Your spine consists of several vertebrae, which are rectangular-shaped with one stacked on top of the other. Most people's spines appear straight when viewed from behind. However, the spine of people with scoliosis forms the shape of the letter S or C rather than appearing straight. This is due to the unexpected rotation of the vertebrae. If you are seeking scoliosis treatment from a chiropractor near you, we invite you to contact True Wellness Chiropractic in Fort Wayne to learn more about how we can help.
Understanding Scoliosis
Johns Hopkins University defines scoliosis as a curvature of the spine of more than 10 degrees that shows up on an X-ray or other types of imaging equipment. Most people develop scoliosis during adolescence, with the condition continuing into adulthood for the majority of those who have this spinal deformity. You can have scoliosis on the right or left side of your spine or on both sides. You can also have one of three types of scoliosis.
1. Congenital
Congenital scoliosis means that you were born with the disorder. In some cases, scoliosis is pronounced enough in infancy for doctors to make a diagnosis. However, most people with congenital scoliosis do not receive a diagnosis until late childhood or their teenage years. The condition can worsen for some young people to the point that they need surgery to prevent deformities and ongoing pain. Others have milder cases, and their doctors take a wait-and-see approach to treating it.
2. Idiopathic
The term idiopathic means that doctors cannot pinpoint the cause of scoliosis. Most cases of idiopathic scoliosis develop by the age of 10.
3. Neuromuscular
Children with neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida, are at higher risk of also developing scoliosis. These children are more likely to wear a body brace than children who have scoliosis alone. Once the curvature reaches 50 percent, surgery is often necessary to prevent pressure on the lungs. Typical symptoms of all types of scoliosis include one shoulder blade being higher than the other, uneven shoulders or waist, and rib protrusion in more advanced cases.
Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care plays a crucial role in addressing the issues associated with scoliosis by employing non-invasive and drug-free approaches. Chiropractors utilize specialized techniques to correct spinal curvature. Through targeted adjustments and exercises, chiropractors work to alleviate the discomfort and pressure on the spine caused by scoliosis. This personalized approach aims to enhance overall spinal health, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for individuals dealing with mild to moderate scoliosis.
Find Scoliosis Treatment from a Chiropractor Near You
As an experienced chiropractor in Fort Wayne, Dr. Heath Nagel typically treat patients with mild to moderate scoliosis. He has completed advanced training in Chiropractic BioPhysics, a program that teaches chiropractors advanced methods of correcting a spinal curve. We can offer you a drug-free and surgery-free way to deal with the everyday discomfort of scoliosis that reduces pressure on your spine. Contact our Fort Wayne chiropractic office today.