Scoliosis Treatment In Bellevue,WA
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Scoliosis Specialist
Scoliosis is a medical condition that causes the spine to curve sideways. The curve can develop anywhere along the spine, but most often occurs in the middle back (thoracic) region. The vertebrae in a regular spine are positioned one on top of the other, like a bunch of blocks. With scoliosis, though, the vertebrae slant to the side instead, so that the spine bends abnormally.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with the condition and don’t know what to expect, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a detailed guideline of all you need to know about scoliosis to better manage the condition.
Alleviate your daily pain due to Scoliosis
What Is Scoliosis?
If you observe a human spine, you will realize that it’s supposed to run straight down the middle of the back.
When a patient’s spine is curved sideways, usually in the shape of a “C” or “S,” it means they have Scoliosis. Scoliosis forces the spine to bend in an unnatural position. If the spine is bent more than 10 degrees to the side, the patient is considered to have Scoliosis.
Scoliosis is a health problem that affects your posture, the way you stand and walk. Some patients lean forward or have uneven hips and shoulders. This is typical for most people with this condition.
Long Term Problems Due To Untreated Scoliosis
Based on statistics, most mild cases don’t require treatment. However, if the condition is severe or moderate, it can have some significant health problems. The longer the condition remains untreated, the higher the chance of:
- Deformity
- Pain
- Lung or heart damage
These problems can leave a lasting impact on a patient’s life and hinder their productivity, flexibility, and comfort.
Three Causes Of Scoliosis
In many patients, the condition appears to be hereditary. The not-so-common types of Scoliosis could be caused by injuries, birth defects, or neuromuscular disorders.
- Congenital – As a result of malformations in more or one vertebrae, patients can experience congenital Scoliosis. Any abnormalities in the vertebrae, like deformities or curvatures, can cause this health condition.
- Habitual – The habitual positions that we adopt daily can lead to Scoliosis. If we sit, stand, or sleep in an unnatural position and bend the spine, it will become accustomed to it and use the muscles around it to stay in that position, resulting in an abnormal posture.
Idiopathic – When the spine develops an abnormal curve, it means they might have idiopathic Scoliosis. There are no definite causes, but it’s believed to result from an environmental and genetic factor.
Symptoms Of Scoliosis
These symptoms include:
- The whole body is leaning towards one side
- The texture and look of the skin that overlays the spine is changing (the color changes abnormally, hair patches or dimples start to appear)
- Uneven shoulders with blades sticking out
- The head is not positioned right above the pelvis
- Uneven waist
- Both/one hip is much higher than the other (unusually raised)
- Uneven ribcage
Depending on what the patient is going through, the pain and intensity of the symptoms will vary.
Treatment Of Scoliosis
Chiropractic treatment focuses on stabilizing the spinal curve. With time, the treatment will correct the curve with very gentle and precise adjustments. This method is beneficial for everyone, even those who’ve had scoliosis surgery before or are too young to wear a brace. In most cases, there will be no need to visit an orthopedic surgeon; chiropractic care can help take care of the problem.
Temporary Pain Relief For Scoliosis
The first line of temporary treatment is over-the-counter meds, such as ibuprofen. They are very convenient for patients to buy since they don’t require any prescription. Another way to soothe the discomfort is through exercises and stretches. They flex the muscles and improve the blood flow, which reduces the sprain for a short while.
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How do we treat scoliosis pain?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medical Insurance cover Scoliosis Treatment?
It depends on the insurance coverage. The insurance will cover the surgery, instruments, and hospital stay. But, you might have to pay a deductible based on the insurance plan. Contact the insurance company to discuss the full extent of the coverage.
Isn’t Scoliosis caused by lack of Calcium?
The lack of calcium in the system is connected to Scoliosis. But, that doesn’t mean if you pop a calcium pill, the condition will go away.
Isn’t a Certain Amount of Sideways Curvature Normal?
Anything above 10 degrees is not normal.
Do Heavy Back-Packs Cause Scoliosis?
No. But, they can cause back or shoulder pain.
Can Scoliosis get worse as you age?
Yes, especially for patients with severe curvature. The curve will extend 1 to 2 degrees every year.
Can Scoliosis affect breathing?
If the condition is severe and puts pressure on the rib cage, it can affect the lungs and make breathing difficult.
What organs are affected by Scoliosis?
The condition affects the skeletal system, digestive organs, and brain. It may deplete the body from resources and affect the lungs and heart.
Can Scoliosis affect your height?
Scoliosis won’t affect someone’s height. But, in some cases, if the curve is too big, that person may not be able to stand upright, making them appear shorter than they actually are.
What is mild Scoliosis?
That is a health problem that doesn’t need treatment, just observation.
Does sitting up straight help Scoliosis?
Yes, it’s very important since it lengthens the spine, straightens the shoulders, neck, and back. A good posture is always beneficial for Scoliosis.
How should a person with scoliosis sleep?
If you have problems falling asleep, roll up a towel and place it under the ribs, then add a pillow between the legs. The pillows will keep the spine in a comfortable position and help the brain relax.
What are the early signs of Scoliosis?
The visible bumps on the back, uneven hips or shoulders, difficulty walking or standing can be a clear indication of early Scoliosis.
