Scoliosis causes the spine to curve sideways (laterally), may range from mild to severe, and affects 6-9 million children and adults in the United States.
Pamela V. Ford, DC, here at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center in Carrollton, Texas, takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating scoliosis. Dr. Ford blends her expertise as a chiropractor and physical therapist to monitor spinal curvature and reduce the effects of scoliosis on your muscles, joints, spine, and mobility.
Learn more from Dr. Ford and our Serenity team about the basics of scoliosis and how we can help.
Scoliosis causes the spine to curve sideways into a C or S shape. It’s sometimes congenital (present at birth) or related to a neuromuscular condition such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
However, most cases (80%) of scoliosis are idiopathic (due to an unknown cause). Idiopathic scoliosis is typically diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence when bones are still growing.
Adult scoliosis occurs when the abnormal curvature is identified after the spine has reached skeletal maturity. This could be because a very mild case of scoliosis was missed during adolescence. Traumatic injury and degenerative changes can also cause adult scoliosis.
Degenerative scoliosis frequently develops in the lumbar spine, while the adolescent version often involves the thoracic spine in the rib cage area.
While there is no “cure” for scoliosis, depending on the degree of curvature, it often responds well to observation, bracing, and treatment designed to address symptoms.
If you have scoliosis, treatment depends on the degree of your spinal curvature and your symptoms. Dr. Ford’s goals include reducing pain, monitoring for worsening curvature, and restoring mobility.
Her approach might include any of the following therapies:
Chiropractic care at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center provides drug-free, nonsurgical solutions for scoliosis-related discomfort and decreased mobility.
Under Dr. Ford’s leadership, our team also encourages routine, low-impact exercise activities such as swimming or walking as well as a healthy diet and other habits that promote overall wellness.
Additionally, Dr. Ford monitors the spinal curvature carefully, allowing her to spot worsening early on so she can adjust the treatment course accordingly. This is especially important for younger patients whose spines are still maturing and are at risk for further curvature. If necessary, Dr. Ford may suggest a referral for bracing or other specialty care.
Schedule a visit at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center today for more information about successfully managing scoliosis. Call our office or click the “book online” button.
