Scoliosis is a condition in which the spinal cord is curved to the side. Severe cases can be disabling, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
Signs of scoliosis may include:
- Uneven shoulders
- Uneven waist
- One hip is higher than the other
- One side of the rib cage jutting forward
- One shoulder blade seems to be more prominent than the other
- One side of the back is more prominent when bending forward
Left untreated, scoliosis can lead to breathing problems, back problems, and noticeable changes in appearance. The rib cage may press against the lungs and make it difficult to breathe. In addition, adults who had scoliosis as children are more likely to suffer from chronic back pain, especially if their condition was untreated.
The progression of scoliosis can lead to uneven hips and shoulders, visible ribs, and a shift of the waist and trunk to the side.
Causes of Scoliosis
The cause of common types of scoliosis is not fully understood, though it appears to involve genetics. Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by:
- Certain neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy
- Birth defects that impact the development of the bones and spine
- Pediatric surgery on the chest wall
- Injuries to or infections of the spine
- Spinal cord abnormalities
Risk Factors For Scoliosis
Signs and symptoms of scoliosis typically begin in adolescence. The condition is equally common in boys and girls, but girls are at a higher risk of the curve worsening and requiring treatment.
In addition, though scoliosis can run in families, most children diagnosed with scoliosis don’t have a family history of the condition.
Treatment Options for Scoliosis
At Westcare Clinics, patients suffering from scoliosis may benefit from pain management techniques, joint and soft tissue injections, and occupational medicine. The right treatment option will depend on the patient’s symptoms and pain level.
Patients suffering from scoliosis may obtain relief by incorporating pain management techniques into treatment; these techniques may include cold and heat therapy, physical therapy, therapeutic massage, gentle exercise, biofeedback, mind-body techniques, music therapy, and occupational therapy. The pain management techniques will be customized according to the patient’s needs.
Joint and soft tissue injections, such as epidural injections (interlaminar and transforaminal), piriformis injection, sacroiliac joint injections, and trigger point injections, can also help alleviate pain caused by scoliosis. The type of soft tissue injection that is done will depend on the type, severity, and location of the pain.
Westcare Clinics offers occupational medicine to help patients diagnosed with scoliosis continue working. Our healthcare practitioners are available to train employers to adapt the workplace and worker responsibilities to the physical limitations of their employees.
Advanced Treatment
Patients suffering from scoliosis may need further treatment to manage and treat their condition. Advanced treatment options may include surgery, physical therapy, chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, and other forms of rehabilitation. The Westcare Clinics team is happy to answer any questions patients may have about obtaining advanced treatment for scoliosis.
