Scoliosis
Many people have heard of the term “scoliosis” before, but aren’t really certain of what it is, why it occurs, or what it means for their health. Scoliosis is the term that describes a condition in which the spine curves laterally, away from the midline of the body. The most common form of scoliosis occurs in adolescence, when the human body is progressing through the stages of development, especially just prior to puberty. The majority of scoliosis cases are mild and have minor affect on general health, however some forms can be severe and progress rapidly, creating serious health problems. Many schools have a scoliosis screening process implemented and many parents have been told that their child has scoliosis, but don’t know what that means exactly. To appropriately determine the degree and severity of the curve your child should see a specialist (chiropractor, orthopedist) who will order x-rays of the entire spine if indicated. These will also be used to assist in monitoring progression of the scoliosis if it is determined that your child has it. It is important to begin treatment of scoliosis, along with any abnormal curvature of the spine, during the adolescent years when the joints, muscles and brain itself are more pliable and changes can be made/elements of the condition reversed.
There are a variety of causes of scoliosis ranging from birth defects in the spine (congenital deformation of a vertebra), muscular imbalances, imbalances in brain functioning (especially in the area known as the cerebellum and vestibular system), to spinal restrictions/misalignments. The majority of these causes of scoliosis can be addressed with Chiropractic and Functional Neurological care, and we have seen decreases in progression of curves and even reversal at times. In some cases such as when a birth defect is creating the scoliosis it is first necessary to consult an orthopedist that specializes in scoliosis to determine if surgery is necessary prior to beginning any other treatment, as in these cases, specialists in both areas can work together to create more lasting outcomes and health.
The brain and especially the cerebellar/vestibular system control muscle tone in our bodies, and proper functioning of these particular areas allows us to maintain the upright posture that defines us as human beings. When there is reduced neuronal firing in these areas of the brain they are not able to control muscle tone and function appropriately and one side of the body becomes a lot stronger than the other, which begins to pull on the spine forcing it to begin to curve laterally. For example, in a child in which the scoliosis curves to the right in their thoracic spine, the muscles on the left side of the body are too strong, and pull the spine in that direction. Most times through clinical testing we will see very clear-cut signs of imbalance between the right and left halves of the vestibular system (in this case, reduced firing from the right side creating weakness in right sided muscles), and we can begin to work on this area to increase rates of firing which will improve muscle tone on that side.
Chiropractic and Functional Neurological treatment of scoliosis includes adjustments to particular areas of the spine to help increase input to a that area of the brain affecting muscle tone, and to address any spinal restrictions or misalignments, balance and coordination training, visual/ocular motility exercises to assist in increasing input to the affected areas of the brain, implementation of an exercise program specifically targeted for the muscles that need strengthening and to stretch the muscles that are overactive.
If your child or any child that you may know has been diagnosed with scoliosis please contact us for more information.
