Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. It begins as a postural distortion and may become a permanent deformity. Allowed to advance, it may interfere with the lungs, heart and many other vital organs.
Three Causes
- Congenital genetic predisposition
- Habitual behavioural routines
- Idiopathic unknown cause
Regardless of cause, early detection can be helpful.
Obvious Clues
An alert parent may notice that a high shoulder or low hip make clothing fit poorly. Or uneven shoe wear offers a clue. Back and leg pains may develop but are often dismissed as "growing pains."
Wait and See?
Allowed to run its course, scoliosis may often worsen. Severe cases may involve unsightly bracing or surgery that attaches steel rods, forcing the spine to straighten.
Natural Approach
A schedule of specific chiropractic adjustments may help improve the function and structure of the spine. As muscles are retrained and strengthened, posture may improve. Bring your child in so we can discuss your concerns and explore the possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Any type of sideways curvature is abnormal. From the back, the spine should appear straight. When scoliosis is present, there are usually two curves. A primary curve in one direction and a compensatory curve in the opposite direction.
No. However, there are a growing number of people who believe uncorrected spinal damage from the birth process may be involved. Some theorize that “walkers” may prematurely interrupt the crawling stage so essential for proper spinal development.
Not necessarily, however this is a growing concern. Make sure your son or daughter use both shoulder straps on their back-packs so the weight is evenly distributed. Weigh their bag. Make sure it doesn’t exceed 10% -15% of their body weight.
A RevolutionaryTreatment
The SpineCor® brace has started a small revolution in the field of corrective braces for spinal deformities. And every day our researchers are uncovering new clinical applications for it.
For a long time now, medical researchers have sought to develop a device that reinforces spine-supporting structures and that offers greater flexibility than a rigid brace to patients suffering from spinal deformities.
Rigid braces often slightly reduce the scoliotic curvature, but the reduction disappears as soon as the patient stops wearing the brace. Rigid bracing also causes muscle atrophy. This called for a revolution!
An effective, flexible brace
SpineCor® is a flexible, dynamic brace developed by a research team at the Sainte-Justine Hospital and the Université de Montréal in the early 90s to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
The SpineCor® brace consists in a pelvic base which acts as an anchoring point for a series of elastic bands that are applied to the patient's trunk according to the SpineCor® protocol and the type of scoliosis.
The therapeutic approach is based on training the wearer by repetition of a curve-specific Corrective Movement®. This Corrective Movement® is continuously repeated due to the resistance of the elastic bands as patients go about the normal activities of daily living. Over time the dynamic action of the corrective bands on the neuromuscular system lead to posture integration and result in permanent stabilisation, even after bracing is discontinued. Quite unlike a rigid brace which impedes movement and inhibits the neuromuscular system. Not to mention that the treatment results of rigid braces often do not last after bracing is discontinued!
For more information, please contact our office.
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