Scoliosis is a condition that affects a very large number of people, of all ages and from all walks of life.
It's a spinal deformity that may require regular monitoring for optimal comfort.
That's why, as professionals in the chiropractic field, we feel it's our duty to offer you the right solutions for taking care of your back on a daily basis.
In the following article, we'll introduce you to what scoliosis is, its causes, symptoms and how chiropractic can help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.
The health of your back is important, and we're here to help.
What is scoliosis?
Definition of scoliosis
Scoliosis is a deviation of the spine when the back is viewed from the front.
It is the result of a deviation
lateral or rotational movement of the vertebrae in relation to each other.
These rotations cause three-dimensional deformations that make the spine sinuous, making it vulnerable to gravity, which can lead to muscle strain, neurological pinching, herniated discs and premature osteoarthritis.
Scoliosis can be classified into three different types, according to age: child (0 to 3 years), adolescent (4 to 18 years) and adult (19 years and over) and according to degrees of deformity: mild: less than 20 degrees, moderate between 20 and 40 degrees, and severe 40 degrees and over.
It's important to understand that scoliosis not only causes an "S" or "C" shaped back, but also a torsion of the spine which is often less visible, but just as damaging.
The different types of scoliosis
There are several distinct types of scoliosis.
The most common forms are childhood idiopathic scoliosis (CIS), neuromuscular scoliosis, congenital scoliosis and adult scoliosis.
Childhood idiopathic scoliosis (CIS) mainly affects children under the age of 10.
This form of the disease remains rare, accounting for around 10% of all scoliosis cases.
On the other hand, we know that girls are far more affected than boys.
Neuromuscular scoliosis results from medical conditions such as spina bifida or muscular dystrophy.
The child's spine does not develop smoothly due to nerve or muscle problems, which can lead to scoliosis.
Congenital scoliosis is present from birth.
It is caused by an abnormality in the development of the fetal spine.
This malformation is often associated with other congenital problems.
Finally, adult scoliosis is a form of scoliosis that begins or persists into adulthood.
In some cases, it may be an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis that went undiagnosed or untreated when she was younger.
The impact of scoliosis on quality of life
Scoliosis can cause pain, reduce physical activity and affect lung function.
Depending on the degree of curvature of the spine, scoliosis can present many challenges.
Back pain is very common in people with scoliosis.
Fatigue is also a common symptom, due to the extra effort the body has to make to stand up straight and move around.
The other notable consequence of scoliosis is aesthetic.
Inequalities in shoulder, hip or chest height can be noticeable, which can lead to body image problems, especially in teenagers.
So it's vital to understand what scoliosis is, to be able to quickly identify its symptoms and act accordingly.
Chiropractic is a valuable way to relieve the discomfort of scoliosis and maintain optimal quality of life.
Causes and symptoms of scoliosis
Causes of scoliosis
Scoliosis is a complex, multidimensional pathology.
The exact causes of this condition are still the subject of much research.
However, certain factors seem to predominate.
Among these, heredity plays an important role.
The presence of scoliosis in the same family may indicate a genetic predisposition to develop this condition.
Furthermore, idiopathic scoliosis, i.e. scoliosis for which the cause is unknown, is often more common in young girls, and usually appears during the rapid growth of adolescence.
Hyperlordosis (excessive inward curvature of the spine) and hypercyphosis (excessive outward curvature of the spine), frequently observed in adolescents, can also contribute to the onset of scoliosis.
Symptoms of scoliosis
People with scoliosis may have no symptoms at all.
That's why early detection is so important.
However, when symptoms do appear, they usually include:
👉 An asymmetrical waist and shoulders.
👉 One scapula more prominent than the other.
👉 A shift in the hips.
👉 Rapid back fatigue.
👉 Back pain.
It's important to remember that scoliosis is not synonymous with back pain. Scoliosis can exist without pain.
Not all back pain is due to scoliosis.
Consequences of untreated scoliosis
If left untreated, scoliosis can progress and potentially lead to a number of complications.
For example, severe, uncorrected curvature can limit thoracic space, disrupting respiratory function and internal organ function.
The progression of scoliosis can also lead to chronic pain and aesthetic problems, affecting quality of life.
How can chiropractic help relieve scoliosis?
The benefits of chiropractic for scoliosis
Chiropractic's main objective is to improve spinal health and prevent musculoskeletal disorders using a non-intrusive, drug-free approach.
When it comes to scoliosis, chiropractic can play a key role in relieving symptoms, preventing progression and improving spinal function and mobility.
A chiropractic treatment program can be tailored to take into account age, gender, severity of scoliosis, presence of symptoms and disease progression.
Chiropractic can help improve posture, reduce pain and prevent the progression of scoliosis.
Chiropractic treatment for scoliosis
Chiropractic treatment of scoliosis focuses on correcting and maintaining the patient's posture to slow the progression of the abnormal curvature.
The chiropractor works to restore vertebral mobility and strengthen back muscles for better spinal support.
Techniques commonly used by chiropractors include spinal manipulation, postural re-education exercises, therapeutic massage and the use of chiropractic equipment.
These techniques aim to improve spinal mobility, reduce muscular tension and relieve pain.
It's important to point out that chiropractic treatment is not intended to "cure" scoliosis, but rather to relieve symptoms, delay the progression of curvature and improve quality of life.
Finally, it's important to remember that chiropractic is a complementary approach.
It is not a substitute for medical treatment, but a beneficial addition to overall care.
A healthy back thanks to Chiro Ste-Rose
The SpineMed spinal decompression table and its advantages
When it comes to scoliosis treatment, we have a few trump cards up our sleeve at Clinique Chiro Ste-Rose.
One such asset is our SpineMed spinal decompression table.
This technology is approved by Health Canada for its effectiveness.
Spinal decompression is a method that uses a specific skill level of force to reduce pressure in the discs of the spine.
This decompression targets specific parts of the spine where nerves are compressed.
This helps to relieve pain and stimulate the healing of damaged discs.
The SpineMed decompression table is distinctive in that it uses computerized technology to adapt the decompression level to each patient.
It is specially designed for back conditions such as scoliosis and can help to correct the curvature of the spine over time, especially if the scoliosis originates from a herniated disc condition.
Why choose Chiro Ste-Rose?
Choosing Chiro Ste-Rose to treat your scoliosis is an informed decision.
Above all, our team of chiropractors is passionate about what we do.
We are committed to providing personalized, caring service to every patient we see.
Our approach is distinguished by its practical elements.
We aim not only to treat existing symptoms, but also to prevent the progression of many conditions, including scoliosis.
In addition to our spinal decompression work, we perform chiropractic adjustments to increase spinal mobility and reduce pain, thus preventing athrosis and premature degeneration, which contributes to families' quality of life and health. Many report that they are happier, sleep better, miss less school and work, and perform better in all spheres of life.
We're also proud to offer our patients unique follow-up care, whether it's emergency care, corrective care or preventive maintenance.
We'll help you track and understand the progress you make during your follow-up.
The importance of regular chiropractic follow-up
A healthy back is not something you can achieve overnight.
Regular chiropractic care can play a vital role in preventing the progression of scoliosis and ensuring a better quality of life.
In fact, many patients with scoliosis experience a marked improvement in their quality of life when they follow a regular treatment program with a chiropractor.
Contact us!
In conclusion, we'd like to stress the importance of taking action for your spinal health.
If you're affected by scoliosis, this is an invitation to take charge of your health and take the first step towards a healthy back.
Chiro Ste-Rose is here to help relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
We offer a personalized approach for each patient, so that you can feel relief from your pain and improve your posture.
Don't wait any longer, make an appointment with us today to start your journey towards a healthy back.
Simply click here to book an appointment with us online: Chiro Ste-Rose online diary. 🖥️