Scoliosis Chiropractic Care in Clive, Iowa

A number of people suffer from scoliosis in Clive. Typically, scoliosis begins as a minor bend in the spine that gradually progresses. In fact, for the diagnosis of scoliosis to be made, there must be a minimum 60 degree sideways curve of the spine. Once the spine has advanced to this stage there are often severe health consequences. The good news is that if the bending of the spine is discovered and cared for properly during its early stages, it can be prevented from advancing over time.

This article discusses how chiropractic care can help. 
Many ideas regarding the cause of scoliosis have been researched and there has been little consensus regarding its origin. However, the studies have shown that a scoliosis is more likely to occur in young adolescent females.

Many times a small bend in the spine begins with the simple misalignment of a single vertebrae. Over time, the body begins to compensate for this abnormality and “S” and “C” shaped curves of the spine develop. Often parents and children first notice the presence of scoliosis due to the un-leveling of the shoulders and pelvis. Unlike other spinal conditions, scoliosis cannot be reversed by changes in posture.

While many cases of scoliosis effect the younger population, it is important to realize that the condition can also develop in older adults. As people age, degenerative disorders such as osteoporosis cause the bones in the spine to loose their normal shape. As a result, the body begins to compensate by producing lateral curves in the spine to ensure that the head remains level. In such cases, if the cause of the bending is not addressed, severe consequences including heart and lung problems may develop.

An x-ray examination performed by your treating physician is the most effective means of detecting scoliosis. However, various orthopedic examinations such as Adams position test can assist in the diagnosis. Our chiropractors at Champion Family Chiropractic will also examine the hips and shoulders for un-leveling and also check the legs for variation in length which can be a clue to the development of a scoliosis.

Finally, with years of experience our Champion Family Chiropractic doctors have become proficient at identifying the presence of a scoliosis by evaluating the range of motion in the spine.