Your Grand Rapids Chiropractor is highly knowledgeable when it comes to the condition known as Scoliosis, and she wants you to know as much as you can about this aberrant side-to-side (lateral) curvature of the spine. Scoliosis is not limited to a singular age group. If you aren’t familiar with the way scoliosis appears, you might inadvertently confuse it with poor posture because very often an individual who has scoliosis gives the appearance of leaning to one side. But, there are several ways to tell the difference between poor posture and scoliosis.
If you were to observe an individual with scoliosis in a standing position, you would probably notice that one shoulder is higher than the other, and that the scapula (shoulder blade) is raised or more prominent. You might also notice greater space between the arm and the body on one side if the person’s arms were hanging freely at his or her sides. Additionally, one hip may be raised or more pronounced than the other. And lastly, the head will not be in plumb with the pelvis.
Scoliosis can be mild in nature or quite severe. In fact, both pulmonary and cardiac functions can be hindered if the curve and rib rotation are severe enough. The cause of scoliosis in 85 percent of cases is unknown. This type of scoliosis (Idiopathic) tends to run in families and is considered to have a genetic component.
In general, Idiopathic Scoliosis develops during adolescence when the body is completing the last major growth spurt. Girls more frequently develop this type of scoliosis. A scoliotic curve, if found, should be monitored for any progression. Your chiropractor can provide periodic examinations and, if necessary, will suggest standing x-rays.
As mentioned above, most (nearly 90 percent) of scoliotic curvatures are mild to moderate, and do not require a brace. Therefore, regular chiropractic care in these cases by Dr. Mckenzie, by your Chiropractor in Grand Rapids, would be therapeutic in both in decreasing and adjusting any compensatory musculoskeletal conditions that might occur.