Scoliosis Treatment in Dunwoody GA
The human spine is naturally shaped with curves in the neck and lower back when seen from the side. Scoliosis, however, adds extra side-to-side curves that can be seen from above.
One thing that is crucial to understand is, scoliosis is not just a cosmetic issue; the spine has a crucial role beyond being made of bones. A thorough look at scoliosis shows that it involves more than just the spine’s bending.
The spine is key for providing support and protecting the spinal cord, which connects the brain to the rest of the body. The state of the spine greatly affects how the body responds to different signals through the nervous system, which is the main control system of the body.
The spinal cord constantly sends messages between the brain and the body, while also relaying information from the nerves back to the brain. In scoliosis, problems in these nerve pathways can disrupt communication between the brain and the muscles that help the spine. Misalignments of the vertebrae, known as subluxations, can interfere with nerves, potentially impacting balance, digestion, breathing, immune function, and other bodily systems.
A deep knowledge of scoliosis leads to a more effective treatment plan. This approach looks at more than just the spinal curve; it also addresses root problems, improves nervous system function, and promotes overall health. This method not only helps manage scoliosis but also enhances overall well-being and life quality.
Root Causes of Scoliosis
Many aspects of a person’s life are crucial for spine alignment, starting from the time of conception. Factors such as genetics, stress, poor diet, and exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy can significantly impact the fetus’s health.
Even with a typical delivery, the strong forces involved in birth can influence a newborn‘s neck and spine alignment. Complications and medical interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, and prolonged labor can also cause spinal misalignments.
As individuals grow, problems like poor posture, muscle imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, physical injuries, chemical stress, and emotional difficulties can hinder the nervous system’s ability to adapt, leading to spinal subluxations.
Detection and Assessment of Scoliosis
Scoliosis can be difficult to detect during routine health check-ups for children. However, there are some signs of unevenness to watch for:
1. Unequal shoulder heights
2. Head not centered over the shoulders
3. One shoulder blade more prominent than the other
4. Asymmetrical hip positioning
5. An unusual rib cage shape when bending forward
6. Differences in arm lengths while standing
At Wilson Family Chiropractic, our team may use X-rays and precise measurements to evaluate the spine’s alignment and the degree of scoliosis. Our primary aim is to identify and correct any spinal misalignments, with scoliosis defined as curves of 10 degrees or greater. Some individuals with severe scoliosis may choose surgery or braces to enhance the curve and their overall function.
Imaging and other assessment techniques provide clear information during progress evaluations as we monitor improvements from chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Care in Dunwoody GA for Scoliosis
Several important factors come into play when developing a care plan and setting goals for each chiropractic patient. These factors include age, spinal condition, daily habits, and overall well-being.
One issue with scoliosis is the added stress on the intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae. Misaligned vertebrae can create uneven pressure, potentially leading to bulging or herniated discs, which can cause pain and nerve problems. Chiropractic care and spinal decompression are natural methods to maintain the health of these discs.
Research has demonstrated the long-term advantages of chiropractic treatment. A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine in 2011 found that “28 adult scoliosis patients reported improvements in pain, Cobb angle, and disability immediately after treatment and 24 months later.”
If you are located in the Dunwoody, GA area, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team at Wilson Family Chiropractic to explore a holistic approach to managing scoliosis.
