When the body is seen from behind, a normal spine is straight without much disparity from laterally. Scoliosis is a condition that is often associated with a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature of the spine.The disorder shouldn’t be confused with unsatisfactory posture, though it frequently gives the appearance that the person is leaning to one side.

Even a nonprofessional can help to identify a child or grownup with scoliosis just by looking at the person in a standing position, preferably with no shirt and in boxers, and observing the following:

• One shoulder may be more elevated than the other.
• One scapula (shoulder blade) may be more elevated or more pronounced than the other.
• There may be more area between the arm and the body on one side when the arms hang loosely at the side.
• One hip may appear to be higher or more prominent than the other.
• The head is not centered over the pelvis.
• One side of the back appears higher than the other when the individual is observed from the rear and asked to flex forward until the the spine is horizontal.

Unfortunately, young people are sometimes hesitant to let their body to be looked at by parents and other adults, so it is smart to have this age group examined on a regular basis.

The child or adult should be sent to a health professional, such as a chiropractor, for further diagnosis once scoliosis is detected.

Regular spinal adjustments with our computerized, non-traumatic Pro-Adjuster and specialized spinal exercises are crucial for the Scoliosis patient.

The sooner treatment is started the less likely the patient will need to wear a scoliosis brace, or be subject to a risky surgical procedure.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with scoliosis, please contact us at 648-7987 and ask for our $27 internet new patient special to determine if you can be helped at the Ventura Spinal Care Center.