Scoliosis causes the spine to curve to one side, either in a C- or S-shape. It often appears in children or infants. If your child is experiencing scoliosis symptoms, they might need to be treated with braces, surgery, or a chiropractor’s adjustments.

Causes

Girls are more likely to have scoliosis than boys, and many affected people have a relative who also has the condition. If a child has one leg that’s longer than the other, they’re more likely to develop scoliosis during adolescence.

Scoliosis may develop due to another disease, like cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, muscular dystrophy, neurofibromatosis, or Marfan syndrome. Osteoporosis can cause scoliosis because of bond degeneration.

In rare cases, scoliosis can be present in infants at birth because their bones developed abnormally in the womb. Some other possible causes of the disorder include carrying a heavy backpack, an injury, or bad posture.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the disorder are different for infants and adolescents. The most common type of scoliosis develops in adolescents, and it often doesn’t have a known cause. Some symptoms include an asymmetrical rib cage, the head being slightly off-center, clothing not fitting properly, and uneven leg lengths. Sometimes, scoliosis can cause chronic back pain.

The parent of an infant with scoliosis might notice a bulge on one side of the child’s chest. They may also experience issues with their heart or lungs, which cause shortness of breath or chest pain. You might want to talk to a doctor if you notice your baby always curving their body to one side.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

It can be beneficial for scoliosis patients to receive treatment from a chiropractor. One study shows that chiropractic care can reduce the curvature of the spine in adolescent scoliosis, even when other medical treatments have failed. In a study with adult patients, chiropractic care for six months helped improve pain scores, lung function, and disability rating.

Chiropractors treat scoliosis by performing adjustments that align the spine. These alignments increase joint mobility and improve nervous system function, making it easier to deal with the disease’s symptoms. Health benefits of chiropractic care in scoliosis patients include pain relief, improved range of motion, increased ability to be active, improved flexibility, and decreased inflammation.

DC Peter Wawers and the friendly team at Lincoln Chiropractic Center can help you manage your scoliosis pain and symptoms so you can live a better life. Located in Lincoln, NE, they use unobtrusive pain relief techniques that help patients without addictive treatments like prescription pain medication. They incorporate a “whole person” treatment plan to find the source of your discomfort and reduce your symptoms. Visit their website or call (402) 464-5567 to schedule your first appointment.