Q: My 10 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with a slight scoliosis. Is there anything that can be done to help correct this?
A: The cause of scoliosis is not completely understood, however, there are chiropractic and massage therapy treatments that work to facilitate a more normal spinal development. Scoliosis is a condition seen in 3-5 of every 1000 children and affects girls between the ages of 10-16, seven times that of boys of the same age. Chiropractic treatment involves adjustments of the vertebrae that are turning or twisting, essentially assisting the bone in a more normal developmental process. In conjunction with this chiropractors will prescribe certain strength and flexibility exercises. These exercises are designed to strengthen the weak side of the spine and create flexibility on the tight side of the spine. This helps create a better balance in the muscles, which again helps in the spinal development. Massage Therapy can also be beneficial for scoliosis. Massage Therapy works to release the muscle on the inside or concave side of the spine in order to reduce the tension of the muscles that are pulling the spine. Early detection is key to preventing years of suffering, however if a scoliosis is determined you must act immediately to help hold the line on its development. If you have concerns about your child’s spine please contact us for a free screening during the month of November.
