PreventiCare Publishing 1412 scoliosis

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Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis


What Is Scoliosis?

When viewed from the front, a normal spine appears straight.

When viewed from the side, it has two S-shaped curves.

In scoliosis, the spine curves to the side in one or more places when viewed from the front.


Who Gets Scoliosis?

• Scoliosis affects girls twice as often as it affects boys.

• Scoliosis typically emerges in adolescence.

• Scoliosis runs in families.


What Causes Scoliosis?

• Doctors often don’t know the cause of scoliosis.

• When a cause can’t be identified, scoliosis is called idiopathic.

• Scoliosis can also stem from:

– A degenerative joint condition

– A disease that affects the neuromuscular system

– A leg-length discrepancy

– A birth defect


How Is Scoliosis Detected?

Early detection of scoliosis is vital,

During the high-risk growth years (10 to 14), youngsters should be regularly screened by a doctor of chiropractic.

to stop or slow a progressing curve.


In-School Screenings

• Many states have in-school scoliosis screenings.

• However, these screening have a high rate of inaccuracy.

• Nothing can replace a screening by a doctor of chiropractic -- who is trained to provide accurate and thorough screening for this condition.


How Is Scoliosis Treated?

Chiropractors undergo in-depth training in spinal health.

They should be your first line of defense against scoliosis.

For minor scoliosis, chiropractors will

For severe scoliosis, chiropractors will

closely monitor the

curve,

closely monitor the curve.

possibly partner with an orthopedic

specialist,

explore treatment options,

which traditionally include bracing or

surgery.

Exciting new research shows that alternative treatments, including

chiropractic, may eliminate the need for surgery in

some cases.


Spinal Manipulation for ScoliosisOne case study concludes:

“in at least some severe and progressive cases of scoliosis, chiropractic treatment including spinal manipulation may

decrease the need for surgery.”

The study followed a 15-year-old girl with a 46-degree curve.

After 4 years of rehabilitation and brace treatment

After 18 months of chiropractic care

Curve continuing to progress,surgery

recommended

Curve decreased 16 degrees


Spinal Manipulation Plus Additional Therapies for Scoliosis

One study looked at spinal manipulation pluspositional traction and neuromuscular re-education for scoliosis.

four to six weeks of treatment

19 subjects

Average 17-degree reduction in curves


Specific Exercises & Physical Therapy for Scoliosis

Targeted exercises may be an additional nonsurgical option for scoliosis.

A 2008 review found that:

“… all studies confirmed the efficacy of exercises in reducing the progression rate [of scoliosis].”


Pick Up a Copy of the “Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis” OHU

• For more on this topic, please pick up a copy of the corresponding OHU handout.

• Share the OHU handout with friends, family, co-workers, etc. Just let us know how many you need.

• Look to the OHU for citations to research on this topic.

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PreventiCare Publishing 1412 scoliosis