What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis, a condition most commonly found in children 10-15 years of age, is characterized by an overexaggerated, s-shaped curve to the spine. While this condition mainly affects children, adults can also be diagnosed with scoliosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is often quite easy to diagnose as it has some obvious, tell-tale signs and symptoms. Children with scoliosis will often present with one shoulder and hip sitting higher than the other, back pain, breathing difficulties, a rotating spine, a body lean, and a protruding rib cage that becomes pronounced when the child bends forward.
Generally, mild cases of scoliosis have little to no impact on the growth and development of a child. However, in some cases, scoliosis can cause spinal deformities and can have long-term growth implications, so addressing scoliosis sooner rather than later can be critical.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Scoliosis
While the cause of scoliosis is largely unknown, there have been significant findings to indicate that early damage to the upper cervical spine could be a key factor in the development of this condition. Because early age vertebral misalignments often go unnoticed, they can lead to significant musculoskeletal imbalances in the spine and surrounding muscles. In an attempt to compensate for these imbalances, the spine can curve in irregular directions, leading to scoliosis and other spinal issues.
How Our Upper Cervical Treatment for Scoliosis Works
Dr. Gordon Elder, our in-house chiropractic specialist, is an expert in treating scoliosis using the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. Blair chiropractic focuses on restoring the upper cervical spine using precise spinal correction techniques, kick-starting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, and providing relief for patients suffering conditions like scoliosis.
Dr. Elder’s two-step approach to treating upper cervical misalignments focuses on both healing and prevention. In order to correctly diagnose your condition, patients will attend a 25–30-minute consultation to establish their history and determine whether a vertebral misalignment could be causing scoliosis. Following this, Dr. Elder will provide you with a breakdown of your treatment plan, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions about your condition and treatment. The diagnostic process typically involves the use of advanced 3-D imaging techniques to pinpoint the exact location of any misalignments.
During your first treatment, Dr. Elder will use the Blair Chiropractic Technique to gently guide the misaligned vertebrae back into their natural position, removing the source of musculoskeletal imbalances and restoring the spinal column to natural alignment.
After the first session, patients will need to return for regular check-ups (for at least 3-5 months) to ensure the adjustment has remained in place. Most patients average between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder to achieve long-lasting results.
You don’t have to live with scoliosis — get in touch today to speak with Dr. Elder about the health of your upper cervical spine. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Elder also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.