With the countless things parents need to know about their kids’ development, it can be incredibly daunting to think about. Between school, sports, making friends, and of course, their health. Many medical conditions can develop over time, and they all need to be properly monitored and handled.
One such medical condition that can develop over time at a young age is scoliosis. We’ve all heard about it and likely remember having had a scoliosis test at school. It’s also a condition that varies in severity quite a bit. So, what do parents need to know about scoliosis?
What Causes Scoliosis in Kids?
One of the most frustrating things about scoliosis is that there isn’t a clear cause for it in most cases. At the same time, parents may jump to the culprit being heavy backpacks or book bags, desks, and chairs that may not be ideal for their child, or overall bad posture. While much of what was listed could potentially cause issues with your child’s back muscles or spinal column, they haven’t been directly linked to scoliosis.
One of the only links to scoliosis we are aware of is that it may be passed down genetically in your family. As mentioned earlier, scoliosis can vary wildly in severity, so you or others in your family may have mild scoliosis while your child may have a more severe type.
Does Childhood Scoliosis Go Away?
In some cases, childhood scoliosis does go away. The likelihood that it goes away depends somewhat on the type of scoliosis.
Early-onset scoliosis is one that shows up before age 10, and usually, nothing needs to be done about it. With early-onset scoliosis, the spine straightens itself out as the child grows. Scoliosis occurring over the age of 10, usually between the ages of 10 and 18, doesn’t necessarily go away, but it may not require assistance to be treated.
A mild case of scoliosis is a spinal curve of 20 degrees or less, which is typically considered to be mild enough not to need assistance. Once it gets higher than that, a doctor may recommend a back brace to prevent further curvature of the spine or, in more extreme cases, it may require surgery.
Can A Chiropractor Fix Scoliosis?
A chiropractor cannot necessarily fix scoliosis as, technically, it’s a condition that cannot be cured, but a chiropractor can treat scoliosis. While chiropractors often deal with spinal adjustments to help improve mobility and reduce pain, scoliosis is a different kind of issue to address. Treatment can include massages, stretches, and exercises to work the muscles and tissue around the spine to specifically help patients with scoliosis. Since many people have more severe scoliosis cases but want to avoid surgery, a chiropractor may be the best option in those instances.
Total Chiropractic Care Offers You Options on How to Treat Scoliosis
Whether you’re dealing with problems related to scoliosis or any other back problems and chronic pain, Total Chiropractic Care is here to help. Our wellness professionals are here to design a treatment plan to fit your needs. You can improve your quality of life and get more out of every day. Set up an appointment now by filling out our online form or calling us at (631) 447-2299.