2960 North State Rd. 7 | Suite 204 | Margate, FL 33063
Scoliosis is a condition which causes an abnormal curvature to the spine, producing significant pressure to both the bony structures of the spine and the soft tissues adjacent to the vertebral column. When viewed from the back the spine should appear straight. In scoliosis, the spine has one or more lateral (sideways) curvatures to it. This causes abnormal pressure on the vertebrae, to the rib cage, and to surrounding soft tissue structures such as the lungs, the liver, the stomach, or even the heart. In severe cases breathing and heart function can be compromised.
Scoliosis affects girls more than boys and usually manifests itself at puberty. School screenings are performed at this stage of development in an effort to catch the condition in its early stages when it is most manageable. Once discovered, children are usually sent to the pediatrician, the orthopedist, or the chiropractor to fully evaluate the condition and recommend the best plan of care.
Scoliosis can be categorized into two types; congenital or acquired. Much is still unknown about this condition, as to its causes and why it progresses or stops at certain points. It is theorized that hormonal
balances play an important part in the development. There is also a genetic predisposition for this condition and it often is passed from parents or grandparents to offspring.
Mild to moderate forms of this condition can be managed by conservative means such as exercise, spinal manipulation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases patients are fitted with braces in an effort to halt the progression of the curvatures. In the most severe cases, surgery may be indicated. Typical surgery for this condition is the implantation of titanium steel rods which are screwed into the vertebrae to prevent any worsening of the curves. The surgery is extremely invasive and considered a last resort. Scoliosis should never be left untreated. Significant complications can develop as the condition becomes more severe, and often these can be minimized with proper early treatment.
At Northwest Wellness Center we have had experience with scoliosis and its management over the past 20 years. In many cases we can prevent the curves from worsening and keep the spine flexible and moving, thereby alleviating many of the symptoms of this condition.
