The Mountain Health & Performance North Vancouver chiropractor clinic doctors are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis. Continue Reading to learn more about the causes & treatment of scoliosis.

What is a Scoliosis? Scoliosis Treatment North Vancouver 

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that is measures greater than 10 degrees on a radiograph (x-ray). Scoliosis causes the bones of the spine to twist or rotate so that instead of a straight line down the middle of the back the spine looks more like the letter “C” or “S”. Scoliosis curves most commonly occur in the middle back (thoracic spine) but can also occur in the upper and lower parts of the spine. Although it can develop in young children, idiopathic scoliosis most commonly begins during puberty. Scoliosis curves are classified in three ways, based on cause, location and direction. The causal classification system is the most common and includes two major descriptions of scoliosis, identifying them as either structural or non-structural.

What Causes a Scoliosis?

When classifying scoliosis by cause, there are two major categories, structural and non-structural.

Structural Scoliosis:  

A structural scoliosis is a curvature that is rigid. Many disorders cause structural scoliosis including:

• Idiopathic scoliosis

• Congenital scoliosis

• Neuromuscular scoliosis

• Myopathies

• Neurofibromatosis

• Rheumatoid disease

• Trauma

• Bone infection

• Metabolic disorders (rickets, osteogenesis imperfecta)

• Spondylolisthesis and spondylosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis:

In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown and will be classified as idiopathic. Small curves typically go unnoticed until a child hits a growth spurt during puberty but scoliosis can occur in children as well. Childhood classification of idiopathic scoliosis depends on the age of onset. If the onset of the curve occurs before 3 years old it is called infantile idiopathic scoliosis. If the onset is between 3-10 years old it is called juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. Over the age of 10 years old it is classified as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Congenital Scoliosis:

Congenital scoliosis occurs due to anomalies of the vertebrae or ribs that are present from birth. The most frequent anomaly is a hemivertebrae, block vertebrae, spina bifida, bridging, fusion of ribs and other rib malformations.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis:

Neuromuscular scoliosis develops secondary to problems during development of the spine. Often, the bones of the spine will not form completely or they will fail to separate from each other, which results in a curvature. Scoliosis is caused by the alterations in the structure of the spine and may occur with the following conditions: Marfan syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy.

Non-Structural Scoliosis:  

Curvatures that have no structural alteration and correct have a number of possible causes. If you did not have a curvature as a child or teenager, these are more likely causes of a curvature that develops later in life. These causes may include:

• Postural

• Nerve root irritation (disc herniation or tumor)

• Leg length inequality

• Hip contractures

Leg Length Inequality:

Differences in leg length are common in asymptomatic and low back pain individuals. Many leg length differences have no know cause. The only way to diagnose leg length inequality is via a standing radiograph, which we take at Mountain Health & Performance. Leg length inequality can occur due to trauma (i.e.: broken thigh or leg bones), can be present from birth or can occur due to arthritis, compression fracture, and unlevel pelvis.

Antalgic (sciatic scoliosis):

During an acute episode of low back pain (facet joint irritation, disc herniation etc.) there may be spasm of muscles on one side, which causes the spine to tilt towards the side of pain. This can cause a compensatory curvature of the spine.

Scoliosis Signs & Symptoms:

• Tilted or uneven shoulders.

• Prominence of the ribs on one side.

• Uneven waistline.

• One hip higher than the other.

• Pain in the spinal column or ribs.

Scoliosis Treatment North Vancouver:

Treatment is based on an examination along with x-ray findings. Approximately 25% of scoliosis will show some degree of progression (worsening of the curve). Factors that increase likelihood of progression include:

• Curve pattern (shape).

• Age.

• Onset of menarche.

Scoliosis Brace:

For minor curves that are less than 20 degrees, the patient will not require bracing but if they are between the ages of 10-15 years old their curve should be closely monitored for progression. X-rays every 3 months should be done as part of this monitoring process.Curves with the highest change of progression should be braced. Your doctor and chiropractor can help you to determine the severity of your child’s curvature. If the scoliosis causes noticeable deformity or is at high risk of doing so a brace can help to prevent the curve from getting worse. A brace is typically worn until the adolescent has reached skeletal maturity.

Scoliosis Surgery:

If an idiopathic scoliosis continues to progress despite bracing and reaches +40-50 degrees, surgery may be considered. Surgery may involve: spinal fusion along with rods, screws, hooks and or wires placed in the spine. The most common surgery performed includes the insertion of Harrington rods and the Dwyer procedure of wire cable and screws.

Scoliosis Treatment at Mountain Health & Performance:

1. Chiropractic Manipulation & Mobilization: Scoliosis treatment North Vancouver 

A structural scoliosis can not be reversed by manipulation or mobilization. However a structural scoliosis often causes more tension on one side of the curve. Manipulation and mobilization of the joints on the compressed side of the body can help relieve tension and pain associated with scoliosis. In this way chiropractic helps to manage the symptoms of the scoliosis vs. fixing the structural curve.

A functional scoliosis can be caused by facet joint issues, muscle spasm and disc herniation. If these are the causes of the functional scoliosis then manipulation and mobilization can help to treat the areas of dysfunction and reverse the curvature. The Mountain Health & Performance North Vancouver chiropractor clinic doctors are experienced in the manipulation and mobilization of patients with scoliosis.

2. Myofascial Release Therapy: Scoliosis treatment North Vancouver 

Myofascial release can be very helpful for improving posture, flexibility and muscle tension associated with both structural and functional scoliosis. These therapies can also play a huge roll in pain management if scoliosis leads to compensatory patterns that cause pain. The Mountain Health & Performance North Vancouver chiropractor clinic doctors are experienced in myofascial release for scoliosis.

3. Rehabilitation: Scoliosis treatment North Vancouver 

Rehabilitative exercise is an integral part of treatment for all types of scoliosis. Stretching and strengthening both sides of the curve in different ways can help reduce pain, tension and improve strength. The Mountain Health & Performance North Vancouver chiropractor clinic doctors are experienced in rehabilitation for scoliosis.