Chirporactor Portland Maine Scoliosis Treatment

Scoliosis is defined by an abnormal curve with the spine, and can affect a wide range of ages, from young children to older adults. Scoliosis can lead to an unbalanced posture as well as back pain, and is known to get worse unless the condition is treated. Treatment through assiting the muscles in supporting the spine in a proper way, decreases pain and helps to keep a person active for many years to come!

Causes:
The cause of scoliosis is most often due to abnormal bone development that presents iteslf during development of the adolescent ages. Muscles attached to the spine further the curvature by creating an imbalance and improper spinal support. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, the most common type, is more common in females than males and may worsen over time. Degenerative scoliosis occurs later in life when degenerative joint disease leads to woresening of the spinal curvature due to abnormal pressure on vertebrae over time.

Risk Factors:
Scoliosis is often idiopathic, or unknown as to the cause. Genetics have been suggested to play a role in bone development. Certain congenital (from birth) diseases have been associated with scoliosis including: Ehler-Danlos Syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disdease, kyphosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, Friedreich’s ataxia, Marfan’s Syndrome, neurofribromatosis, and other connective tissue disorders.
Signs and Symptoms:
~ Pain in the neck, mid, or lower back.
~ Uneven musculature of the back
~ Difficulty breathing
~ Rib protrusion or uneven from left to right sides
Tests:
Orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic exams are performed for proper diagnosis. X-rays are taken if pain or problems occur to determine the angle of curvature.

Treatment:
Treatment ALWAYS begins with conservative pain management at HealthSource of Portland through chiropractic and progressive rehab. By determining the curvature of the spine, and the muscular imbalances, treatment can be focused on stretching and strengthening specific muscles.
Following acute pain relief, rehabilitation begins to support the spine in proper alignment and to strengthen weakened muscles. HealthSource combines massage, chiropractic, and rehabilitation to provide rapid relief and lasting results.

If conservative treatment or care is not effective bracing of the spine to prevent further progression may be necessary. The final, and most drastic intervention is surgical fusion of the spinal column.