Scoliosis

Affects of Scoliosis on the Body

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This is an x-ray of a seven year old boy with 30 degree scoliosis.
    Scoliosis tends to be a minor issue if the curve in the spine is smaller.  The back and spine function perfectly fine and you feel and look fine.  However, when the curve gets larger, the back muscles are struggling to keep the person standing up.  Along with this difficulty, the increased pressures on the disks in between the vertebrae make them get worn out quicker.  This makes the disks not cushion as well, which leads to backaches and pain.  When the curve gets extremely large, this can cause severe deformities of the heart, lungs, and the nervous system.  Some of the affects from these major organs are difficulty breathing and the heart pumping slower.  

        Then again, the most significantly noticeable affects of scoliosis is seen in the skeletal system.   The curve in the spine can case the deformity of other bones, such as thepelvisand rib cage.   One of the major signs of scoliosis is a difference in the height of both sides of the rib cage or a shoulder that is higher than the other.  When scoliosis deforms the ribs, this can cause problems, as well. In very severe cases, patients with smaller lung capacity must use supplemental oxygen.

    Although the muscular, skeletal and circulatory systems are most commonly affected by scoliosis, other problems may occur. Neurological problems can result from either scoliosis itself or treatment that is supposed to be against the disorder that results in spinal cord damage. Most chiropractors believe that imbalances caused by scoliosis can affect every system in the body, and treating these imbalances will lead to a better health overall. 

    To find the diagnoses of scoliosis click the link labeled  "Treatments and Cures" seen under  'more' or click here.

By: Gwynn Marsh-Armstrong, Alice Choe , and Sneha Raj