What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, often occurs when children are just entering puberty, which is a stressful enough time without also having to deal with physical limitations. The cause is not always known, although rarer forms are connected to injury, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy. Yet through a range of treatments, including physical therapy treatments in Edgewater, The Chicago Loop, West Loop Chicago, IL, Terrace Clinic and Barrington, IL, scoliosis does not have to be disabling — or even noticeable.
What are the warning signs of scoliosis?
In general, a lack of alignment in the upper body may indicate that a child has scoliosis. Specifically, if one hip and/or one shoulder looks higher than the other, or one shoulder blade seems to be more easily discernible than the other, scoliosis may be a factor.
In more advanced cases, back pain, a pronounced curve in the spine, or ribs that are noticeably more prominent on one side, can be a scoliosis indicator. Difficulty in breathing may occur, as your ribs press against one or both lungs.
How do we treat the scoliosis patient and related symptoms?
Scoliosis is a spinal condition that usually occurs in children and teenagers. However, adults may also be diagnosed with scoliosis. This usually occurs when a curve in the adult’s spine (which has existed during their youth) gets progressively worse over time.
It is vital to note that all cases of scoliosis are unique to the individual. However, there remain several tell-tale signs. These symptoms include but are not limited to
- ‘S’ or ‘C’ shaped curve in the back
- A tilt in the waistline;
- One shoulder appears higher than the other;
- The body curves to one side when viewed from the front or back;
- For female patients, one breast may appear higher than the other.
- Head uncentered with the pelvis when the body is neutral
The management of scoliosis through physiotherapy and osteopathic care which include that applying manual therapy, visceral manipulation and craniosacral therapy can include mobilizing the spine and rib cage to improve range of motion in the case of leg length difference, and manual therapy to massage, stretch and relieve sore chest, hip or back muscles. Our treatment is holistic. Its objective is to strike balance and, therefore, it can be beneficial at multiple levels such as organ function, breathing, bones, circulation, muscles, nerves, and connective tissue.
Due to the curvature of the spine, mobility of the organs is affected, and patients may also experience some organ-related issues such as constipation and inefficient use of the diaphragm. In our approach to scoliosis treatments, we take these problems into consideration and perform the necessary interventions. Visceral manipulation and breath patterns in the Crotch approach enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Cranio-sacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
CST gently addresses compromised tissue patterns surrounding and within the spinal column, adipose tissue, and the dural tube through techniques such as mobilization of fascia, gentle traction, and enhancing the mobility of the body tissue in response to the motion of the craniosacral system.
We also incorporate the CST approach in scoliosis patients because the body is a holistic system, and a curvature in the spine can create restrictions in many systems throughout the body.
It’s never too late to begin physical therapy. Request an appointment at Loop Physical Therapy to schedule your comprehensive evaluation.
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