Family Chiropractic

Archive for the ‘scoliosis’ Category

Your chiropractor in Grand Rapids has treated many individuals who have an unusual side-to-side, or lateral, curvature of the spine called scoliosis. If you aren’t familiar with the way scoliosis appears, you may unintentionally confuse it with poor posture because frequently someone who has scoliosis gives the appearance of leaning to one side.

But, there are one or two ways for you to observe the difference between poor posture and scoliosis even before you see your Grand Rapids chiropractor. If you were to observe a person with scoliosis in a standing position, you would probably be able to see that one shoulder is higher than the other, and that the scapula (shoulder blade) is raised or more prominent. In addition, if the person’s arms were hanging loosely at his or her sides, you might notice a greater space between the arm and the body on one side. Moreover, one hip may be raised or more conspicuous than the other. And one more clue might be that the head will not look as if it is in plumb with the pelvis.

Scoliosis is often mild in nature, but it can be quite severe. In fact, both pulmonary and cardiac functions can be hindered if the curve and rib rotation are acute enough. In all but a small percentage of scoliosis cases, the cause is not known. This type of scoliosis (Idiopathic) tends to run in families and is believed to have a genetic component.

In general, Idiopathic Scoliosis takes place during adolescence when the body is completing the last major growth spurt. This type of scoliosis is most frequently found in girls. A scoliotic curve, if found, should be monitored for any progression. Your chiropractor in Grand Rapids will not only provide periodic examinations, but will suggest standing x-rays if needed.

As mentioned above, most (nearly 90 percent) of scoliotic curvatures are mild to moderate, and make a brace unnecessary. Therefore, regular chiropractic care, in these cases, is beneficial in both in decreasing and adjusting any compensatory musculoskeletal conditions that may occur.

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