Scoliosis can cause debilitating discomfort and pain, and it doesn’t necessarily take an injury to bring it about. Some people are born with scoliosis, which may go away over time. For others, the symptoms just get worse with age. You don’t have to continue suffering because of your scoliosis.
At Naples Community Injury Center, you can access treatment that can alleviate the symptoms of scoliosis. Our team of doctors, chiropractors, and physiotherapists provides personalized Marco Island scoliosis treatment. We can assess your condition and tailor a treatment plan to suit your needs. Call us at (239) 631-5445 today to schedule an appointment.
Treatments We Offer Marco Island Scoliosis Patients
In rare cases, orthopedic surgery may be the best option to treat scoliosis, but usually, treatment is non-invasive. Chiropractic care, including spinal manipulations, is an effective treatment for scoliosis. It helps realign the vertebrae in the spine, essentially moving the spine back into the proper position. This also helps alleviate the pain caused by scoliosis.
Another scoliosis treatment our physicians in Marco Island may prescribe includes physical therapy to increase mobility and flexibility. Our chiropractors and physicians can individualize your Marco Island scoliosis treatment after diagnosing you and assessing the severity of your condition.
How Our Marco Island Scoliosis Treatment Team Can Determine if You Suffer From Scoliosis
Typically, a doctor will prescribe an X-ray exam if someone believes they suffer from scoliosis. A family member or friend may notice a curvature in their spine, or they may be suffering from related symptoms.
Aside from an X-ray, a doctor may also use the following tests to determine the patient’s condition:
- Measuring the body’s ability to rotate: A doctor will place a scoliometer on the patient’s back and measure the symmetry of their spine and the angle of the torso’s rotation. An angle of 5 degrees or more can mean they have scoliosis.
- The Cobb Angle Measurement Test: A doctor will measure the distance between the two greatest curves in the spine using an X-ray of the spine. An angle of ten degrees or more can indicate scoliosis.
- The Adam’s Forward Bend Test: The patient bends forward at the waist, keeping their knees straight, and extends their arms to the floor. This position can demonstrate signs of scoliosis.
Scoliosis Affects People of All Ages
Scoliosis is a spinal condition that can range in severity and could cause several other medical conditions if left untreated. It occurs when the spine develops a sideways curve. This usually begins to appear in adolescence, around the age of ten, but adults can develop it as well.
One of the most frustrating things about this condition is that its cause is often unknown. Certain inherited conditions may lend themselves to it, though. For example, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy are associated with scoliosis, according to PM & R: The Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation. A person is more likely to have scoliosis if a family member does, and women and girls are more likely to have it than men.
You can also develop scoliosis due to an injury that affects your spinal cord, as well.
Scoliosis in Children
Children undergo several growth spurts before puberty, which is when scoliosis typically first appears. Inherited conditions, such as spinal cord abnormalities and neuromuscular conditions, could be a factor, as can birth defects. In rarer cases, the causes of scoliosis can include negative side effects from surgery at a young age, infection, or injury.
In many cases, it is a mild condition that goes away as the child ages. Basically, the spine straightens itself on its own. In other cases, it could persist and even worsen, and medical intervention would be necessary.
Parents can keep an eye out for early signs of scoliosis in their children. They may be able to see the curvature of their spines, or they may notice that their clothes do not seem to fit symmetrically, especially on the shoulders.
Scoliosis in Adults
When adolescent scoliosis persists into adulthood, the condition may become severe, causing debilitating pain and discomfort. Some adults may even experience difficulty with simple, everyday movements, like sitting or standing.
Severe scoliosis can come with other frightening health issues. For example, when the spine curves, it can reduce space in the chest cavity, which can lead to issues with the lungs. You might find it difficult to breathe, and you could even suffer cardiovascular issues.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
Some signs of scoliosis are more noticeable than others, such as:
- Uneven shoulders
- An uneven gait
- Difficulty sitting, walking, or standing comfortably for long periods
- An inability to stand up straight
- A waist that is not level
- One shoulder blade sticks out more than the other one does
- Ribs sticking out unevenly
- A hump on the back along the spinal cord when bent over
- The body leans more on one side
- Frequent muscle spasms in the back or sides
- Numbness in the arms and legs
- Reduced mobility in the back or limbs
- Back pain that extends into the legs
Just because you experience these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have scoliosis, though. Only a physician can properly diagnose you and prescribe the right treatment plan. The sooner you get checked out, the better.
Scoliosis Can Negatively Affect Your Everyday Life
No one deserves to suffer from debilitating pain or constant discomfort. Scoliosis can interrupt your life greatly, making everyday activities difficult to enjoy or even engage in. Limited mobility, muscle spasms, and numbness in the limbs are exhausting to contend with on a daily basis.
You don’t have to suffer without relief. You deserve to live your healthiest life, and our team of physicians, physical therapists, and chiropractors are here to help you. With treatment, you can regain your mobility, increase your range of motion, and find relief from the many symptoms of scoliosis.
Call Us Today to Begin Your Marco Island Scoliosis Treatment
At Naples Community Injury Center, you can access the treatment you need to begin feeling better. Let our team assess your condition and tailor a treatment plan that can target your specific healthcare needs. Call us today at (239) 631-5445 to schedule an appointment. We can give you more information about what to expect from an initial visit and how our physicians can help you.
