Introduction

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Better Health Chiropractic, P.C.

Scoliosis Treatment
(212) 956-5920

Special chiropractic techniques can reduce and correct most spinal curvatures, often rapidly and permanently.

Spinal misalignments can often be very painful and limit your ability to achieve your fitness goals. More often however, misalignments of the spinal vertebrae (subluxations) are not painful at all. In fact, most of us would not even notice any appreciable difference in the way we feel for quite some time.

However, subluxations not only cause a disruption of the normal mechanics of the spinal column, but also lead to irritation of the nerves that pass through these vertebral junctions, and lead to interference in the normal transmission of nerve impulses between the brain and the rest of the body. Once this communication channel is disrupted, your organ and muscle function will become more and more disorganized, and will eventually fail, often at the most crucial and unexpected times. The lack of structural integrity in the spinal column will ultimately lead to a more rapid bony and joint degeneration.

Doctors of chiropractic are highly trained professionals in recognizing, treating, and preventing subluxations, through not only manual "hands-on" methods, but also in utilizing the latest state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. Special chiropractic techniques can reduce and correct most spinal curvatures, often rapidly and permanently.

For more information contact The International Scoliosis Research Center at (800) 554-8806

What Is It?

Scoliosis is a side to side curvature of the spine which is most often first noted in childhood. When viewed from behind, the spine should be straight. There are two main types of scoliosis:

PRIMARY (idiopathic) - the cause is not known and it is most frequently found in young females
SECONDARY (compensatory) - the result of a readily identifiable cause such as poor posture, subluxation, different leg lengths, injury or disease.

In both cases the curvature develops slowly, usually during the growth years from age 12 to 16. In severe cases, the spinal curvature may be disfiguring and cause the rib cage to compress the heart and lungs causing them to work improperly.

How To Detect It

Early detection is essential if treatment is to be effective. Because the spine continues to grow until into the early 20s, if left uncorrected it often worsens. Once the curvature is fully developed, correction by any means becomes much more difficult and serious complications are more likely.

If your child has not had a chiropractor examine their spine, it would be wise to arrange that by the time they reach age 12. This would include a detailed physical examination, and if warranted, x-rays. In the meantime here are several things to look for.

while standing behind your child, check the level of the ears, shoulders and hips. Each pair should be approximately equal.
have the child bend forward. The spine should be straight as they bend, not vear to either side and both sides of the rib cage should be at approximately the same level.

Pay attention to any symptoms your child reports such as "growing pains", fatigue, or back or leg pain. Scoliosis may not cause any symptoms so a thorough chiropractic examination may be required.

What Can Be Done?

If scoliosis is present or suspected, your child's spine should be reassessed at least at 6 month intervals. Your chiropractor is able to determine which approach to treatment is most advisable. Chiropractic care may include spinal adjustments, exercise and postural and activity advice. Severe cases are referred for additional care.

Chiropractic care maintains the mobility of the joints of the spine and allows the spine to develop normally. Proper treatment can prevent progression of the curve and may help reduce it. With scoliosis particularly, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.