Why You Need To Have Your Child Screened For Scoliosis

How would you feel if your child was diagnosed with scoliosis and it had progressed to a point where spinal fusion surgery was required to place metal rods in their spine to keep it from getting worse?  This unfortunate circumstance happens everyday.  Less children will require surgery and have the opportunity to develop a healthy spine and posture if better screening is performed and appropriate chiropractic treatment is used to stop the development and progression of this disease.

ScoliosisSurgery
Spinal Fusion Surgery to Correct Scoliosis

Early childhood traumas can set the stage for scoliosis.  Birth trauma from a vacuum or forceps delivery can injure a baby’s neck resulting in subluxation.  The hundreds of falls a child has learning to walk as well as the numerous injuries from playing with other kids and participating in sports can also cause spinal subluxations.  

The old adage, “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree,” applies to scoliosis.

Scoliosis does not correct itself on its own and often gets worse during the growth spurt between 8 and 18 years of age.

Scoliosis that is not treated can lead to kyphosis (hunched or rounded back), lung and heart problems, chronic back pain and arthritis.

The orthopedic approach to scoliosis in the majority of cases is to do nothing and “wait and see” if it gets worse.  They typically do not provide corrective treatment and most do not refer to a chiropractor specializing in scoliosis. 

The chiropractic approach is to immediately begin chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercises, and in some cases traction or bracing to restore proper spinal alignment.

Does it make sense to sit back and “wait and see” if your child’s scoliosis gets worse or does it make more sense to take a proactive chiropractic approach so it does not get worse?

If you feel it is your responsibility to ensure your child deserves to grow up with a healthy spine and nervous system in order to prevent chronic back pain, arthritis and organ problems, contact us right away to have them screened for scoliosis.