If you’re experiencing symptoms related to scoliosis, consider chiropractic care. Dr. Scott M. Lund is an experienced and trusted chiropractor who serves the residents of San Diego and North San Diego County at Lund Chiropractic in Encinitas, California. Whether you’re experiencing adult-onset scoliosis or were diagnosed in adolescence or childhood, he can create a personalized treatment program that effectively reduces your scoliosis-induced pain and helps decrease further spinal degradation. Call the clinic today to make an appointment or use their convenient online scheduling service.
Scoliosis Q&A
What is scoliosis?
While your spine is meant to curve at certain points that are noticeable from the side, a “normal” spine is nearly vertical when viewed from the back or front. The gentle curves viewed from the side include an inward curve at the neck, an outward curve in the thoracic region (upper and mid back), and another inward dip at the lumbar area (lower back).
Scoliosis causes an abnormal side-to-side curvature. It’s usually diagnosed in early adolescence but can also develop in adults with conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Some spinal surgeries can also cause your spine to shift out of vertical.
What causes scoliosis?
Science isn’t clear on what causes the most common form, idiopathic scoliosis. It does tend to run in families, however, so genes may play a role. This type is typically diagnosed in early adolescence. Other less common types of scoliosis are caused by birth defects or neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy.
If you never had scoliosis as a child or teen but develop the abnormal spinal curvature in adulthood, it’s referred to as adult-onset scoliosis. This type is caused by spinal conditions that affect the vertebrae, such as degenerative arthritis. Spinal surgery can also lead to scoliosis.
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
Spinal curvature caused by scoliosis is often noticed during well-child visits and other postural screening exams. Initially, however, body shape and size and other factors can make it difficult to detect scoliosis without an X-ray.
That’s why Dr. Lund looks for other symptoms that may indicate scoliosis, including:
- Uneven shoulders, waist, and hips or a rib hump
- Back pain, most commonly lower back pain with adult-onset scoliosis
- Pain traveling from the lower back into the buttocks and legs
- Problems with coordination and mobility, usually found in advanced scoliosis
How can chiropractic care help with scoliosis?
A curvature that’s under 40 degrees often responds very well to chiropractic adjustments and treatment that’s designed to:
- Improve function and mobility in the joints
- Decrease pain
- Improve posture
- Enhance overall mobility
- Slow or even halt the progression of spinal degeneration that may worsen a scoliotic curve
