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Scoliosis
Expert Scoliosis Care in Newcastle
If you suspect scoliosis or your child has recently been diagnosed, it can be an overwhelming and stressful time. It’s crucial to stay informed and understand that early detection offers more treatment options and better outcomes. At Family Life Chiropractic, we have a special interest in scoliosis and are here to provide expert care and advice. Our team will work with you to assess the condition, explore appropriate treatment options, and support you every step of the way. Whether it’s managing symptoms or improving spinal alignment, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate this journey with confidence and care.
What is a Scoliosis?
When the spine is viewed from the side, it should naturally display three curves, but when viewed from the back, it should appear straight. Scoliosis is a condition where the spine develops a sideways curvature, which can progress over time. This condition can affect both children and adults, but in children, scoliosis is often more serious as the curvature may worsen rapidly during growth spurts.
Scoliosis is commonly first detected in children between the ages of 11 and 15, with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis being the most prevalent form. Although the exact cause is unknown, research suggests that genetic factors may play a role in controlling spinal growth, contributing to the development of scoliosis.
It’s important to recognize the early signs of scoliosis. Indicators may include uneven shoulders, hips, or waist, and these are often visually noticeable as shown in the accompanying image. Early detection is key to providing effective treatment and preventing further progression.
At Family Life Chiropractic, we offer specialized care to assess and manage scoliosis, providing you with the expert advice and support you need
Early Detection is Key
As spine health experts in Newcastle, we encourage you to become familiar with your child’s spine so that any changes can be identified early. Postural shifts are often the first noticeable indicators of a developing scoliosis curve, such as one shoulder or hip being higher than the other or uneven shoulder blades. Early diagnosis in children is essential, as treatment options exist that can help correct the curve while they are still growing. If you observe any of these changes, it’s important to have your child assessed as soon as possible.
Since scoliosis can have a hereditary link, monitoring your child’s spine is especially important if scoliosis runs in your family. At Family Life Chiropractic, we offer expert evaluations and support to help manage scoliosis and its progression.
For a simple and convenient way to check for scoliosis at home, try ScoliScreen, a free web-based screening tool developed in partnership with Macquarie University (Australia). Backed by independent research, ScoliScreen allows you to regularly assess your growing child or loved ones in the privacy of your own home, ensuring early signs of scoliosis don’t go unnoticed.
Our Expert Approach
At Family Life Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive and individualized approach to scoliosis care. We listen to your concerns, note any changes you’ve observed, and conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination of the spine. This includes measuring the degree of curvature and assessing the likelihood of progression. In some cases, imaging may be necessary to gain a clearer picture of the spine. If scoliosis is evident, regular monitoring is highly recommended, particularly in children, as the curvature can progress rapidly during growth period.
We take the time to explain all our findings in detail, ensuring you fully understand the condition and potential treatment paths. The most appropriate treatment will depend on factors such as the patient’s age, developmental maturity, the angle of the curves, and personal goals or aspirations, including participation in sports. It’s also important to differentiate between postural issues and scoliosis, as they can sometimes be confused. Correctly identifying the type of curve will allow us to recommend the most suitable course of action, tailored to your or your child’s unique needs.
Multi-disciplinary Approach
Depending on several factors, including the angle of the curve we may suggest a multi-disciplinary approach to achieve the best outcomes. We therefore have a network of health professionals at our finger tips to offer various treatment options. If scoliosis is left untreated it may require surgery. In cases where a multi-disciplinary approach is needed, we work closely with dedicated scoliosis clinics, like ScoliCare in Sydney, which specialize in providing advanced bracing treatment options for children. This collaboration ensures that your child receives the most appropriate and effective care to manage their scoliosis and prevent further progression.
Our special interest and experience with curves of the spine has led to further training and study in this area. If you have noticed a change in your child’s spine or have a concern, please get in touch so we can provide you with some expert advice.