When the body is viewed from behind, a normal spine appears straight without much deviation from side-to-side. However, if when looking at the spine, there appears to be a lateral or side-to-side curvature, the person might have a condition called scoliosis. This is a condition that chiropractors see quite often. A scoliosis often gives the appearance of the person leaning to one side, though it should not be confused with poor posture.

Scoliosis is a complicated deformity that is characterized by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebrae often causing a characteristic rib hump in the mid or thoracic spine. This is caused by the vertebrae in the area of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their attached ribs posterior causing the characteristic rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis.

If the thoracic curve and rib rotation is quite severe, it can affect pulmonary and cardiac function. We will be able to help to detect and screen for a scoliosis in our office. Early detection of scoliosis is vital, since it's important to stop or slow a progressing curve to avoid surgical intervention. The curve generally progresses while a child is still growing and stops once the child reaches skeletal maturity. During these crucial and high risk growth years (10-14 years), it is vital for youngsters to be regularly screened by a doctor of chiropractic, such as us at Hart Family Chiropractic. The earlier that we detect a scoliosis, the better we are able to help you. In most cases for scoliosis to be detected at school screenings it is already at a pretty advanced stage. X-rays are the best and most definitive way to diagnose scoliosis. At our office we have a digital x-ray machine that provides the highest quality pictures with the lowest amount of radiation on the market today.

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine and affects about three to five of every 1000 people, and is most frequently seen in adolescent girls. Teenagers, especially females should get checked and this is a great time to get in and check for any misalignments or the start of a scoliosis. We do corrective care at our office where we look to correct the cause of the problem and not just treat the symptoms. Many times a scoliosis has been developing or getting worse and there are no signs or symptoms or pain. In order for your body to have symptoms, your body's nervous system may be functioning at 60%-70% of normal function. Don't wait until there are symptoms, before you do something about it. Have a proactive, preventative approach and find out the alignment of your spine right now. If you already have a scoliosis, come in to see what we can do for you.

For severe or worsening cases, bracing and even surgery may be necessary. But some promising new case studies and research suggests that alternative treatments, including chiropractic adjustments, may eliminate the need for surgery in some severe cases.