The back is one of the most important parts of the body. The spine is responsible for providing support to the neck, chest, and abdomen. Furthermore, the spinal cord is responsible for connecting the brain to the rest of the body, including the hips and legs. Unfortunately, people of all ages can experience problems with their back and spine. One of the most common conditions that people may develop is called scoliosis. Fortunately, a chiropractor can help treat this condition. But you may be wondering what scoliosis is, and how can a chiropractor help?
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition that impacts the curvature of the spine. If someone has scoliosis, there's an abnormal degree of lateral curvature of the spine from side to side more than it should. It is normal for people to have some degree of curvature of the spine from front to back. This slight bend in the spine allows it to withstand a greater degree of stress.
On the other hand, it should not have any degree of lateral curvature. Even though a small amount of lateral curvature is unlikely to cause any problems, a significant degree of lateral curvature can lead to a wide variety of problems. That is why it is important to diagnose scoliosis as early as possible. This starts by spotting some of the most common signs and symptoms.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Scoliosis?
Like other conditions, the severity of scoliosis can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals with scoliosis may not have any symptoms at all, while other people with scoliosis may have significant impairments. Some of the most common symptoms of scoliosis include:
· Many individuals develop back pain.
· Some people may notice that the shoulders are not level.
· Scoliosis can make it difficult for people to get comfortable when they sleep at night.
· Scoliosis can lead to issues involving the nerves, causing shooting or shock-like pains traveling down the limbs.
· Some people with scoliosis may develop respiratory issues because the spine compresses the chest cavity.
· It is also possible for people to develop gastrointestinal issues with scoliosis if the spine compresses the GI tract.
How can a Chiropractor Treat Scoliosis?
Many people with scoliosis are told that they will require surgery to correct this issue. Fortunately, this is not always the case. A chiropractor can take a look at the degree to which the spine is misaligned and then use a series of chiropractic spinal adjustments to help reposition the affected vertebrae back into a more normal position.
Even though there are some situations where people may require multiple sessions to recover from this condition, a chiropractor might be able to help someone recover from scoliosis without surgery. Therefore, it is important to speak to a chiropractor regarding any diagnosis of scoliosis as soon as possible.
If scoliosis is present but not addressed, it can get worse over time. There are situations where individuals with scoliosis can develop respiratory and gastrointestinal problems because of the extreme degree of curvature of the spine.
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