Scoliosis: Common Causes, Exercises & Treatment Options.

Scoliosis Care: Understanding and Managing Spinal Curvature

At Vitality Chiropractic Australia, we specialize in providing non-surgical scoliosis care and personalized chiropractic scoliosis treatment in Melbourne to help individuals manage scoliosis effectively. Scoliosis, the most recognized spinal deformity, is characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often forming an “S” or “C” shape. A healthy spine appears straight when viewed from the front or back, with natural lordotic (inward) and kyphotic (outward) curves when viewed from the side. Scoliosis can affect people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents. Our team is dedicated to offering natural scoliosis management and early intervention to support spinal health and overall well-being.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is defined by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. When the spine curves to the left, it’s called levoscoliosis, and when it curves to the right, it’s known as dextroscoliosis. This condition most frequently affects the thoracic spine (middle back) or lumbar spine (lower back). While scoliosis can develop at any age, it is most prevalent during the growth spurts of adolescence. Understanding the type and cause of scoliosis is critical for effective management.

Types of Scoliosis – Scoliosis can be classified into three main categories, each with distinct causes:

Congenital Scoliosis: This type results from spinal abnormalities present at birth, such as malformed vertebrae or fused ribs.
Idiopathic Scoliosis: The most common form, with no known cause. It is further divided into subcategories based on age:
- Infantile: Diagnosed in children under 3 years.
- Juvenile: Diagnosed between ages 3 and 10.
- Adolescent: The most common, diagnosed between ages 10 and 18.
- Adult: Diagnosed in adulthood, often due to degeneration or untreated adolescent scoliosis.
Secondary Scoliosis: Caused by underlying conditions or injuries, such as Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, or physical trauma.

By identifying the type of scoliosis, our chiropractors at Vitality Chiropractic Australia can develop a tailored chiropractic scoliosis treatment plan to address your unique needs.

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Risk Factors for Scoliosis

Early detection is key to managing scoliosis effectively. Parents and caregivers should be aware of the following risk factors and warning signs, especially in children and adolescents:

Family history of scoliosis: A genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
Uneven posture: Noticeable unlevel shoulders, pelvis, or hips.
Clothing fit issues: Clothes that appear uneven or don’t sit properly.
Asymmetrical muscle development: One side of the body appears more developed than the other.
Prominent ribs or chest cavity: A visible hump on one side of the back when bending forward.
Unequal gaps between arms and torso: One arm may hang further from the body than the other.
Abnormal head position: The head may appear tilted or off-center.
Uneven leg length: One leg may appear shorter than the other.

Regular scoliosis screening for children is essential to catch these signs early and prevent progression. We encourage parents to monitor their children and seek professional scoliosis assessments to ensure healthy spinal development.

How to Screen for Scoliosis at Home

Parents can perform simple at-home tests to check for signs of scoliosis, but these should always be followed up with a professional evaluation. Here are two effective screening methods:

Forward Bend Test:
- Ask your child to bend forward at the hips with their legs straight, reaching toward the floor.
- Stand behind them and observe their back. A prominent hump on one side of the rib cage or spine may indicate scoliosis.
- This test is particularly useful for detecting thoracic scoliosis in adolescents.
Spinal Observation and Palpation:
- With your child seated and shirtless, observe their posture for any visible curvature or asymmetry.
- Gently run your fingers along their spine to feel for any abnormal curves.
- Repeat the process with your child standing to confirm findings.

If you notice any signs of scoliosis during these tests, contact us for a comprehensive scoliosis assessment for adolescents or adults. Early detection allows for non-invasive scoliosis treatment options that can prevent further curvature progression.

Chiropractic Scoliosis Treatment at Vitality Chiropractic Australia

We offer natural scoliosis management through chiropractic care, focusing on improving spinal alignment, spinal mobility, reducing discomfort, and enhancing quality of life. Our chiropractic scoliosis treatment in Australia is tailored to each patient’s needs and may include:

Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle, precise adjustments to improve spinal alignment and mobility, reducing stress on the spine.
Corrective Exercises: Customized exercises to strengthen supporting muscles, improve posture, and stabilize the spine.
Postural Training: Guidance on maintaining proper posture to minimize strain on the spine.
Lifestyle Recommendations: Advice on ergonomics, nutrition, and daily habits to support spinal health.
Scoliosis Bracing Support: Collaboration with specialists for cases where bracing is necessary to manage curvature progression.

Our holistic approach to non-surgical scoliosis care aims to reduce discomfort and prevent further curvature without invasive procedures. Whether you’re seeking scoliosis treatment for adolescents or adult scoliosis care, our experienced chiropractors are here to help.

Choose Us For Your Scoliosis Care

Expertise in Melbourne Scoliosis Management: Our chiropractors are trained in assessing and managing scoliosis using evidence-based techniques.
Personalized Treatment Plans: We create individualized care plans based on the type, severity, and progression of your scoliosis.
Non-Invasive Approach: We prioritize natural scoliosis management to improve spinal health without surgery.
Comprehensive Scoliosis Screening: We offer thorough assessments to detect scoliosis early and monitor its progression.
Family-Friendly Care: Our team supports patients of all ages, from children to adults, with compassionate and professional care.

Are You Ready For Better Posture & Less Pain?

If you suspect scoliosis in yourself or your child, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Early intervention is critical for effective chiropractic scoliosis treatment in Australia. Contact Vitality Chiropractic Australia today to schedule a scoliosis screening for children or a comprehensive spinal assessment. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal spinal health and a better quality of life through non-surgical scoliosis care. Book your appointment now or call us via 1300-003-777 to learn more about how we can support you with natural scoliosis management.

Chiropractor Scoliosis Research

Spinal manipulative and rehabilitation techniques resulted in clinically significant improvements in Scoliosis severity. Villafane, J et al (2012). Manipulative and rehabilitative therapy as a treatment of idiopathic scoliosis without psychological sequelae: A case report. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 11(2); 109 – 114
Following a schedule of multi-modal Chiropractic management improvements were demonstrated both subjectively and objectively in radiographic changes, pain levels and overall disability. Morningstar, M. (2011). Outcomes for adult scoliosis patients receiving Chiropractic rehabilitation: A 24-month retrospective analysis. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 10(3); 179 – 184
Chiropractic care resulted in a reduction in overall spinal curvature in an adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis suggesting it is an effective scoliosis treatment option. Kao-Chang, C. (2008). Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated by spinal manipulation: A case study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(6); 749 – 751