When Should I Visit a Chiropractor?
A properly aligned spine is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Some people will have their spine bent in an unnatural way leading to pain, posture problems, and scoliosis. A visit to Unity Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Beaverton, OR can help diagnose and treat your spinal problems.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an improper curvature of the spine. In some cases, the curve can be very minor. In other cases, it is more pronounced. In order for a person to be diagnosed with scoliosis, the curvature would need to measure more than 10 degrees.
What Causes Scoliosis?
When there is a clear reason for the condition, the doctor will divide the curves into two types, either structural or nonstructural. Nonstructural scoliosis can occur if one leg is longer than the other, or can be the result of muscle spasms. Once the problem is treated, the condition will often go away on its own. Structural scoliosis involves a rigid curve and cannot be reversed. Our doctors at Unity Chiropractic and Wellness Center will be able to determine what the cause of your back pain is.
A few causes of structural scoliosis include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Birth defects
- Muscular dystrophy
- Tumors
- Infections
- Certain genetic conditions
However, up to 80% of the cases of scoliosis, the doctor cannot pinpoint the reason that spine is curved. When there is no known cause for the condition, it is called idiopathic.
Symptoms and Pain Associated With Scoliosis
There are a variety of symptoms associated with scoliosis. These include:
- Shoulders at different heights
- Hip displacement
- Non-centered head
- Pushed out ribs
- When standing straight, the arms don't hang close to the body
- When bending forward, the two sides of the back are different heights
- Back pain
- Difficult standing up straight
How Can a Chiropractor Help Manage the Pain?
A chiropractor can slow or diminish further degeneration of the spine. This is the result of an individualized treatment plan designed to help both the curvature and the pain. The plan is created after an x-ray and physical examination.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you are suffering from scoliosis, you should make an appointment with Unity Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Beaverton, OR. Give us a call at (503) 747-3388.