Chiropractic and your child
Chiropractors are wellness experts and can advise you on many components of living a wellness lifestyle. As part of your child’s wellness lifestyle, it is important for them to be checked regularly by your family chiropractor for the presence of vertebral subluxations. Your chiropractor is an expert in the detection and correction of subluxations, removing nervous system interference and allowing your child’s body to express its full healing potential. If you have any concerns about the skeletal development of your child your chiropractor may also be able to help.
How does scoliosis happen?
Most cases of scoliosis are considered idiopathic, meaning the cause is not known, although suggestions in the literature have been made to generic factors, hormone activity, postural alterations and nervous system development.
The remaining cases of scoliosis are secondary to connective tissue disorders or neuromuscular disorder.
How is scoliosis determined / measured?
A simple forward bending test (Adam’s test) can be used to observe potential presence of rib prominence or “humping” on one side of the body.
Uneven muscle tone or side to side appearance is also often seen with scoliosis.
If rib prominence is see, x-rays are taken and a measurement called the Cobb Angle is used to determine the degree of curvature in the spine.
Suggested Scoliosis Management
0-10 DEGREES
USUALLY UNDETECTABLE
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11-20 DEGREES
CHIROPRACTIC REHABILITATION / EXERCISE / MONITOR PROGRESSION
——————————-
21-40 DEGREES
CHIROPRACTIC MANAGEMENT + CONSIDER BRACING
——————————–
40+ DEGREES
CONSIDER SURGICAL INTERVENTION
Chiropractors can help with curve reductions, pain management and overall improved functioning.
Should I be concerned about progression?
As long as your child is still growing, progression of scoliosis is possible (progression will end after skeletal maturity).
Studies suggest females are at a greater risk of curve progression, with as much as 10x greater risk compared to males.
Any degree of scoliosis is not ideal, however more severe side effects are typically not seen until the curvature is greater than 40 degrees. Side effects past this stage may include: moderate to severe back pain, pressure and altered function of internal organs and noticeable postural deformity.
Fortunately curves greater than 40 degrees only occur in approximately 0.1% of the population.
How is scoliosis typically managed?
The standard medical approach for scoliosis is to regularly monitor curves for progression, use bracing if the curvature is progressing and finally use spinal surgery if the curve is severe or rapidly progressing past 40 degrees.
Studies have shown bracing to be effective in slowing or even stopping progression of scoliosis, although compliance to the recommended bracing schedule can often be an issue for children
Can chiropractic help with scoliosis?
Currently there is a lack of enough scientific evidence to firmly draw conclusions on the ability of chiropractic care to reverse curves in scoliosis, however results from case studies and anatomical studies are very encouraging.
It appears that most successful cases of scoliosis management used a multi-modal approach, combining chiropractic adjustments with self-care exercise, bracing and other methods of rehabilitation.
No single method alone has been shown in the correction of scoliosis, however case studies and pilot studies indicate that early intervention with conservative care has the potential to stop or reverse the curvature, thereby reducing the need for more invasive or undesirable interventions later on.
Further, it appears that bone remodeling may be possible at any stage in life, meaning that correction of scoliosis may still be possible even later in life once skeletal maturity has been reached.
Skeletally mature adults living with scoliosis can benefit from including chiropractic as part of their wellness routine.
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Birmingham Health is conveniently located in Bluff Park right next to Mr. P’s. We serve families throughout Hoover and the surrounding areas. We invite you to get in touch with our friendly office today.
