What is scoliosis?
A healthy, normal spine runs straight up and down the back. A spine with scoliosis curves left or right in an “S” or “C” shape.
Scoliosis can throw your hips and shoulders out of alignment so that they tilt dramatically to one side. The misalignment of your spine, hips, and shoulders can cause pain and complicate walking and other maneuvers.
What causes scoliosis?
Approximately 85% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, which means that nobody knows what caused it. Idiopathic scoliosis responds well to therapy and can be improved or resolved.
The other 15% of scoliosis is either caused by structural or nonstructural abnormalities. Structural scoliosis refers to the structure of the spine itself, which is rigid and does not function normally.
Structural scoliosis may be present at birth (congenital) or be the result of a medical condition such as cerebral palsy or genetic conditions, including Down syndrome.
Nonstructural sclerosis is caused by underlying conditions that can be treated to improve the alignment of the spine. Nonstructural scoliosis may be caused by:
- Legs that aren’t the same length
- Subluxations (spinal misalignments) that create muscle spasms that pull on the spine
- Inflammatory conditions, such as appendicitis, that put pressure on the spinal column
Can I prevent scoliosis?
Scoliosis is unpreventable. Either you’re born with it, or you develop it as a byproduct of aging or an underlying condition.
How can chiropractic improve scoliosis?
If you have idiopathic or nonstructural scoliosis, Dr. Abercrombie may utilize gentle therapies to release tension from the spinal cord and surrounding tissues, allowing your spine to resume a more normal shape. He takes pre- and post-therapy X-rays so that you can observe and verify the improvements to your spine over time.
Some therapies Dr. Abercrombie may use include:
- Manual and mechanical manipulation to resolve spinal misalignments
- Active Release Techniques® to heal surrounding tissues
- Physical therapy to strengthen your core to better support your spine
- Nutritional supplements to increase cellular health and improve the function of your muscles, ligaments, and tendons
You don’t have to endure the discomfort and compromised function that comes with scoliosis. Call Dr. Abercrombie’s friendly staff to set up a consultation, or book one yourself online.
