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 known as scoliosis. Because a person who has scoliosis commonly appears to be leaning to one side, if you are unfamiliar with the might assume, instead, that the person simply has poor posture.
Even before going to see your chiropractor in Grand Rapids, there are a number of ways for you to see the difference between poor posture and scoliosis. First of all, you would be able to see that one shoulder is higher than the other in a standing position, and that the scapula (shoulder blade) is raised or more prominent. You would likely see a wider space between the arm and the body on one side if the person’s arms were hanging freely at his or her sides. Moreover, one hip would likely elevated or more conspicuous than the other. And finally, the head will not look as if it is in plumb with the pelvis.
Scoliosis symptoms are often mild; but, if the curve and rib rotation are severe enough, both pulmonary and cardiac functions can be compromised. In fewer than 15% of scoliosis cases, the cause is known. Most of the time, the cause is unknown. This type of scoliosis (Idiopathic) is thought to be genetic, or to minimally have a genetic component because it tends to run in families.
Idiopathic Scoliosis generally develops during adolescence when the body is completing its last major growth spurt. Most frequently girls develop this type of scoliosis. If found, a scoliotic curve should be monitored for any progression. Your Grand Rapids chiropractor can provide periodic examinations and, if necessary, will suggest standing x-rays.
The good news is that most scoliotic curvatures are mild to moderate, a brace is unnecessary. In these cases, regular chiropractic care is beneficial in both in decreasing and adjusting any compensatory musculoskeletal conditions that might happen.