Scoliosis affects an average of 7.5 million Americans.  But what is scoliosis? Simply put, it’s a sideways curve in the spine. Of course, our spines are supposed to have a front-to-back curve. Think of a stretched out letter “S” and you’ve got the basic shape. But when the spine develops a side-to-side curve, it can cause a host of problems. Anything from poor posture to lung damage to immobility can occur. How effective is chiropractic treatment for scoliosis? Below you’ll find a complete guide. From the causes and types of scoliosis to finding a scoliosis chiropractor near you. 

What Is Scoliosis and What Causes It?

There are a few common causes of scoliosis, with the most common being a genetic condition. If your mother, your aunt, or your grandfather had scoliosis, you may be at a greater risk yourself. 

Neuromuscular disorders can also lead to scoliosis. In particular, cerebral palsy or chronic muscular dystrophy are common contributors. 

Alternatively, birth defects may promote abnormal curving of the spine. Early injuries or infections within the back or spine can lead to scoliosis as well.

Types of Scoliosis and Who Can Get Them 

There are several different types of scoliosis. Early-onset is a common type, most often caught in the early years of a child’s development.

Typically, it’s noticed during puberty, when children experience rapid growth spurts. This is why children in middle school are likely to be checked for it.

Though there are congenital types of scoliosis, you don’t have to have a history of it in your family. Even children without known cases of scoliosis in their family can develop it.

Both boys and girls can be affected by scoliosis. But girls are at more of a risk of having the curvature increase overtime. And adult degenerative scoliosis can develop later in life, too.

Complications of Scoliosis 

Unsurprisingly, the most reported complication connected to scoliosis is back pain. But when scoliosis is severe, it can press the ribs into the heart and lungs. This may make it harder to breathe and impact heart functionality. 

Scoliosis can lead to unbalanced posture, misaligned hips and shoulders, and protruding ribs. This may cause discomfort, pain, or self-consciousness.  

Treatments for Scoliosis

The best way to know how to treat scoliosis is by catching it early. 

1. Back Braces

While a child’s body is still developing, a back brace can be a useful treatment for scoliosis. This is especially true if the curvature is between 25 and 40 degrees. The brace helps keep the spine from curving further. 

2. Surgery

For individuals with curves greater than 40 degrees, surgery is the best option. A doctor will fuse segments of vertebrae together and attempt to restore a proper curve to the spine. 

3. Scoliosis Chiropractor

Seeking chiropractic treatment for scoliosis is a great option, and you can start early. In fact, there are many benefits to pediatric chiropractic care.

It’s unlikely that a chiropractor will correct moderate to severe scoliosis. However, treatments have reduced back pain and relieved nerve pressure associated with scoliosis.

How Effective Is Chiropractic Treatment for Scoliosis?

Now you can easily answer, “what is scoliosis?” And talking with your doctor will help you determine how effective chiropractic treatment is for scoliosis.

Think about the types of scoliosis listed here if you’re concerned you may be suffering from it. Speak to your doctor about getting screened for it.  

If you’re ready to seek alternative treatment, find a scoliosis chiropractor near you.​

Have you noticed your leg feels numb or has started to tingle? Are you experiencing constant leg pain? There’s a chance you’ve developed piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome affects 200,000 people in the US each year. What is piriformis syndrome, exactly? What causes this condition and how can you treat it? Keep reading to find out! In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know about the causes, treatment, and symptoms of piriformis syndrome and how chiropractic may help.

What is Piriformis Syndrome?

First, let’s answer the question that’s likely on everyone’s mind: what is piriformis syndrome? This syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that develops when your piriformis muscles compress your sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle is located in the buttocks, above your hip joint.

This muscle helps us maintain our balance, walk, and shift our weight between both legs. It also helps us lift or rotate the thighs. In other words, it’s a component of every movement involving the legs and hips. Your sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle and extends down the back of your leg. When the piriformis muscle irritates your sciatic nerve, it can cause pain and other symptoms.

What are the Causes of Piriformis Syndrome?

The causes of piriformis syndrome are unknown. However, doctors have deduced a few probable causes.

For example, your muscle could tighten after you’ve sustained an injury or experienced a spasm. Such an incident could cause the piriformis muscle to swell as well. Muscle spasms and bleeding are potential causes too.

Piriformis Syndrome Symptoms

Piriformis syndrome symptoms include:

• Increased pain after you’ve remained seated for some time
• Reduced range of motion of your hip joint
• A dull ache in your buttock
• Pain down the back of your half, thigh, and foot
• Pain when you walk up stairs

These symptoms could get worse after walking, sitting, or running for some time. You might begin to feel better after lying on your back.

Piriformis Syndrome Treatment

Your doctor will complete a physical examination and instruct you to move your hip to recreate the pain. They’ll also use diagnostic tests such as an MRI or X-ray.

Once they’ve reached a diagnosis, your doctor might instruct you through a series of stretches. Stretching the hamstrings, hip extensors, and piriformis could ease your pain symptoms.

Your doctor might suggest physical therapy or a deep tissue massage as well. Physical therapy can stretch the muscle to reduce spasms. Massage therapy can increase blood flow to the area for healing.

Improving your posture could help you prevent piriformis syndrome from developing. Use good posture while exercising, running, and walking, too. Consider visiting a chiropractor to ensure your spine is aligned to improve your posture.

What is Piriformis Syndrome?: Your Complete Crash Course

To recap, what is piriformis syndrome? It’s a neuromuscular disorder that could cause pain and tingling in the leg and buttocks. Don’t live life in pain! Instead, consider visiting a licensed massage therapist. Start healing today. Ready to schedule your first appointment? We can’t wait to see you! Request an appointment with our team today to get started.

Does Chiropractic Work for Ear Infections?

Are you looking for an alternative treatment method for ear infections that are affecting you or your child? Does chiropractic work for ear infections?

Keep reading to learn more about chiropractic ear adjustments, what causes ear infections, and how chiropractic work may help. Find the best solution for you or a loved one with this guide. 

What Causes Ear Infections?

Ear infections are mostly bacterial infections. With children, an ear infection occurs when the Eustachian tubes get swollen and become clogged. This blockage then causes fluids to accumulate behind the eardrum. 

There are a number of factors that could cause these issues, such as allergies and colds that may cause excess mucus. It could also be caused by air pressure. A child with an upper respiratory infection or sore throat is more likely to get this infection. 

Additionally, moving between two different temperatures and air pressures can cause an ear infection. 

Some common signs of an ear infection in children are trouble sleeping, fussiness, or tugging at the ears. A parent should also look out for liquid draining from the ears. Getting a fever, as well as ear pain or pressure, are also common signs of an ear infection. 

Does Chiropractic Work? 

Some may be surprised by this, but the first thing to do when an ear infection is identified is nothing. This is because these infections tend to heal itself over time. In some cases, a doctor will recommend medication such as antibiotics, although they may come with side effects. 

However, chiropractic work can help to relieve and treat ear infections by working to improve the ear drainage. Additionally, one of the side effects that come with ear infections is having issues with the ability to balance properly, which a chiropractor can also help with. The chiropractor will use various techniques, such as a chiropractic ear pull to do so.

This will be especially useful for a child that is prone to getting ear infections, as consistent chiropractic work may reduce the frequency of infection. This is a great way to manage and reduce the pain that comes with ear infections and can be a good treatment method for both children and adults. Routine chiropractic work is a good option for those looking for an alternative treatment for ear infections so that they can avoid medication. 

This is a great way to manage pain and swelling in a method that is non-invasive. This can reduce inflammation while improving coordination. 

Consider Chiropractic Treatment for an Ear Infection 

Does chiropractic work for ear infections? The answer is yes. Whether you or your child are suffering from ear infections, chiropractic work can help. 

This is a great ear infection treatment option for those looking for a healthy and non-invasive way to reduce the pain, swelling, and other difficulties that come with this infection. Consider this treatment option that is helpful for both children and adults. 

Are you ready to get the chiropractic relief you need? Request an appointment with us today to get started. 

Do you have a young athlete in your family who is experiencing knee pain, swelling, or tight thigh muscles? It is possible that your child has Osgood-Schlatter disease. 

Many professional athletes suffered from Osgood-Schlatter disease as teenagers. If your child or teenager is experiencing knee pain, ask your doctor about this disease. 

While Osgood-Schlatter disease is painful, it does not last forever. Continue reading to learn more about what causes this disease.

What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease is inflammation of the growth plate at the top of the shinbone, below the kneecap. 

The growth plate is a cartilage layer towards the end of the bone. This part of the bone is weaker and more susceptible to injury. 

This disease usually does not cause permanent damage. It goes away when the person stops growing. 

What Causes Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

The pain most often occurs during growth spurts. The pain increases with physical activity such as jumping, running, or walking uphill. 

A tendon connects the shinbone and kneecap. During sports and physical activities, this tendon pulls on the growth plate which causes injury and pain. 

This disease is most common in boys aged 12 to 14 and girls aged 10 to 13. The disease is more common in boys, but as more girls get involved with sports, the gap is lessening. 

Osgood-Schlatter Treatment

Treatments of the disease are often simple. Ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication help decrease swelling and ease the pain. 

Your Chiropractor may prescribe specific stretches and strengthening exercises. 

It is usually okay for your child or teen to continue playing sports. But, severe pain may warrant a total break from high-impact activity until the pain gets better. 

Osgood-Schlatter Chiropractic Treatment

In cases where simple treatment isn’t enough, visiting a chiropractor is an option. If playing sports is important to your child, working with a chiropractor can offer a quicker and safer return. 

A chiropractor will use a combination of therapies to ease the pain and resolve symptoms. This will accelerate the recovery time compared to rest alone. 

Sever’s Disease vs. Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Another common pain-causing disease in adolescents is Sever’s disease. Although Sever’s and Osgood-Schlatter disease are similar, they are not the same. 

While Osgood-Schlatter disease causes knee pain, Sever’s disease causes ankle pain. The Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle can become inflamed as children grow. 

Both conditions result in aches and pain in the affected area. Pain from Sever’s disease can also increase after playing sports or other physical activities. 

If your child has Sever’s disease, you can seek out similar treatment options for their pain. 

Looking Forward 

Thankfully, long-term effects from Osgood-Schlatter disease are rare. Symptoms usually stop once your child stops growing. 

Now that you know what causes this disease, you can take the appropriate steps towards treatment. Take the first step towards a pain-free life, and contact us to set up an appointment today!