Scoliosis & Chiropractic
Let’s look at a Normal Spine

The normal spine provides perfect alignment of all body parts. A slight curve inward at the neck, or cervical spine, balances the weight of the head and allows a clear channel for the spinal cord and nerves. The curves of the neck play an important part in determining the shape and structure of the rest of the spine. In fact, the entire skeleton and its ability to maintain balance is effected. From a gentle curve outward in the upper back, or thoracic spine, the normal spine again has a slight inward curve in the lower back, or lumbar spine, which bears most of the body’s weight and supports internal organs. In the normal spine, the outward curve of the tailbone, or coccyx, aligns with the natural curve of the thoracic area.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine; it is a spinal disorder, not a disease. Although in its earliest states it may be very difficult to detect, scoliosis is in general characterized by a side ward curve that can produce a raised or drop-effect to the shoulder, a prominent shoulder blade, or one hip somewhat higher than the other. It may also manifest as an exaggerated curve along the length of the spine. One example is the “swayback”, in which the head and the neck are thrust forward and the upper chest area back. It is more pronounced and not to be confused with “poor posture”. More easily noticeable to the untrained eye is the “humpback”, which gives the whole torso a pulled effect with shoulders raised and a humped protrusion of the upper back.

What Causes Scoliosis?

The root causes of scoliosis are not completely understood. It is true that it may “run” in some families, indicating hereditary factors. Again, it may simply appear as an isolated case in one individual. A variety of nerve and muscle disorders can produce scoliosis. Checkups for signs of scoliosis should continue until full growth is reached. Diseases like polio or an injury in childhood can cause vertebrae to develop abnormally. Scoliosis often appears during early teen years, and may make pronounced progress during periods of rapid growth. However, it is also found in young children as well.

Questionnaire For Early Detection of Scoliosis

You may observe signs of possible scoliosis, however, regular checkups by a health professional are important. Do not rely on your own untrained observations. Answer the following questions:

1. Is one shoulder higher than the other?

2. Is one shoulder blade more prominent than the other?

3. Does one hip seem higher or more prominent than the other?

4. When the arms hang loosely at the sides, is there more space between the arm and the body on one side than the other?

5. Does the child appear “swaybacked”?

6. Does the child appear unusually round-shouldered, or “humpbacked”?

7. Does the child seem to have a one-sided stance?