Treatment for Scoliosis
Scoliosis can be diagnosed at any age. Someone can be officially diagnosed with scoliosis when a 60-degree sideways spine bend is discovered. Once it is diagnosed, it’s important to treat it right away. If scoliosis is left untreated, the unnatural curve of the spine may affect the function of some vital organs.
However, if scoliosis is diagnosed and treated early enough, long-term health effects can be kept from advancing over time. There are many ways to treat scoliosis, including regular alignments, strengthening and flexibility exercises to help bring your spine back to optimal health, and even surgery, in some extreme cases. The proper treatment for you depends on how advanced the condition is and how much pain you’re dealing with daily. The earlier you start treatment, the better your quality of life will tend to be and the better outcome you will have.
What Causes Scoliosis?
Scoliosis can be caused by a wide range of factors, including genetics, hormones, and other conditions related to the spinal cord, such as muscular dystrophy. Scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed in children and adults, but it can be diagnosed in adulthood as well, usually relating to degenerative conditions. Medical professionals can often pinpoint the cause of scoliosis in adults, but in children and adolescents, it’s most commonly a genetic issue. Anyone can get scoliosis, so if you suspect you have this condition or if you have symptoms consistent with scoliosis, contact a healthcare provider right away. From an engineering perspective, nearly all cases can present with an UNLEVEL FOUNDATION (mechanical) usually in the pelvis or lower vertebra of the spinal column.
What Happens When Scoliosis Isn’t Treated?
Scoliosis is a progressive condition, so if left untreated, it could likely get worse. If left on its own without any intervention, the spinal curve that defines scoliosis will get bigger. While it’s uncertain how quickly the progression happens, it’s a good idea to get scoliosis treatment promptly if you have been diagnosed or if you have consistent, lingering back pain.
Common Symptoms of Scoliosis
Scoliosis can present differently in everyone. You might have one or two of the following symptoms or all of them. Here are some of the most common symptoms of scoliosis:
- Uneven shoulder blades
- One side of the rib cage that juts forward
- Back pain
- One hip is higher than the other
- A shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other
- Problems taking deep breaths
Typically, the more progressed the scoliosis is, the more pronounced the physical signs can be. In very advanced scoliosis cases, someone could have very prominent ribs or visible uneven hips. These changes can cause not just physical problems but emotional complications as well, including a lack of self-confidence.
Help with Scoliosis in Scottsdale
At FIX24 Joint Biomechanics, we understand how painful it can be to deal with scoliosis. We offer customized therapy plans to straighten and strengthen your spine. Whether you are dealing with lingering back pain and want to get to the bottom of it or have been diagnosed with scoliosis and are looking for a path forward, we can assist.
Contact us today to learn more about our scoliosis treatment options in Scottsdale and to book your appointment.
