Watch Out for Scoliosis
By Sara Butler
Scoliosis is a deformity in the spine that causes incorrect curvature of the spine. It's a condition that is developed most often in adolescence but can appear in anyone at any age, from infancy to adulthood. The curvature of the spine increases as scoliosis gets worse which makes early diagnosis essential to help reduce the toll it can take on the spine as well as the rest of the body. The American Chiropractic Association reports that as many as 9 million people in the United States suffer from scoliosis. Luckily, the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic can help identify scoliosis. Here's how they can help if you or your child is diagnosed with this condition.
Who Is at Risk for Scoliosis?
Scoliosis can impact the lives of any person, but most of the time it's diagnosed in healthy people between the ages of 10 and 15. In most cases, there is no clear cause for the start of the condition. But if you have someone in your family who suffers from scoliosis, then it increases your risk of developing it by up to 20 percent. Women are also more frequently diagnosed than men.
While adolescents are the largest group of those with scoliosis, other groups have the diagnosis as well. Infants can be born with scoliosis and anyone with spinal trauma or other spinal conditions can develop scoliosis secondary to their primary diagnosis too. Early intervention is key, which is why identifying scoliosis early can have a positive impact on the outcome.
The Symptoms of Scoliosis
There are a few things to be on the lookout for when it comes to scoliosis. If you ever notice these symptoms in yourself or your children, then you should report it to the chiropractor as soon as possible. These symptoms include:
- Leg numbness
- Leg cramps
- Change in posture
- Deformity or bulge in the back
- Low back pain
- Low back stiffness
- Lack of balance
- Difference in the symmetry of the hips or shoulders
How Chiropractic Can Help
Chiropractors play a vital role in early diagnosis of this condition, as only about half of the states in the U.S. require scoliosis screening at school. When you and your family partake in regular chiropractic care, then the condition can be identified and assessed early. Then a treatment plan can be initiated that can help restore mobility and reduce the progression of the curvature.
No matter your age, scoliosis is something to be on the lookout for. Talk to the chiropractors at The Joint about any concerns you have.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.