Scoliosis

The spine normally runs a straight line from the head to the tailbone. Sometimes, deformity in the bones or tissues in and around the spine can cause it to curve unnaturally. If this curvature of the spine is outward (hunchback), it’s called kyphosis. If it’s to the side, it’s called scoliosis.

Early detection of kyphosis or scoliosis can help minimize the progression of spine curvature and optimize outcomes. Main Street Health offers several therapies for kyphosis and scoliosis treatment.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is the lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine.

There are several types of scoliosis:

• Levoconvex scoliosis or levocscoliosis is a curvature to the left.
• Dextroconvex scoliosis or dextroscoliosis is a curvature to the right.
• Thoracic scoliosis is curvature in the upper spine.
• Lumbar scoliosis is curvature in the lower spine.
• Congenital scoliosis is present at birth.
• Degenerative scoliosis occurs over time due to bone loss.
• Idiopathic scoliosis has no determined cause. This is the most common type.

Scoliosis can occur in infants, teens, or adults, and ranges from mild to severe.

Early detection and treatment can help maintain health and function. Common detection techniques include gait scan and chiropractic assessment.

What causes scoliosis?

The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which has no known cause. This type of scoliosis typically presents around age ten (adolescent or teenage scoliosis).

Infantile scoliosis is usually congenital — the baby is born with it.

Adult scoliosis is typically degenerative. This type of scoliosis can result from back trauma (injury, illness, or surgery) or osteoporosis.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

Because early detection helps improve outcomes, it’s important to recognize signs of scoliosis.

Common scoliosis symptoms include:

• back pain
• abnormal gait
• unbalanced hips
• leg length discrepancy
• one prominent shoulder blade
• uneven shoulders, rib cage, or waist

A chiropractor can often use a simple forward bend test to spot signs of scoliosis early on. If you’re concerned about your spine health, book a chiropractic assessment.

What are the treatments for scoliosis?

Untreated scoliosis can progress quickly, leading to visible deformity, loss of mobility, and pain.

Treatment for scoliosis depends on two main factors:

1. 1. how much the spine curves
2. 2. how old the patient is (skeletal maturity)

Mild scoliosis in adults is less likely to require treatment than severe scoliosis in children or teens. Your chiropractor can determine how to treat scoliosis based on your specific situation.

General treatment options for scoliosis are:

• observation
• scoliosis braces
• scoliosis surgery

There are also several options for treating the pain and mobility issues caused by scoliosis:

• back massage
• spinal manipulation
• scoliosis physiotherapy
• stretches and exercises for scoliosis

As a comprehensive treatment and pain management clinic, Main Street Health offers all of these therapies in one location. Our team of practitioners will work together for the most complete care based on your personal needs. Learn more by booking a consultation.