lead to it progressing into a more severe form that requires complex spinal treatments.
Is gymnastics bad for scoliosis?
Extending your spine repeatedly, high jumps, and gymnastics can lead to rapid progression of scoliosis. To prevent any severe complications, you should avoid doing yoga or gymnastics. Taking regular chiropractic treatment sessions is the key to speeding up the recovery process.
Is scoliosis a neurological condition?
Scoliosis resulting from neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy is a secondary neurological condition. It is generally associated with spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy, and trauma to the spinal cord. This form of scoliosis progresses more rapidly than others.
Does scoliosis worsen with age?
Mild scoliosis doesn’t get worse with age. However, in most young scoliosis patients, the curvature sometimes increases by one or two degrees with every passing year. A chiropractic adjustment is an effective solution for restoring the natural alignment of the spine.
What does scoliosis pain feel like?
Scoliosis causes pain in the lower back and hips, which may also radiate into the legs. It can produce stabbing sensations along the length of the spine. Most people use home remedies and pain medications to alleviate pain.
Can scoliosis affect bowel movements?
Sometimes scoliosis poses a threat to your health and wellness by damaging various body systems. If the abnormal curvature is present in the lower part of the spine, it can squeeze the intestines and affect bowel movements.
Isn’t Scoliosis Caused by a Lack of Calcium?
Calcium is the key ingredient in the collagen matrix that strengthens the bones. Inadequate calcium intake or low calcium absorption is directly linked to the development of scoliosis in the elderly. The lack of calcium weakens the bones and decreases their ability to withstand physical trauma.
Isn’t a Certain Amount of Sideways Curvature Normal?
Two mild C and S shaped curvatures are generally present in the spine. However, abnormal lateral or sideways curvature results from trauma or injury to the spine. It is a severe medical condition that needs immediate and professional medical care.
Do Heavy Back-Packs Cause Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a complex disorder caused by severe trauma to the spine. Childhood sports injuries or carrying heavy backpacks can’t cause scoliosis. However, they certainly can lead to neck and lower back pain that goes away after taking some rest.
Can Scoliosis affect breathing?
Yes, severe cases of scoliosis that damage the vital body organs involved in respiration can affect breathing. The twisting of the vertebral column forces the ribs into an abnormal position. It leads to the compression of the lungs resulting in difficulty in breathing.
What organs are affected by Scoliosis?
Scoliosis negatively affects almost all of the major body organs, including the lungs and heart. It depletes the nutritional reserves of the body. Besides, it harms the central nervous system as it is related to the abnormal curvature of the spine.
Can Scoliosis affect your height?
Moderate scoliosis doesn’t affect the physical appearance of a person significantly. But severe scoliosis can make a person look less tall than he used to be. That is why you should contact a chiropractor right away for the treatment of scoliosis if you spot any symptoms.
