Diagnosing and Treating Your Scoliosis

scoliosis treatment broomfield

14 Jul Diagnosing and Treating Your Scoliosis

Scoliosis affects 2-3% of the population, or an estimated 7 million people in the United States, and there is currently no cure. Scoliosis is a progressive condition causing curvature of the spine. It can affect people of all ages; not only children and adolescents, but also adults.  Mile High Spine & Pain Center is committed to providing natural, non-invasive solutions to patients diagnosed with scoliosis.

Understanding Scoliosis

Scoliosis is misunderstood by many to be a disease, but more accurately put, it is a condition; a spinal deformity that is characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine.  A healthy, normal spine is straight. Spines that are affected by scoliosis curve in one of three ways:

  • Levoscoliosis: Much like the letter C, this condition is when the spine curves to the left.
  • Dextroscoliosis: Shaped like a backwards letter C, this spinal shape curves to the right.
  • Two-curves: Shaped like the letter S, this spinal shape curves in two different directions.

The type of scoliosis that you have is confirmed with an x-ray but can be first spotted with a simple scoliosis screening often administered in grade school to children in the form of a forward-bending test. Practitioners often use a scoliometer tool to measure the rotation of the spinal curve.  X-rays aren’t usually necessary unless you have a significant spinal curve, but monitoring the spine once you have been confirmed with having scoliosis is something you should continue to do for the rest of your life.

Degenerative Scoliosis vs. Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic (cause unknown) scoliosis affects 2 percent of the population and is the most common type of scoliosis affecting children. This form of scoliosis is characterized with such a slight curve that sometimes it is described simply as asymmetry and does not require treatment. Very slight curvatures rarely cause pain, but once you have been diagnosed with scoliosis, it is wise to have your spine monitored to make sure that it doesn’t worsen with time.  Degenerative scoliosis is more commonly found in the adult population.

When Scoliosis Becomes a Problem

Scoliosis can impact your quality of life by affecting your activity levels/abilities, causing pain, affecting respiratory function, and negatively impacting self-esteem. Scoliosis becomes a problem when patients start to experience pain or notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Uneven hip or shoulder alignments
  • A dull ache around the spine
  • Twisted torso or rib cage
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Prominent shoulder blade exposure on one side or the other

The best way to avoid more serious cases of scoliosis is to make sure you are getting checked at least once a year to monitor the curve and to make sure that it isn’t getting worse.  A periodic visit to our Broomfield office will help you avoid needing surgery later. We can start a noninvasive treatment plan as soon as your scoliosis is diagnosed to prevent the development of life-altering symptoms.  When the condition is found when you are young, you can prevent serious problems by treating it then before the problem has a chance to affect appearance for years.  According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, the primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10-15 years old, among both genders. However, females are eight times more likely to develop a curve that requires treatment.

What We Offer to Treat Your Scoliosis

Mild scoliosis that has no specific cause is managed over time with careful treatment planning. If there is a specific cause–such as a difference in leg length, we may be able to restore your spine to its original straightness. We can manage symptoms with conservative options like:

  • Spinal adjustment through proper stretching, traction treatments, and chiropractic adjustment
  • Muscle relaxation with massage and electrostimulation
  • Lifestyle changes to encourage back strength so your spine is properly supported

Free Scoliosis Screening and Consultation

Now is the time to see all that chiropractic care can do for you and your scoliosis symptoms!  Mile High Spine & Pain Center is ready to help restore you to your best you.  We provide specialized scoliosis treatment plans for all our Broomfield patients and work with you to accomplish your wellness goals. Call (720) 507-0080 today to schedule your free consultation at our Broomfield chiropractic office!



Mile High Spine & Pain Center