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    6 Fascinating Facts About Adult Scoliosis – What to Know

    December 18, 2019

December 18, 2019

6 Fascinating Facts About Adult Scoliosis – What to Know

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, which results in the shape of a letter S when viewed sideways. Although it usually occurs during childhood until teenaged years, adult scoliosis is not uncommon. It may occur in both males and females, but it is more common with the latter. The cause of scoliosis in children, however, remains to be unknown.

Causes of Adult Scoliosis
  1. Arthritis – from degenerative discs, resulting in the loss of alignment of the vertebrae.
  2. Osteoporosis an abnormality in the bone density, making bones porous, resulting in the disfigurement of the spine.
  3. Aging joints when you age, your joints lose their cartilage and, when combined with a fracture, may cause deformity.

Here are several facts that you need to know about adult scoliosis:

1. The cause of scoliosis is unknown

Most types of scoliosis are idiopathic, which simply means it has undetermined causes. It may be congenital, which means that it existed in the womb. Cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy may also cause scoliosis, though some researchers believe that scoliosis can be genetic.

2. People with scoliosis can play sports

Physical activities are actually encouraged for people with scoliosis. However, sports that put much pressure on your lower back, such as gymnastics or weight lifting, are strongly discouraged. Low-impact sports, like swimming and cycling, are recommended instead. Did you know that Usain Bolt, a popular sprinter, also has scoliosis? In keeping his back and core strong, it helps him manage his scoliosis and do better in his sport.

3. People with scoliosis won’t need surgery

Adult scoliosis is usually treated to relieve the pain, which can be treated by chiropractors and physical therapists. Physical therapy aims to strengthen and stabilize the spine. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, improves posture and prevents further degeneration of the spine. Pain relievers are also a part of the treatment for adults with scoliosis. Only those patients whose pain is not relieved from medications or physical therapy may need spinal decompression surgery.

4. Smoke provokes the symptoms and pain of adult scoliosis

The harmful and adverse effects of smoking on your respiratory system are widely known. Smoking side effects, however, are not limited to merely that. Studies show that continued smoking can cause several complications to your neck and back, as well. If you quit smoking, you can help reduce the symptoms related to severe disorders that strike your neck or back, including complications from adult scoliosis.

5. People with scoliosis can still exercise

If a person with scoliosis is overweight, exercising to lose the extra pounds can alleviate the pain experienced with scoliosis. The more active the patient is, the less pain is felt, and some may not experience pain at all.

Patients with scoliosis are recommended to do some of the following exercises:

  • Pelvic tilts
  • Arm and leg raises
  • The cat camel yoga pose
  • The bird dog yoga pose
  • Lattissimus dorsi stretch
  • Abdominal press
  • Practice good posture
6. Minor health issues can arise from scoliosis

For severe cases of scoliosis, you may experience lung and heart damage, severe pain, and nerve damage. Know that early detection of scoliosis is crucial to prevent serious complications. 

If you are looking for a scoliosis chiropractor in NYC, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

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