WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CURVE AND SCOLIOSIS OF THE SPINE?

Basically, scoliosis is a curvature of the spine of 10 degrees or more and a curvature is less than 10 degrees. Scoliosis is a worsening of the curve. And neither of these is normal. These spinal curvatures and scoliosis can cause pain and dysfunction. Scoliosis affects most of the major systems of the body: nervous, digestive, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and immune, and can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. This is due to altered function of the spine, causing interference to the spinal cord, and exiting spinal nerves. We do know, however, that scoliosis does not correct itself, generally gets worse over time, and requires active care to correct. In the majority of adults, I see with scoliosis, their condition started in childhood and could have been corrected or at least improved with early intervention. At Chiropractic Arts Center of Austin, we often see a short leg as the actual cause of scoliosis, and this can be compensated for with a simple heel/shoe lift. I call it the five-dollar solution to the million-dollar problem.

While 4% of the general population (male and female) has scoliosis, teenage girls have 8 times more scoliosis than boys. That’s why it is so important that children have their spines checked regularly, at least once a year. I often diagnose scoliosis in children who have been screened at school and passed as being normal. I believe that scoliosis is much more common than 4%, simply because it is not well measured.
Astoundingly, the medical approach to scoliosis is watchful waiting for curves less than 25 degrees! Are you kidding? That’s a big curve! At the Chiropractic Arts Center of Austin, we start diagnosing and correcting curves as early as possible, when they are more easily corrected. We believe that waiting until 25 degrees is unacceptable. Our experience and treatments have shown to make a difference by taking care of the problem before it progresses to that point. Starting care as soon as it is detected makes the most sense. As the twig is bent, so grows the tree!

The chiropractic approach to a spinal curve diagnosis involves early intervention when the scoliosis, curves, or subluxations are easy to correct. It can take weeks to months of regular, specific adjustments, depending on the severity. It also involves specific, customized exercises tailored to the individual, and home tractioning to accomplish correction. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to wear a brace.

So, look at yourself in the mirror or in a picture and if you see a high shoulder, it needs to be checked out. Most of the time it is an indicator of scoliosis or spinal curvature, and something can be done about it with chiropractic care. Call our office to get checked now to avoid problems in the future.