July is Scoliosis Awareness Month!
July is scoliosis awareness month, so it is time to raise awareness about this condition. One of the most important things that people can learn about this condition is how chiropractic can help those with it.
Although it’s commonly known that people with Scoliosis have a significant risk of experiencing health problems, many of the exact risks remain undisclosed to the general public.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a type of spinal curvature that affects approximately 3% of the US population. It can be caused by various factors like a birth defect, age, and illness. 90% of patients with this condition do not require surgery, but it is incredibly painful due to how it affects the body’s anatomy.
What Can Chiropractors Do to Help?
A Doctor of chiropractic can help identify and diagnose Scoliosis. During a physical examination, the patient’s body can be thoroughly checked to determine if they have this condition. Scoliosis can cause numerous health problems, including reduced lung capacity and breathing difficulty. Early detection is very important for children with this condition as some forms of it can still progress and intervention at an early age can potentially change their ultimate health outcome.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, about seven million people in the US suffer from Scoliosis.
Issues related to Scoliosis
- Chronic back pain or muscle spasms
- One shoulder blade is higher or protrudes out more than the other
- Uneven hips
- Difficulty breathing because of a reduced area in the chest for the lungs to expand
- Clothes seem to hang unevenly
Treatment
A Doctor of Chiropractic can help patients with Scoliosis by identifying the cause of their condition and developing effective treatment plans. Many people with this condition find non-drug treatments such as massage and chiropractic therapy to be very effective.
Other suggested treatments outside of chiropractic adjustments
- Specific movements including physical therapy
- Rest
- Strengthening exercises to support joints
- Increasing the ability to take a deep cleansing breath through breathing exercises
What You Can Do During Scoliosis Awareness Month
Scoliosis FACTS:
- Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity.
- 80% of cases are not caused by any specific disease.
- It’s possible to have scoliosis as an infant, although it often begins between the ages of 10 and 15
- Females are more likely to suffer from progressive scoliosis
No matter your age chiropractic can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with Scoliosis. Over time, in many cases, the body can be retrained to new more aligned positioning. Muscle can be built up to hold these new aligned positions in place longer and longer between adjustments. In essence, your quality of life, your posture, and your outlook can improve.
Come see us if you are in the Southwest Florida area! www.kasterchiropractic.com. Call 239-332-2555 for your appointment and consultation.