Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that causes an S- or C-shaped curvature of the spine. The condition primarily occurs during adolescence, but can also appear in infants and adults. Since the degree of the curvature can increase as scoliosis progresses, early diagnosis and treatment are important to minimize its effects. Scoliosis occurs as the most common form of spinal deformity, affecting up to 3% of the US population, or as many as 9 million people.
When untreated, scoliosis can impact your quality of life. It can cause pain, limit mobility, and interfere with respiratory function. Early diagnosis can prevent you or your child from experiencing these devastating effects.
Scoliosis expert H. Khayal, DC, of Premier Health Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Dallas, provides a thorough and accurate diagnosis of this condition. Using painless, noninvasive screening techniques, Dr. Khayal determines whether you or your child has scoliosis so you can begin treatment as soon as possible. If you require treatment, Dr. Khayal has the expertise necessary to help correct the curvature and promote corrected growth.
Find out more about identifying scoliosis and what you can do to ensure you or your child benefits from an early diagnosis.
How can early diagnosis affect scoliosis?
Scoliosis includes a spinal curvature greater than 10 degrees. Depending on the severity of the condition, curvatures up to 20 degrees may not require bracing or surgery. Identifying scoliosis at this early stage can help you avoid the need for these interventions.
However, when curvatures progress to 25 degrees, bracing may be necessary. Curvatures greater than 50 degrees can affect your respiratory system, damage joints, and typically require surgical intervention for treatment. People with moderate and severe curvatures can also experience cosmetic and psychological issues because of their appearance.
Who should watch for scoliosis?
The majority of scoliosis diagnoses occur among healthy patients 10-15 years old. About 85% of these cases are considered idiopathic, which means there’s no clear cause for their onset. However, your chances of developing scoliosis increase by 20% if you have a family member with the condition. Being female also increases your risk of having scoliosis, as well as your risk of having a more dramatic curvature than one that affects males.
While adolescents make up the largest demographic with scoliosis, the condition also occurs in other groups. Infants can develop congenital scoliosis, which occurs during growth in the womb and remains at birth. People with cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, or spina bifida can develop neuromuscular scoliosis, secondary to their primary diagnosis.
Adult idiopathic scoliosis can occur as a continuation of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis that was undiagnosed or too minimal to treat during adolescence. Adult degenerative scoliosis occurs with disc degeneration and arthritis.
What are common symptoms of scoliosis?
You can facilitate early diagnosis of scoliosis by looking out for symptoms that may occur before you notice a curvature in yourself or your child. Signs of scoliosis can include:
- Difference in symmetry of shoulders, shoulder blades, or hip height
- Change in posture
- Lack of balance
- Lower back pain and stiffness
- Leg cramps or numbness
- Bulge or deformity in the back
How can chiropractic care make a difference?
Since only about half of US states require scoliosis screening in schools, chiropractors play a key role in early diagnosis. Regular chiropractic care can help you treat the condition proactively with spinal assessments that identify problems at the earliest stages. As an expert spinal specialist, Dr. Khayal has the training necessary to recognize abnormalities, like scoliosis, that aren’t apparent to the untrained eye.
Chiropractic care for scoliosis can help you or your child avoid scoliosis progressing to the point that it requires back braces or surgery. Spinal adjustments can help improve spinal form and restore joint mobility. The results can include better posture, more comfortable movement, and a reduction in curvature progression.
Find out more about the difference that early diagnosis and treatment can make in outcomes for scoliosis. Call our North Dallas office to schedule an appointment for a consultation.