As a chiropractor who specializes in soft scoliosis bracing we know that a scoliosis diagnosis can be scary, particularly for children and teenage girls. Part one of our series will attempt to answer common questions about this spinal condition.
Who is Most Affected by Scoliosis and Who Gets It?
What is scoliosis? If you’re reading this, you probably already know as your doctor has told you, but just in case, scoliosis is a spinal condition where a patient’s spine is curved to the side, rather than being vertically aligned. In more extreme cases of scoliosis the curvature is so extreme as the patient’s spine can be bent into an “S” shape. Who is most affected by scoliosis? If you have scoliosis, you’re not alone. Over nine million people in the US have scoliosis, or three out of every one hundred people. Who gets scoliosis? People of all ages can get scoliosis, however, children and teenagers are most susceptible to it.
How bad is scoliosis? First off, know that a scoliosis prognosis is not the end of the world. A great many of the cases of scoliosis that are diagnosed are not treated because the level of curvature is minor. Scoliosis is usually treated one of three ways: observation, bracing, or surgery.
Do I Have to Have Surgery if I Have Scoliosis?
Do I have to have surgery if I have scoliosis? The amount of scoliosis cases that require surgery are only about .03%. Scoliosis surgery is usually recommended if the curvature is over 40 degrees and/or if the condition is getting worse. Most of the time, a chiropractor will either prescribe some form of bracing or in milder cases, just observation.
Remember, get some facts if you’ve been diagnosed with scoliosis. The more information you have, the better you’ll feel. And remember, one option that we’ll cover in our next post is soft scoliosis bracing.
This concludes part one of our series. For more information on who is most affected by scoliosis, please read part two and part three as well.
Pivonka Family Chiropractic
1355 S Higley Rd #102
Gilbert, AZ 85296
(480) 892-0022
https://correctscoliosis.com
