Scoliosis is a curvature in the spinal column which deviates from the normal alignment of the spine. With Scoliosis, there is generally a side-to-side curve when looking at your spine from the front, where normally it should be straight. As the degree of the curvature increases, it becomes more noticeable.

While many cases are mild requiring only monitoring, some cases will progress and result in serious health problems. Scoliosis is much more likely to occur in children and adolescents than adults, and it is much more common in females. Early screening programs are one way that scoliosis can be detected.

The most common types of scoliosis are:

Congenital scoliosis.

This type of Scoliosis is when there are birth defects that affect the vertebral segments of the spine.

Degenerative scoliosis.

This type can be due to traumatic injuries such as accidents or falls, back surgery, osteoporosis, or fractures.  Adults are more likely to have this form of Scoliosis.

Idiopathic scoliosis.

This is the most common scoliosis (80% of cases) that we see and is most common in children and young people. The term idiopathic implies that is not caused by any other disease or disorder. It is likely that the Scoliosis is either due to hereditary and familial reasons or during development of your child’s spine.

Neuromuscular scoliosis.

The result of abnormal muscle or nerve formation. This type of scoliosis is more likely to occur as part of conditions like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.

Chiropractic has been shown to be effective in treating scoliosis in numerous case studies. Simple, painless, and quick spinal exams can identify early stages of scoliosis in children. Scoliosis is first diagnosed during a regular spinal examination. The Adam’s Forward Bend Test is routinely used to screen for scoliosis. In this test, you bend forward with your arms extended down toward the floor and your knees straight while being observed by Dr. Goel. From this angle it is easy to see scoliosis symptoms which result in asymmetry in the spine or torso.

Your health history will also be taken into consideration and X-rays of the spine in various postures will be taken to confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis and assess the extent of the curvature of the spine and how far it has progressed.

The “Cobb method” is a measurement technique that will be used to assess the degree of curvature. The type of treatment will be determined by the degree of the spinal curve. With curves less than 30 degrees and for any patient where skeletal growth has stopped, chiropractic care can be used to address any bio-mechanical defects such as leg length differences or pronation (where the leg rolls or unrolls when walking). Chiropractic adjustment is designed to improve movement and posture which can help prevent further progression of the curvature. Chiropractic care can also reduce the back pain that many adults with scoliosis experience. When the curve is greater than 30 degrees and the youngster is still growing, referral for back bracing or traction is recommended.

With curves that are 40 degrees or greater and where the young person is still growing, referral to an orthopaedic surgeon is recommended. Surgery attempts to straighten the scoliotic part of the spine and fuse it with using anchors connected to metal rods. These anchors and rods act as an internal splint. Surgery is generally seen as an option only for those most severe cases as it is much more invasive and associated with greater risk of complications.

Dr. Goel will also prescribe postural and rehabilitative exercises in conjunction with adjustments to strengthen and stabilize the muscles surrounding the spine.