Scoliosis is a term used to describe a curvature of the spine that is not "normal." The normal curves of the spine include an inward curve in the low back and neck and an outward curve in the mid-back when looking at the person from the side ("sagittal plane"). However, there should NOT be any curves when looking at a person from the front or back (the frontal plane), the spine should be straight. When there is a curve in the frontal plane, this is called scoliosis and it's usually either a singe curve, shaped like the letter "C" or, a double (or more) curve, shaped like the letter "S". Though there is a diagnostic code specific for scoliosis, it is not in itself a disease or a diagnosis and frequently, there are no or at worst, minimal symptoms associated with it. For this reason, most of the time, scoliosis is not noticed until the curve progresses significantly and a friend or family member makes a comment about it or a school screening picks it up.
The most common spinal location for scoliosis to develop is in the middle to upper back (called the thoracic spine) but it can also be located at the junction between the mid back and low back, as well as in the low back only or more rarely, in the neck only. Since there are rarely symptoms associated with scoliosis, the way it's found is by observing one or more of the following:
- One shoulder is higher than the other
- One shoulder blade sticks out more than the other
- One side of the rib cage appears higher than the other (called a "rib hump")
- One hip appears higher or more prominent than the other
- The waist appears uneven
- The body tilts to one side
- One leg may appear or actually be shorter than the other
The use of x-ray usually is appropriate to confirm the diagnosis, to measure the amount of curve, which can then be used for future comparison, and to rule out a possible unusual cause of scoliosis. Rarely is an MRI required - only in cases where neurological signs and symptoms exist and, in younger children (ages 8-11 years old) as scoliosis almost always occurs during the puberty timeframe when hormonal systems are kicking in, such as ages 12-14. When scoliosis occurs at ages less than 11, when there are neurological changes (reflex, muscle strength and/or sensory functions), and/or when the mid-back/thoracic curve bends to the left (as it almost always curves to the right), an MRI is appropriate to rule out spinal cord pressure.
At our Sunnyvale chiropractic office, we have helped many people stabilize, reduce and even correct spinal scoliosis. The longer it is allowed to progress the less likely of a full correction and increased possibility of spinal degeneration (or arthritis).
We realize you have a choice in who you choose to provide your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you, your friends and your family presently and, in the future.