Scoliosis...most commonly begins in early childhood and, without proper treatment, progresses over time.  It tends to be more common in girls.

The term scoliosis refers to a lateral or sideways bending of the spine when viewed from front to back. It most commonly begins in early childhood and, without treatment, the curve often increases over time. It tends to be more common in girls.  Symptoms of scoliosis include neck pain, back pain and muscle stiffness.  It is common for the shoulders and hips to appear uneven.  In severe cases, scoliosis can affect an individual's ability to breathe and cause major cosmetic deformity. It is not uncommon for the vertebrae in the mid back to rotate creating a "rib hump."  Unfortunately, simply correcting your posture will not fix the scoliosis.

Most cases of scoliosis are termed idiopathic meaning that the cause is unknown.  Sometimes scoliosis can result from osteoporosis.  As the bones become weak, brittle and soft, the vertebrae collapse under the pressure causing the spine to bend to the side.  This cause is common in the elderly population. 

The most common test for scoliosis is the Adam’s Forward Bending Test.  As the person bends at the waist,  they are evaluated for a humping on one side of the back.  This test is not very sensitive and can easily miss mild to moderate scoliosis.  The only definitive diagnosis for scoliosis is a spinal X-ray.

In general, if the curve is less 25 degrees medical doctors consider it a  mild scoliosis and employ a "watch and wait" approach.  As the curve progresses to a moderate scoliosis (between 25-40 degrees), an orthopedic brace is often used in an attempt to prevent the curve from worsening. This brace is worn 23 hours a day and only taken off to bathe. However, often the brace is ineffective.

Only after the continuous observation has shown that a brace is not helping and the curve progresses past 40 degrees, is it considered a severe scoliosis and surgery is often performed. Spinal fusion and instrumentation is a surgery specialized for people with scoliosis.  Rods and hooks are inserted to help align the spine and prevent further curving.  This is an extremely invasive surgery that requires a long recovery period and unfortunately often eliminates any chance of regaining normal spinal function.

While researchers are still working to find all the answers to scoliosis, one truth surfaces again and again:  smaller curves progress into bigger, more aggressive curves.  Despite this fact, many medci doctors still recommend observation or the “watch and wait” method for patients with curves under 25 degrees.  Unfortunately, this method of delaying treatment reduces the patient’s opportunity for stopping curve progression early, while the scoliosis is most manageable.  Mild scoliosis carries a significant risk of progression.  Once the scoliosis passes 20°, risk of progression more than triples!

Your chiropractor here at West Coast Chiropractic Carlsbad doesn't believe in a "watch and wait" approach because we know that if detected and treated early on, the progression of scoliosis can be stopped and, in some cases, reversed.   Through a combination of chiropractic care and specific home exercises, our chiropractors have helped many children and adults from across Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista and North County San Diego find relief, prevent disability and in some cases straighten their spines and eliminate their scoliosis.  Give us a call. We can help.

Call us today! (760) 720-2920

3144 El Camino Real #201, Carlsbad, CA, 92008
(Corner of El Camino Real & Carlsbad Village Dr.)

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