Spinal defects occurring at a young age are certain to have lasting, total-body effects. Curvature defects in particular pose issues not just in nerve compression, but also in balance, coordination, and the spine’s ability to act as a shock absorber. Among the most common and most debilitating of spinal curvature disorders in adolescents is Scheuermann’s Disease.
Characterized by degrees of kyphosis and lordosis, Scheuermann’s Disease can have a profound effect on total body development. Mild cases can be seen in a hunched or slouched posture, while severe cases have been known to cause intestinal disruption and extreme, chronic back pain. Treatments range from conservative to highly invasive, and intrinsically depend on each patient’s presenting condition.
The chiropractors at Ideal Spine Health Center in Boise, ID are intimately familiar with Scheuermann’s Disease and the effects it can have on a developing spine. Using Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP), we help patients explore options for relief that don’t end with an invasive surgery and additional recovery period.
The setbacks of surgery
Surgery can be a necessary evil for reversing harsh effects of Scheuermann’s Disease. It’s estimated that around 10% of total back surgeries to correct the condition are accompanied by complications. Moreover, a full recovery can take as long was 2 years, during which time an individual is severely limited in their abilities.
Fortunately, if evaluated early, it’s possible for some patients to bypass surgery as the only viable option for relief. The disease is self-limiting and will cease to progress when spinal maturity is reached. Obtaining diagnostic imaging before the final maturation of the condition can be effective in minimizing its final effects and further treating them beyond maturation.
Non-surgical treatment options
Using radiological imaging as part of the CBP approach to patient spine assessment, a chiropractor can ascertain the curvature of the spine in precise angular measurements. This is important for noting the intensity of Scheuermann’s Disease and enabling possible treatment options.
Many times, kyphosis and lordosis can be addressed via a combination of physical chiropractic adjustments and the implement of a back brace. This is an especially promising tandem in the early stages of the disease, when the spine is still forming and maturing. The brace helps to promote good postural habits and keep vertebrae from shifting away from the ideal spine curvature, while adjustments slowly disrupt the abnormal growth patterns of the spine.
Once imaging is used to determine the degree of the disease, a CBP-trained chiropractor can map out a treatment plan for correction. This can be a counterbalance to the development of future symptoms, offering a return to ideal posture in incremental stages.
Scheuermann’s Disease is a root condition that presents symptoms beyond the aesthetic. Pain management is another critical aspect of treating the disease that chiropractic can encompass. Developing stretches to loosen chronically tight hamstring or receiving adjustments to decompress nerves caused by kyphosis/lordosis are paramount for total wellness.
Treating the condition properly
It’s possible to live a normal life with Scheuermann’s Disease if the right approach to treating it is taken. At Ideal Spine Health Center in Boise, ID, we utilize CBP methodologies to ensure we’re formulating the best treatment plan possible. We aim to see our patients through the condition and on to relief, without putting them under the knife.
Get in touch with our practice today for a free consultation if your child has been diagnosed with Scheuermann’s Disease or is presenting concerning postural habits.
Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.