Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. It begins as a postural distortion and over time leads to increased wear and tear, nerve interference and possibly a permanent deformity.
The clues of scoliosis are pretty obvious, though it is amazing how we can get so used to looking at our own bodies that we don't even see them. Check out your posture and see whether one ear, shoulder or hip is higher than the other. You may even notice that your shoes wear unevenly. Or someone else may notice that your ribs protrude at the back more on one side than the other.
What can I do about it?
Well as is often the case, the worst thing you can do is nothing. If left to run its course, scoliosis will often worsen, and if it gets bad enough you may require surgery or a brace to try and force the spine to straighten.
A more natural, preventative approach is a combination of chiropractic care and exercise. The sooner you can detect the problem the more successful this will be. Which is one of the reasons that I recommend all children have a chiropractic check-up, especially if there is a history of scoliosis in the family.
Specific chiropractic adjustments help to improve the function and structure of the spine. This combined with the right kind of exercise helps to create a spine that is more stable, stronger and over time can allows the spine to return to a healthier position.
Depending on the degree of damage that has been done, the spine may never return to fully straight but it will certainly be better aligned and functioning better.
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