Studies show that as many as 2-5% of the population has scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition in which abnormal side-to-side curves develop in a person's spine. While scoliosis can affect people of any age and gender, it is most often found in children and adolescents, and more likely to be diagnosed in females.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis, and how is it diagnosed?

Scoliosis is not always visibly noticeable, but may look like an abnormal posture, including a curved back, uneven shoulders, or altered leg lengths. Children who develop scoliosis may also complain of back or hip pain at rest or with activity. A chiropractor is often the first healthcare professional to identify scoliosis, once a person seeks services for back pain.

Most school systems screen for scoliosis in children. For a full diagnosis, our chiropractors usually perform X-rays, take spinal measurements, and obtain a thorough history for our patients from Tacoma, Proctor, Federal Way, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, and Fife, WA.

What causes scoliosis?

For many people with scoliosis, the exact cause is unknown. It often runs in families, so there may be a hereditary cause in some cases. Scoliosis may develop temporarily, especially during growth spurts in children, which results in "non-structural" curves that are generally amenable to treatment. Scoliosis may also be caused by an injury, birth defect, illness, or infection. This often results in "fixed" or "structural" scoliotic curves, which may be less correctable.

What treatment options are available for scoliosis?

Treatment options for scoliosis in Tacoma vary depending on several factors unique to the person who has it, including age, whether the person is still growing, the type of scoliosis the person has, and the degree of the curve or curves. More severe cases may require serial bracing or surgery.

Chiropractic services can be instrumental in treating scoliosis. Specific chiropractic treatments include spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Even if it doesn't "correct" the abnormal curves, chiropractic services can significantly decrease pain and help increase functional activity tolerance.