Scoliosis simply means “curvature of the spine.”
The brain compensates using the muscles of the back to realign the eyes parallel to the horizon. Curvature of the spine results.
The condition begins to appear for a variety of reasons, so most schools offer screening for early warning signs. Often chiropractic adjustments can positively affect curves under 15 degrees, while curves over 15 degrees may require additional measures, such as a back brace. If the curve is above 30 degrees, surgery might be the only option.
What to do if you have scoliosis:
Get regular exercise.
Keep your back and abdominal muscles strong to ensure they can support the spine as it is grows.
Develop a stretching program with a professional.
As long as the right stretches are being performed, stretching can be very beneficial in helping people with scoliosis. Develop a stretching routine with a professional that you can then do on your own at home.
Avoid heavy backpacks.
In a perfectly healthy spine, a backpack can change posture. With scoliosis this effect is magnified. Consider a rolling backpack for your child or an ergonomic backpack that carries more weight on the lower back.
Nurture your bones.
Calcium is an essential building block for growing spines. Vitamin D aids in absorption of this vital mineral, and should be taken at the same time.
Get enough sleep.
Your back needs time to grow and recover. During the day, fluids are forced from your disks into the surrounding tissues. Each night the disks reabsorb the fluids, which have been re-infused with nutrients, this gives back the hydraulic cushion that naturally occurs to your back. If you are interested in amplifying this process consider spinal decompression.
Sleep on a good mattress.
Support your spine properly for rest and repair. A well-chosen mattress and pillow will hold your back as straight as possible during growth. General Warning: if you are sleeping face down with your head to the side, you aren’t doing yourself any favors!
Get a spinal assessment.
Get a functional evaluation of your spinal range of motion. This can help determine if you need x-ray or not and to check how healthy your spine is.
Consider doing spinal adjustments.
Spinal adjustments help recover lost range of motion. Your chiropractor should definitely be talking to you about using an exercise ball at home. Also consider using a TENS unit.
It’s a good idea to get your back checked regularly for warning signs of spinal curvature. Once you establish a baseline measurement, you can begin a treatment plan to slow the progression of the curves. A simple adjustment during this key growth period can help ensure your spine forms properly.
