Suffering From Scoliosis in Omaha NE?

According to Cleveland University-Kansas City (2019), around 3% of people nationwide have some form of scoliosis. Of those cases, 90% do NOT require surgery. Pain from scoliosis, however, can become severe, and it can greatly affect the body.

Our team at Diamond Chiropractic Omaha North is exceptional when it comes to scoliosis in Omaha NE. Regardless of whether you have had this condition for a while and it’s getting worse (known as chronic pain), or it just appeared today (known as acute pain), our chiropractor in Omaha has the answer and treatment for you. 

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What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal, sideways curvature in the spine. In some cases, there is more than one abnormal curve. This results in the spine becoming S-shaped or C-shaped. In addition, patients suffering from scoliosis may have rib protrusions.

Most cases of scoliosis appear just before puberty. While the body continues to grow, there is the possibility for any spinal curvatures to form. This condition affects both children and adults. Moreover, it is common in young girls between the ages 10 and 15.

Patients with scoliosis may feel their body shape is abnormal. This is seen in their uneven shoulders and hips, which affects a person’s height. Not only is a person’s height affected, but also how they stay balanced. If the condition gets worse, patients can experience other health problems. This includes osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease and nerve problems.

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Types/Causes of Scoliosis

Despite there being multiple types of scoliosis, there is no exact cause behind it. Dr. Clayton Stitzel, a leading scoliosis specialist in Pennsylvania, and one of the most well-known experts on the condition, clarifies that along with determining the underlying causes, factors such as how fast the condition worsens and the patient’s age at the start play a role (2017).

Stitzel mentions how scoliosis can be develop differently for each patient. Some patients have a family history with scoliosis. Others have had the condition since they were infants or toddlers. There are even cases where a patient suffers an injury or infection of the spine that results in scoliosis. Scoliosis can result from a neuromuscular condition, as well.

Overall, scoliosis occurs differently for each patient. This makes it difficult to determine the exact cause for each patient, along with what steps to take next.

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Who is affected?

Now, you are probably wondering who would be affected the most by scoliosis. The answer, again, varies. The most common explanations behind a person’s case are their age, family history and gender.

• Age - Let’s start with how old the patient was when their scoliosis first appeared. Remember, scoliosis develops just before puberty. This is especially the case for children about to be teens. As such, children between ages 10 and 15 can develop scoliosis.
• Family History - Family history is another common factor. Scoliosis can be passed down from parent to child. Today, though, there are more adults who suffer this condition. Not just children.
• Gender - Another factor is a patient’s gender. Young girls are ten times more likely to develop scoliosis than boys. Girls suffering from scoliosis are at risk of their condition worsening over time. It does appear in both genders, though.

While the internet provides possible theories and information on scoliosis, there is no concrete proof behind why it occurs. The same is said for why girls are more affected than boys.

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How severe is it?

Most cases of scoliosis are not severe. In fact, 90% of scoliosis cases don’t require surgery. Those with the condition can perform daily tasks with little issues. If necessary, patients with scoliosis will wear braces to keep it under control.

If not treated, though, scoliosis can become a problem. More specifically, it can cause other health issues, affect a person’s self-esteem, and may require surgery.

Other health issues…

With uneven shoulders and hips, a person could have difficulty breathing, be unbalanced, and have back pain. The mobility in their back decreases, and pain can appear in other parts of the body. As a result, those suffering from scoliosis feel very limited in what they can do.

Self-esteem…

Scoliosis can damage a person’s self-esteem. Especially for young girls.

Since scoliosis develops just before puberty, teens can feel more self-conscious about their bodies. This makes them uncomfortable about wearing braces underneath their clothes. Deciding to wear the brace or not adds more stress, too.

With many physical, emotional and social changes happening at once, along with being diagnosed with scoliosis, any teen can feel insecure, angry and afraid.

Surgery…

Some patients think about doing spinal surgery to avoid further pain. This is not always the case. Instead, they could experience more pain and other complications.

If surgery is required, the most common type is a spinal fusion. Surgeons will connect two or more vertebrae bones together. Pieces of bone, metal rods and screws will be used to help keep the spine in line.

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Scoliosis Treatment at Diamond Chiropractic Omaha North in Omaha NE

At Diamond Chiropractic Omaha North, our chiropractor will examine, take x-rays, and evaluate your posture to determine the cause of your scoliosis. After comparing his findings and confirming the diagnosis, our chiropractor will develop a treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms and heal the pain. He will provide you with recommendations to lower your risk for possible re-occurrences.

• Spinal Adjustments - Our doctor will realign the vertebrae in the affected area to increase your range of motion, as well as alleviate the pain on the spinal nerves. Symptoms resulting from scoliosis, and any nerves in the affected area(s), may begin to decrease as well.
• Intersegmental Traction - Intersegmental traction involves the use of a special chiropractic table. This specific table includes rollers that will roll along the sides of the spinal column, allowing blood to flow through the tight muscles and ligaments. As this occurs, the muscles and ligaments loosen up and relax more; in addition, your spine will become more mobile. This type of treatment is effective with alleviating pain from scoliosis.
• Acupuncture - Electro-therapy, or acupuncture, is effective with shoulder pain, and with its symptoms. Patients will notice, after several treatments, the pain in their neck, back, and shoulder(s) begin to decrease. In addition, they will start to see more mobility come back to their spine and other affected areas of the body.
• Lifestyle Advice - With any injury, whether to the back, neck, or extremity, the last thing you want to do is make the pain worse. The same applies to handling scoliosis. Our advice is designed to help you perform everyday tasks and responsibilities safely. We focus on healing and relief from scoliosis, not aggravating it further.

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Contact Our Omaha Chiropractor for Scoliosis

To get started with chiropractic care for your scoliosis, choose our Omaha, NE chiropractor today. Diamond Chiropractic Omaha North is currently accepting new patients of all ages. Call our office today. When it comes to pain from scoliosis, get relief NOW & FAST.

References:

What Do Chiropractors Do… for Scoliosis? (2019, June 13). Cleveland University-Kansas City Chiropractic and Health Science. Retrieved March 10, 2020, from https://www.cleveland.edu/blog-post/~post/what-do-chiropractors-dofor-scoliosis-20190613/ 

Stitzel, C.J. (2017, November 15). 7 Types of Scoliosis & Their Differences. ScoliSMART Clincs. https://www.treatingscoliosis.com/blog/scoliosis-types-differences/