If you have recently been diagnosed with scoliosis, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do about it! Scoliosis is a progressive condition, so the longer that you have it, the worse it can get.

That said, though, it is a unique condition because it doesn’t follow a predictive pattern in every person. Some cases appear in childhood but then don’t get much worse, and others will continually curve and will begin to affect daily life.

Read on to learn more about scoliosis! Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team fills you in below.

Where Does Scoliosis Come From?

If you have scoliosis, your spine formed in an “S” or “C” shape instead of in a typical vertical line. Most cases are idiopathic, which means that there is no known cause. However, scoliosis can run in families and tends to affect more girls than boys.

If you start to notice some symptoms or changes in your posture, scoliosis may be to blame.

Scoliosis and Posture

• Difference in shoulder height
• Asymmetry in ribs
• Difference in hip or shoulder blade height
• Prominence on one side of the back when bending over

Is There Anything I Can Do for Scoliosis?

If you do have scoliosis, there will probably be some degree of curvature in your spine throughout your life. Most cases are minor and don’t affect people’s day-to-day activities, but some can require back braces or surgery if the curve is severe enough.

You will probably have a few more appointments to meet with a medical provider to make sure the curve isn’t getting any worse, and you may have a set of X-rays done each time as well to get a better picture of the progression.

Managing Your Symptoms

• Consistent exercise to strengthen your back muscles
• Anti-inflammatories to manage pain
• Yoga and stretching to help alleviate pressure points on your back

Wondering whether your child may have scoliosis? Come see us for an X-ray at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road!