Scoliosis- chiropractor Joondalup

Scoliosis is what we describe as the spine curves towards one side. If you have an “S” or a “C” curve on your spine, you might have a scoliosis. It can be functional, structural or idiopathic. Functional scoliosis means that there is a leg length discrepancy and corrects with heel lift or when one bends towards the convex side. Next, structural scoliosis is related to the vertebral bone deformities and does not correct with posture changes. Idiopathic scoliosis, from the name of it, the cause is mostly unknown and tends to run in the family line. Some believes that carrying heavy backpacks or sleeping sideways may have caused scoliosis, but that is not true!

How to Diagnose Scoliosis

Scoliosis can be diagnosed through physical examinations, X-rays and using the Cobb method to measure the curve. It is considered as positive is the curve is greater than 10˚. It is considered significant if the curve is greater than 30˚ and more than that is considered severe.

There are few types of common curves:

• Right thoracic curve Imagine drawing a straight line down centre of the back, the curve bends towards the right side on the upper back (just thoracic region)
• Right thoracolumbar curve The curvature is towards the right side starting from the upper back to lower back (thoracic to lumbar region)
• Right lumbar curve The curvature is towards the right starting from the mid back to lower back (just lumbar region)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis

• Visible difference in hip and shoulder height
• One hip is higher than the other
• Rib cage asymmetry
• Body leaning towards one side
• Scapula winging out

In a more serious case:

• Persistent back pain
• Inability to stand upright
• Height loss
• Breathing difficulties due to reduced chest area
• Numbness and/or weakness of the extremities due to radiculopathy
• Nerve impingement causing pain

Treatments for Scoliosis Carried out by Lakeside chiropractic

• Physical therapy
  • Therapeutic exercises, biomechanics education
• Passive therapy
  • Myofascial- Relief tightness in fascia and connective tissues
  • Electrical stimulation - Painless electrical stimulation to specific nerve and improve range of motion and reduce pain.
• Bracing
  • To slow the curvature progression
• Chiropractic treatment
  • Spinal manipulation to mobilise the joints, relieve pressures in joints, increase range of motion and correct joint dysfunction.
  • Strengthening exercises to support the joints
  • Rehabilitation to keep active without increasing any pain and symptoms
  • Advice on how to reduce and manage the curve
  • Traction to reduce pressure on discs and Joints
  • Dry needling to release tight muscles on the convex side of the curve

At Lakeside Chiropractic, our experienced chiropractors can help you by mobilising your spine to reduce restriction in your spine to ease some of the pain, allowing you to engage in your daily activities easier. Lakeside chiropractic is located in Joondalup in Perth’s north and has visitors from many different suburbs including, Padbury, Kinross, Mindarie, Sorrento, Iluka, Carramar, Currambine, Tapping, Pearsall, Hocking and Woodvale. HICAPS Facilities available on site for major private health insurers (NIB, HCF, HBF, AHM, HCI and HIF) and also a part of the Medibank preferred practitioner and BUPA Members first network. If you would like to discuss any concerns, have any enquires or wish to book an appointment; feel free to contact one of our friendly staff on 9300 0095 or visit our website at www.lakesidechiro.com.au.