Scoliosis

Scoliosis, simply stated, is a curvature of the spine. There are three main categories of scoliosis: Congenital, Idiopathic, and Adult onset. Females, especially adolescent females, are much more likely to experience the condition, but that in no way suggests that males do not get scoliosis.

Typical symptoms of a patient suffering from a scoliosis are pain, muscle spasm, becoming easily fatigued, and can progress to severe heart and breathing problems and postural issues that become irreversible.

Congenital scoliosis, as the name suggests, is a curvature of the spine due to bony defects present at birth. Depending on the type of the bony defects, the extent of the curvature is often predictable. With certain defects, a scoliosis that progresses is almost certain. The need to address this health concern early and monitor it frequently is crucial to limiting the extent of the curve. Monitoring of extreme cases typically requires x-rays every 3-6 months for monitoring and bracing is often required. With cases like these, surgical referral is sometimes the only solution. More minor cases should be x-rayed every 6 months for monitoring to make sure there is no progression of the curve.

Idiopathic scoliosis occurs from unknown causes. Treatment for this type of scoliosis has to do with three main factors: 1) the extent of the curve, 2) the location of the center or apex of the curve, and 3) the skeletal maturity of the patient. Taking all these factors into consideration is essential to making certain that the condition and unique situation of each patient is diagnosed accurately.

Adult scoliosis may be due to muscle spasm, possibly a result of an old injury or an underlying pathology or disease. It may also be a result of a remnant idiopathic scoliosis which was never diagnosed.

In all cases of scoliosis, conservative chiropractic care is an option, however a responsible doctor of chiropractic knows when the condition would no longer be responsive to this method of care. At Green Chiropractic Clinic in San Francisco, Dr. Jacob embodies this responsible type of care so that you and your child who may be suffering from the symptoms of a scoliosis will always get world class service.

In addition to diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis, Dr. Jacob is proud to offer complimentary scoliosis screening and backpack evaluation for children. This screening should be done at least once, and preferably at the beginning of each school year. Do you have a young one in school? Are you suffering from a scoliosis or think that you may be? Call Green Chiropractic Clinic in San Francisco today to schedule your appointment at (415) 82-GREEN!