“Is scoliosis preventable?”
My son is in elementary school, he's 6 years old. I know scoliosis happens often in children, but is there any way to prevent it? I'd hate for him to have preventable back issues as he gets older.
28 Answers
I believe regular activities such as swimming and bilateral exercises as cycling and running can help a child to develop proper muscular equilibrium. Chiropractic adjustment will help to maintain the proper and equal vertebral mobility and stimulate the nervous system function in general. Will it help to prevent scoliosis and spinal decay? I believe, yes.
Getting your spine checked by a chiropractor is like going to your dentist for your teeth. It is never too early or too late. As children grow and develop subluxations can creep in due to falls or other unforeseen occurrences. Once a subluxation occurs and then the child has a growth spurt then scoliosis can occur. Scoliosis can occur in family lines. If scoliosis is found at a level of 40 degrees or less then chiropractors can correct it with a series of adjustments. If the scoliosis is 40 degrees or greater then a brace is recommended. At 60 degrees or greater then surgery is recommended.
There are exercises that can be done to strengthen the back, but also you can have your child screened so that if there are any changes, they can be corrected before they become problematic.
In health,
Dr. Jodie Schultz
In health,
Dr. Jodie Schultz
There are 2 types of scoliosis, one of which is preventable. Spinal health evaluation with X-rays will help determine type of scoliosis and degree of severity.
Genetics has a large influece in scoliosis. On the other hand the sacral and pelvic structures are the base of the entire spine. An examination of these structures to ensure that they are level and balanced may often help.
In a nutshell, no. Scoliosis is manageable, and can be returned in most cases to normal if caught in youth however at an older age, we now prevent further curvature and give exercises, mirror image traction and postural homework to untangle the spine as best we can. Check out CBP (chiropractic biomechanics) for a full listing of spinal specialists. (I'm a sports chiropractor and have learned of this field but it is not my field of practice).
Having a Chiropractor analyze his scoliosis via radiographs and give a treatment plan can help. Exercises and taping suggested by your Chiropractor will help as well.
It is not preventable. However, functional symmetry can be attained even without structural symmetry through frontal plane (i.e. side-to-side) stability and endurance exercises. Those exercises very often help scoliosis patients. So your chiropractor can help, since most modern chiropractors are highly trained in therapeutic exercise prescription.
Typically, no. I wouldn't worry about it. Different types of scoliosis. Congenital, genetic change to the vertebrae that causes a curve like a hemi-vertebrae. Idiopathic, due to increased muscle tone or decreased, opposite muscle tone on one side of a region of the spine which changes the normal curves. The explanation of this is lengthy and involves pathways of non-volitional control of muscle tone and abnormal somatosensory feedback from that region or that side of the body..
Scoliosis can be assisted by chiropractic care. Research does not have details on prevention, however it does have plenty of research on reducing the scoliosis curve (once present) and slowing rate of curvature. Hope this helps!
In true cases of scoliosis where there is a curve and rotation of the
spine, a majority of cases are considered idiopathic, which means they have
no known cause hence they probably do not have a known prevention. If
scoliosis is more common in the men in your family possibly being checked
more regularly could be helpful. Usually children and adolescents are
checked once a year. Also, your son should feel free to be active in gym
class and with his friends (unless he has an illness prevents him from
doing so). There are other reasons to not carry a heavy backpack and
promote good posture and I would encourage those in all young persons not
just those who are concerned with scoliosis. Hope this helps.
spine, a majority of cases are considered idiopathic, which means they have
no known cause hence they probably do not have a known prevention. If
scoliosis is more common in the men in your family possibly being checked
more regularly could be helpful. Usually children and adolescents are
checked once a year. Also, your son should feel free to be active in gym
class and with his friends (unless he has an illness prevents him from
doing so). There are other reasons to not carry a heavy backpack and
promote good posture and I would encourage those in all young persons not
just those who are concerned with scoliosis. Hope this helps.
Yes, idiopathic scoliosis is preventable if treated before bone maturity in children.
Scoliosis is classified in two category: 1) idiopathic scoliosis or 2) structural.
You can definitely prevent it or maintain the scoliosis from advancing or getting worse. Especially since your son is still young and he is still growing. I recommend regular chiropractic check up/care to help him as he grows.
You can definitely prevent it or maintain the scoliosis from advancing or getting worse. Especially since your son is still young and he is still growing. I recommend regular chiropractic check up/care to help him as he grows.
There are several types of scoliosis, the four main types are - congenital, neuromuscular, degenerative, and idiopathic.
Congenital scoliosis: Caused by a birth defect and occurs in only 1/10000 newborns and would be obvious from birth.
Neuromuscular scoliosis: Caused by disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and muscular system.
Degenerative scoliosis or adult onset scoliosis: This type is unique because it is adult onset scoliosis, compared to the other types, which mostly occur in children. This type is frequent in individuals over the age of 65.
Idiopathic scoliosis: This type is the most common form of scoliosis, over 80% of all scoliosis cases, and usually affects children between the ages of 10 to 18. Idiopathic scoliosis is more common in adolescent girls. These curves progress as the child ages and slow down when they have hit maturity. Unfortunately, the cause of idiopathic scoliosis is unknown. There are many different theories and assumptions behind this condition but research has yet to find any of them conclusive.
There is not much you can do for the first three types of scoliosis (in my opinion), but you can possibly reduce the risks for the idiopathic scoliosis. Check your son’s back pack! Backpacks that are too heavy can cause a lot of problems for kids, like back, neck, shoulder pain, and poor posture. Your child’s back pack should weigh NO MORE than 10-15% of his body weight. Any more, can cause undue stress on the spine and surrounding musculature which is harmful to a developing spine, as the spine will compensate for the added stress. It is especially important that he uses both straps and does not just carry it over one shoulder as this will transfer all of the weight in the bag to one side of the spine instead of being distributed equally or bilaterally. Over time, that could lead to unbalanced musculature and cause some curvature to the strong side.
Unfortunately, I have no definitive answer for you on how to prevent “scoliosis”, but I would suggest that you find a good pediatric chiropractor in your area and have your child checked periodically. Kids are so resilient and rarely need much care to correct any misalignments that they may have developed. That being said, it is much easier to correct and maintain ones spine at an early age than it is to correct later on in life if let go.
Congenital scoliosis: Caused by a birth defect and occurs in only 1/10000 newborns and would be obvious from birth.
Neuromuscular scoliosis: Caused by disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and muscular system.
Degenerative scoliosis or adult onset scoliosis: This type is unique because it is adult onset scoliosis, compared to the other types, which mostly occur in children. This type is frequent in individuals over the age of 65.
Idiopathic scoliosis: This type is the most common form of scoliosis, over 80% of all scoliosis cases, and usually affects children between the ages of 10 to 18. Idiopathic scoliosis is more common in adolescent girls. These curves progress as the child ages and slow down when they have hit maturity. Unfortunately, the cause of idiopathic scoliosis is unknown. There are many different theories and assumptions behind this condition but research has yet to find any of them conclusive.
There is not much you can do for the first three types of scoliosis (in my opinion), but you can possibly reduce the risks for the idiopathic scoliosis. Check your son’s back pack! Backpacks that are too heavy can cause a lot of problems for kids, like back, neck, shoulder pain, and poor posture. Your child’s back pack should weigh NO MORE than 10-15% of his body weight. Any more, can cause undue stress on the spine and surrounding musculature which is harmful to a developing spine, as the spine will compensate for the added stress. It is especially important that he uses both straps and does not just carry it over one shoulder as this will transfer all of the weight in the bag to one side of the spine instead of being distributed equally or bilaterally. Over time, that could lead to unbalanced musculature and cause some curvature to the strong side.
Unfortunately, I have no definitive answer for you on how to prevent “scoliosis”, but I would suggest that you find a good pediatric chiropractor in your area and have your child checked periodically. Kids are so resilient and rarely need much care to correct any misalignments that they may have developed. That being said, it is much easier to correct and maintain ones spine at an early age than it is to correct later on in life if let go.
Scoliosis many times develops from unknown reasons and is found in 2% of children. More often in females. You can have your son checked for scoliosis at spinal source chiropractic in Suffolk.
At this time scoliosis has not been shown to be preventable. In addition, scoliosis treatment for adults with chiropractic has shown no resolution; However, treatment for young and adolescent children has still not been studied and the affects of chiropractic care on them.
Some people will have a slight scoliosis that is completely natural because some vertebrae may not be formed the same as the vertebrae above or below it. It is called a hemivertabrae.
It could be due to a mis-alignment in the spine. If this is the case the scoliosis can be corrected or at least from getting worse. Seek out a Gonstead chiropractor.
It could be due to a mis-alignment in the spine. If this is the case the scoliosis can be corrected or at least from getting worse. Seek out a Gonstead chiropractor.
Have his spine checked by a Doctor of Chiropractor. Many forms of scoliosis can be dealt with by this approach. If it is a mechanical, bone deformed cause, it can help maintain, but will not reverse that.
Unfortunately, it isn't preventable. However, it is manageable, depending on the case. Typically Scoliosis in children is a "watch and wait" approach to see if his/her curve progresses. X-rays each 6 months to a year should be performed to measure the curvature. At a certain degree of curvature, doctors consider a child wearing a brace for an amount of time while they grow. I would have him evaluated if any scoliosis has been detected.
Unfortunately, scoliosis is a disease of the spine and cannot be prevented. It is always good for kids to stay active and exercise. Exercise has been said to help slow down the disease process.
Thank you
Thank you
Bilateral Exercise, swimming, stretching, yoga, and maintenance chiropractic care may identify and help prevent scoliosis or keep it from getting worse. Its true that is often appears in adolescence, the body is having massive growth spurts during these years, leading to bones growing faster than muscles...diet and nutrition and eating organic is probably something every parent should incorporate immediately. Scoliosis seems to idiopathic and most literature will say unknown cause. The spine and nervous system is the very first tissue that is formed in utero...how many mothers are pregnant for 4-6 weeks before they realize they are preganant. What is missing? Prenatal vitamins...Folic Acid and B complex vitamins...detox, and cleansing before you get pregant is probably the best preventative advice I can give moms that want to get pregnant. Once discovered, scoliosis is managed, not cured.
Scoliosis at this age is congenital ( born with it) if you have this condition in the family, routine exams are a good idea with his pediatrician.
as a preventative, let your boy be a boy, have fun out side, not sit around behind a keyboard or game controls.
Dr Hussey
636 946-2244
as a preventative, let your boy be a boy, have fun out side, not sit around behind a keyboard or game controls.
Dr Hussey
636 946-2244
This is not an easy answer without seeing xrays. The answer is yes an no depending on the type and severity. Sometimes it can be from one leg being shorter that the other. There are braces available to help reduce curves or prevent them from getting worse as his spine develops. Chiropractic adjustments by themselves and corrective exercises may be all he needs. You can always call to schedule a free consultation to find out how we can help. 770-545-8888
Mostly yes
Yes, chiropractic care will prevent that.
Scoliosis can't be prevented, but early detection and treatment can keep it from getting worse. A good chiropractic evaluation and radiographs are the best way to detect scoliosis. Most of the times, when schools do their scoliosis check-ups, it only gets detected when it is obvious. Also, proper posture and the right use of backpacks are important.
You cannot prevent scoliosis, it is hereditary, more prevalent in girls over boys 3/1. Starts between ages 9-13, chiropractic can help reduce the severity of the curve, but not prevent it totally. Get him X-rayed at age 9 or 10, the earlier you catch it, the less severe it could end up being.
In good health,
Dr. Neil Berman
In good health,
Dr. Neil Berman
There are several types of scoliosis, including functional and non-functional. It is more common in children and the best way to stay preventative is regular adjustments every 3 to 6 months as they are under 10. After they cross 10 years, as they enter puberty and begin to grow, based on what is found on examination, they may require more treatments, but include exercises for home to decrease any further progression, if scoliosis is found.
