Scoliosis is classically defined as an abnormal curvature of
the spine from side-to-side. See Figure 1 below. However, it is really a more complex problem in
3-dimensions. Signs of scoliosis may include abnormal posture, such as a high
shoulder on one side. However, it is diagnosed and measured from X-rays.
Who gets Scoliosis?
The most common type of scoliosis is detected during
adolescence (ages 10-18). However, there are other types that start in
adulthood that can result is significant back pain. Many adults can have
varying degrees of scoliosis. Whether you have scoliosis as an adult or a
teenager, many cases can be improved significantly without surgery.
How is scoliosis detected?
For years school screenings have been used to detect a
possible scoliosis. The most common procedure used to evaluate someone for scoliosis in called the Forward Bending Test. When a person with a significant scoliosis bends forward at the wait, the flexion of the spine causes further rotation of he spine resulting in "Humping" of the ribs. This unlevelness is seen in Figure 2. Unfortunately, the most common test used in these
screenings misses many cases of scoliosis. X-rays of the spine are the gold
standard for measuring scoliosis.
The Scoliosis Research Society
classifies structural scoliosis into three generic categories with respect to
initiating causes. These have been listed in Table 1.
1. Congenital-
Scoliosis due to a structural abnormality of the spine, such as a
hemivertebrae.
2. Neuromuscular-
Scoliosis secondary to a known neurologic condition.
3. Idiopathic-
If no known cause can be determined from physical examinations and diagnostic imaging;
it is conventional that it is of unknown cause(s) or “idiopathic”. This
represents the vast majority of scoliosis cases. Idiopathic scoliosis is
further described by the age of detection or age of onset. “Infantile” scoliosis is defined as those
curves detected from birth to three years of age. “Infantile” scoliosis is further described as those that are
progressive versus self-resolving. “Juvenile”
idiopathic scoliosis is defined as scoliosis detected between the ages of 3 and
10. “Adolescent” idiopathic
scoliosis (AIS) is defined as scoliosis that is determined to have begun during
adolescence between the age of ten until skeletal maturity. The vast majority
of “idiopathic” scoliosis cases begin during adolescence. Therefore, most
research has been focused on AIS because it comprises the preponderance of
cases seen clinically. There is another form of scoliosis first detected in
adulthood referred to as “adult onset scoliosis”, also called “degenerative
scoliosis” or “de novo adult onset
degenerative scoliosis”. These curves are also, technically, idiopathic in
nature because the cause(s) are not agreed upon by experts.
Scoliosis often
produces pain, but not always. However patients with scoliosis can have
significant impact upon their self-estem. In 2002, Friedel, et al.
reported on women with idiopathic scoliosis who completed a
Questionnaire for Well-Being. The results from this sample were
compared with normal results from the general population. They report,
“Compared with the age-matched general population norm, juvenile
patients with
idiopathic scoliosis were unhappier with their lives (P = 0.001). They
reported
greater physical complaints (P < 0.001), had lower self-esteem (P =
0.01)
and higher depression scores (P = 0.021). Adult patients reported more
psychologic (P < 0.001) and physical impairment than in the
population norm
(P < 0.001). These results were largely independent of age and Cobb
angle.”
Scoliosis can have a great impact on a persons life from the production of pain and spinal degeneration later in life to the psychological effects of the deformity. Scoliosis is a mechnaical problem and, as such, requires a mechanical solution. Here is a testimonial of a patient suffering from both scoliosis related pain, and the psychological effects of the crooked spine and posture:
"I recently had a friend tell me there was a chiropractor in Boise
that was able to treat my scoliosis. I was truly skeptical because it
has been a condition I have lived with all my life. When I agreed to
visit Dr. Betz, I was in my late 60's and totally doubtful that
anything could be done. I had struggled with poor self image all my
life and truly worked hard by exercising to hide my deformed spine. I
have visited many orthopedic MD's during my life and was always told
nothing could be done, except surgery. I didn't want surgery. As I
agreed to a series of exercises and traction with Dr. Betz and his
staff, I was shocked and amazed that there was a remarkable change
within the first series of treatment. The treatment at Chiropractic
Biophysics® is truly different from the routine chiropractic visit. I
am now able to do things that I thought I could never do again. I am
on my second round of treatments and I am so encouraged! My energy
level and strength have increased. I can stoop, bend, lift, turn, and
walk with a better balance and get up from a sitting position without
any help. I can visually see the difference in my posture. It is
wonderful to pass by a mirror and say..."lookin good!" It has required
lots of diligence and persistence, but it worked. My encouragement to
you is, "It is never too late!" Trust Dr. Betz and get started. The
treatment has given me a better quality of life that I never thought
could be achieved again. Sincerley, a forever, grateful patient."
Shirley M.
