What is Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways which is not normal. The spine is normally s-shaped when looked at from the side, but when looking from behind the spine, it should be straight. A scoliosis curvature is often shaped like the letter S or C, and the spine can also be twisted. Our Sydney Chiropractor at Advanced Sports Chiropractic is an expert at assessing scoliosis.

Scoliosis Treatment

At Advanced Sports Chiropractic, we can help with the effects of scoliosis providing treatment that may relieve pain and slow down progression. The management of scoliosis requires regular physical examination through the growth phase, with x-rays as required. This is important because curve progression may take place without the patient being aware of any change.

Scoliosis treatment can provide sufferers relief by:

1. assisting with muscle strain
2. posture improvement by correcting spinal function
3. reducing muscle spasm
4. and advice on enhancing lifestyle habits

Further information about Scoliosis

ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS (AIS) is an idiopathtic type of scoliosis, meaning there is no known cause. However, the vast majority of AIS patients have familial (genetic) scoliosis (i.e. they can be evident in families), so we strongly recommend regular check ups from childhood, as it generally develops between 11 and 14 years of age.

It may go unnoticed especially as it rarely causes problems in the early years. Parents may see an uneven waist or shoulders, particularly prominent shoulder blades or shoulders, elevated hips or leaning to one side. The rib cage can also become more prominent on one side, which becomes more evident if you ask the person to bend forward whilst observing them from behind.

Scoliosis can can cause severe back pain, muscle pain, differing leg lengths, osteoarthritis, or uneven shoe wear.

It is important to note that many cases of scoliosis are caused by unknown factors and in such cases there is no evidence that any type of care can cure the condition. However, changes to lifestyle and enhancing spinal health may provide some much needed relief.

Other types of scoliosis:

Infantile – A curvature that develops before a child is two years old. Nine out of ten of these curves will spontaneously resolve. This type of scoliosis is very rare in Australia.

Juvenile idiopathic – A curve that develops in the age range of two to ten years. This type is also rare in this country.

Congenital – A curve develops because of congenitally abnormal vertebrae. This form of curvature is often associated with congenital abnormalities in other body systems such as the heart and kidney. Detailed investigation of these children is required.

Neuro-muscular – A wide variety of diseases and disorders of the central nervous system (brain), nerves and muscles can, but not invariably, result in the development of scoliosis. Muscular dystrophy is one such condition in which scoliosis can occur.

Paralytic – The term applied to the curvature which frequently develops when there is loss of spinal cord function early in life from disease or disorder, particularly injury (quadriplegia and paraplegia).