What Every Parent Should Know About Scoliosis
What Every Parent Should Know About Scoliosis
Every parent should know that it is essential to have the spine of your child examined by a postural specialist for early indications of scoliosis. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that often causes stiffness and pain. The curvature of the spine associated with scoliosis resembles an “S” shaped lateral curve. However, before developing a full scoliotic curve, there are often early indications that are much more subtle. Once these early indications are identified, the development of a full “S” shaped curvature can be prevented or reduced with spinal alignment and postural correction techniques.
The importance of a good postural evaluation to determine the presence of an abnormal curvature of the spine is a priceless investment in the development of your child’s spine and bodily structure. Early postural correction treatments have been demonstrated to prevent the progression of abnormal spinal curvatures and postural imbalances in children. The American Posture Institute’s postural correction program 12 Weeks to Better Posture Kids not only helps to straighten the spine by correcting the spinal misalignments, but also improves the posture of children to ensure proper structural and physiologic development.
There are two types of scoliosis, structural scoliosis and nonstructural scoliosis. It is pertinent to understand that a nonstructural scoliosis is not a congenital condition, and therefore can be reversed or reduced with specific postural correction care. Nonstructural scoliotic curves are caused by a repetitive biomechanical imbalance of the body, common examples include: poor postural habits, pelvic and spinal misalignments, spinal muscle imbalances, and leg length discrepancies. A discrepancy in leg length during growth can cause an abnormal lumbar curvature due to a misaligned pelvis. Muscular imbalances and recurrent spinal misalignments may also develop secondary to a child’s poor postural habits.
Children with scoliosis develop various other physiologic defects throughout their lives, including chronic spinal pain, decreased muscle coordination, inefficient respiration, and gait imbalances. The gait of children with scoliosis is usually found to be abnormal as a result of walking with a curved spine and misaligned pelvis.
Postural correction can help improve this condition, and therefore help improve the overall structure, function, and the quality of life of your child. Regular postural evaluations from a young age can help reduce the progression of scoliosis and can dramatically improve the development of your child’s spine. The doctors of the American Posture Institute are highly specialized in identifying and correcting spinal misalignments to reduce spinal pain, improve posture, and ensure proper spinal development. Don’t wait to have your child’s spine evaluated; their health depends on it.
