Scoliosis - curvature of the spine

Signs or Symptoms

A twisting of the spine, a high hip or shoulder that is always present, an imbalance in the shape of the rib cage, or later in life possibly shrinking and becoming shorter.

Description

Abnormal curvature of rhe spine. This can be due to a structural defect, a misshapen spine bone or a short leg. It can be due to chronic muscle imbalances or it can occur for no apparent reason and is then called idiopathic.

Standard treatment

Watching to see if it progresses and then braces to hold you straighter and then finally surgery.

AK Approach

First an over al view of your posture and muscle balance is done. Testing is done to find out which muscles are not contrating enough and tests are done to find out why. Imbalances in the length of the legs is evaluated to see if it is due to muscle and other structural problems like a twisted pelvis or I it accually a short leg and a lift is needed to correct it.

The major muscles that control spinal alignment are tested to see if they are contracting evenly. Those that are out of balance are corrected to help bring a balance back to the spine. Home exercises are given to the patient to stretch and relax overly contracting muscles and exercises to strengthen weak under functioning muscles.

Research from different parts of the would has shown that imbalances in areas like the TMJ (jaw) and in the feet, dropped arches, can play a part in the muscles imbalances in the spine.

All f these different factors and more are tested and treated with the aim of normalizing the strengths of the muscles that hold you up.

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