Scoliosis

Back to school means new routines, new clothes, new classes, new stresses. I am always amazed at how good, chiropractic adjustments help kids deal with stress. Chiropractic care stimulates the nervous system, which in turn stimulates the immune system, hormones, and brain function. Kids actually enjoy getting adjusted! I have adjusted children as young as a few hours old. You may be wondering why a newborn baby would need an adjustment… but have you ever spent a few hours with your head stuck in one spot? Even during a movie you try to move your head around now and then. If you don’t, the next day you can’t… and then you come in to see me. I’m okay with that!

One thing that can slow a kid down though, is scoliosis. It’s sneaky! Perfectly healthy, active children’s spines can change so slowly that it is virtually undetected. The cause of scoliosis that shows up between the ages of 10-14 is typically unknown. That’s why I recommend that you bring your child in for a scoliosis check at least twice a year during the years that they are having growth spurts. The test is quick, painless, and very worth the time.

What can Dr. Stone do for my child if scoliosis is present?

Dr. Stone has a special program for children with scoliosis. It includes:

Chiropractic adjustments to mobilize the spine, free up the nerves, and lubricate the joints.
Special exercises to strengthen the associated weak musculature.
Stretching exercises that loosen associated tight ligaments.
Therapies to reduce muscle spasms and inflammation.
Nutritional counselling to help support a body that is healing.
Dynamic bracing for more advanced curves.

What other choices are there for treatment of scoliosis?

Most M.D.’s approach scoliosis with a “watch and wait” protocol. Once the scoliosis progresses to 40 degrees, surgical implantation of rods is recommended.
Scoliosis can be ignored. Most scoliosis cases, if not progressive, are not life threatening. Some cases may not even cause back pain.

What happens if scoliosis is ignored?

If the scoliosis is progressive, the curve will continue to get worse and worse until it can put pressure on the heart and lungs and cause a life threatening condition.

Does scoliosis cause back pain?

Scoliosis can cause intense aching and muscle spasms at the apex of the curves. Some minor curvatures of the spine, around 10-15 degrees may have symptomatic problems, but as the curves near 20 degrees or more, the symptoms become more problematic.

Is it safe for my child to exercise and be active?

Exercise and activities are very important for the health of the spine, both with or without scoliosis. If a person has scoliosis, more exercises are recommended specific to the condition.

In addition to being a Chiropractor, what special education does Dr. Stone have that enables him to know how to take care of someone with scoliosis?

Dr. Stone completed the Copes Scoliosis Recovery program in 1995, and has successfully treated many people with scoliosis, in most cases reducing the curvature of the spine significantly.