Scoliosis: A Parent’s Nightmare
By Paul Helzer, DC, PhD
No other spinal condition creates as much fear and confusion as does Scoliosis, especially in the minds of parents with children in the susceptible eight to twelve-year age group. Because Scoliosis usually affects the growing spine, it is considered primarily a child’s disorder and is far more evident among young girls than boys. Having a clear understanding of this condition and how it can be prevented will help parents raise strong and healthy kids.
The most common symptoms of Scoliosis are pain, stiffness and a change in the natural curve of the spine. In severe cases, heart and lung symptoms may also arise, but the most dreaded effect of Scoliosis is the spinal deformity. While this condition has dozens of complex variations, by definition, scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine. Some affliction types are understood and predictable, but many are still a mystery. Idiopathic Scoliosis is one relatively common type and is very difficult to treat. Despite years of study and research Scoliosis remains difficult to manage, depending on type and severity the treatment remains the same: early detection.
Scoliosis progresses during the growing years in most patients. Therefore it is essential that children are examined annually to detect developing signs of the condition, the earlier the better, from the time your child begins to walk; their spine is growing and developing. However, emphasis is usually placed upon examination during the school age years. As a parent there is a simple procedure that can be used to screen a child at home. Here is a checklist of how to perform this simple test. First have the child disrobe from the waist up, have the child face away from you with arms down. Standing behind them check for the following:
- The head and shoulders should be centered, not tilted to one side or the other
- The shoulders should be leveled on both sides
- The tips of the fingers should be at the same level when hanging at the side
- Place your hands on the child’s hips, they should be at the same on both sides
- Have the child bend forward from the waist, from behind examine the rib cage, it should be leveled on both sides
Proper and thorough examination of suspected Scoliosis is essential. Chiropractic physicians are expertly trained to examine, evaluate and treat this condition. Due to the varying types of Scoliosis, specialized examination procedures including X-ray may be necessary for proper diagnosis. After thorough evaluation the Chiropractic physician may determine if medical attention is necessary. At that time the proper referral will be issued. If however, it is determined that chiropractic care is needed, a treatment program will be recommended. Gentle manipulative therapy or adjustment is often effective in relieving the pain and stiffness associated with Scoliosis. Other measures like exercise and stretching maneuvers may also be recommended. Periodic evaluation is essential during the course of treatment in order to check progress and to determine the course of the condition.
If any of the checklist items appear abnormal, a Chiropractic examination and consultation should be seriously considered, since a Chiropractic physician specializes in Musculoskeletal Spinal conditions.
Dr. Paul Helzer, Director of Helzer Healing Arts Center in Bellflower has been serving the community for over 50 years. For your questions or comments visit or write Dr. Helzer at 9461 Flower Street, Bellflower, CA 90706 or call (562) 866-3721. |
