Detecting Scoliosis

By: Dr. Alan Rosenthal

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that affects about 1 in 10 adolescents. It usually shows up in adolescents between the ages of 10 and 15 and is more common than people may realize.

Serious Consequences

In scoliosis, as the spine grows, it gradually rotates (twists) on its own axis. This rotation slowly pulls the rib cage around so that one side of the rib cage becomes higher and sticks out farther than the other in the back. In addition, the ribs on the inward (concave) side of the spinal curve are gathered together, while those on the outward (convex) side are spread apart.

This distortion of the rib cage can restrict the lungs, causing breathing problems, possibly contributing to heart disease and incapacitating back pain later in life. The brain has an Innate Intelligence that communicates to the rest of the body through the spinal column and nervous system. Scoliosis can disrupt the necessary communication for wellness and proper health. Many nerves coming from the spine become incapable of transporting the life-giving messages to other areas of the body and as a result can create several health problems.

Research shows that, on the average, adults with advanced (untreated) scoliosis tend to retire earlier due to health reasons and die younger than the general population.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Early identification of scoliosis is imperative, because early, intensive treatment gives the best chance of slowing or halting the progressive curvature by coaxing the still growing spine along a straighter path.

What to Look For!

An adolescent with a spinal curvature may exhibit some of the following:

1. Child may appear to lean to one side.
   
2. Even when the child stands as straight as possible, the spine may still not be straight.
3. One shoulder blade may be much more prominent.
   
4. One shoulder may be higher.
   
5. One hip may be higher or prominent.
   
6. Viewed from the back, the rib cage may appear to stick out or form a hump on one side of the spine.
   
7. When the arms are hanging loosely at the sides, there may be more space between the arm and the body on one side.
   
8. Other clues include repeated tilting of the head to one side, uneven hems and waistbands, or uneven bra straps.
   

Early Detection

Parents who even slightly suspect there may be something wrong with their child’s spinal development should take their child to a Chiropractor for a thorough spinal examination immediately. Scoliosis can develop rather quickly in an otherwise healthy child.

Without detection, scoliosis-bound children can go through months or years of health problems that are only kept at bay from the use of drugs i.e.: difficulty breathing, digestive problems, loss of energy and enthusiasm, headaches, chest pain, back and neck pain.

Optimal Health = Optimum Function

Whole Health Family Chiropractic in Thousand Oaks, California has a team of highly specialized health professionals that will help you reach your Health and Wellness goals. Chiropractic wellness care improves your body’s natural ability to heal and enhances your overall quality of life. Imagine living a healthy and holistic lifestyle free of asthma, low back pain, ear infections, menstrual pain, headaches, ADHD, and many others. Take the first step toward better living and contact us today at (805) 449-0061.

Dr. Alan Rosenthal also dedicates his time to health awareness and education within his community. He offers free lectures and workshops to businesses and organizations. If you would like to schedule Dr. Rosenthal to speak at your next event or to view his list of lecture topics, please go to Free Lecture Topics.