Scoliosis is the curving of the spine that happens during growth spurts just before puberty. However, scoliosis can be caused by cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. The causes of the majority of scoliosis are unknown. Most scoliosis cases are mild but can get worse as children grow older. Extreme curves in the spine can cause some problems in the chest area, making it hard for the lungs to function properly. Children with scoliosis are monitored closely to prevent the curve from worsening, usually through x rays. Children are given a brace to wear to prevent scoliosis from getting worse, but in some cases, surgery to might be needed to realign the spine if the issue is severe. Contact Dr. Han Jo Kim, our scoliosis specialist long island, and see how we can help your today!
Symptoms
- Your shoulders start to get uneven
- One shoulder blade appears more prominent than the other
- Your waist is uneven
- One hip higher than the other
If the scoliosis twist worsens, the ribs on one side of the body will stick out farther than the other. Though most doctors don’t know how most scoliosis happens. Here are some of the causes of scoliosis can be:
- Neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
- Congenital disabilities affecting the development of the bones of the spine
- Injuries to or infection of the spine
Risks
- Age – Scoliosis signs usually begin during a growth spurt just before puberty.
- Sex – Though both girls and boys develop scoliosis at relatively the same rate, girls are at a much higher risk of developing a severe curve which will need treatment.
- Family history – Scoliosis can be genetically passed down, but most cases are.
Some complications that one will experience difficulties such as:
- Heart and lung damage – In severe cases, the rib cage can press against the lungs and heart, making it harder to breathe and hearts to pump.
- Back problems – Adults who had scoliosis as a child are at risk of experiencing chronic back pain.
- Appearance – As it worsens, physical appearance can change, such as uneven shoulders, noticeable ribs, and a shift in the waist and trunk to the side.
Scoliosis Specialist Long Island
Most mild cases of scoliosis can treat with particular exercises and stretches, removing the need for surgery. Research has found specific types of exercises for scoliosis have significant benefits, as always consult with your doctor or physical therapist to find the best exercises and stretches for you. The best scoliosis exercise is based on a person’s own scoliosis experience. Your doctor can recommend the following exercise:
- Pelvic tilts– this exercise will help stretch tight muscles in the hips and lower back.
- Arm and leg raise- this exercise can strengthen your lower back.
- Cat camel- the cat camel is a yoga pose. It keeps the spine flexible and pain-free.
- Bird dog- another yoga exercise
- Latissimus dorsi stretch- people can stretch the latissimus dorsi (the largest muscle in the lower back). Thoracic scoliosis directly affects these muscles. Lumbar scoliosis can cause back tension that travels up to the latissimus dorsi.
- Abdominal press- having a strong core can alleviate stress from your back. Furthermore, it promotes having good posture.
- Practice good posture- good posture can reduce pain and muscle tension. Realigning your spine several times a day to help with natural posture.
- Targeted programs- scientific exercises approach to scoliosis (SEAS) is a personalized program that shows a person to steadily correct movement issues and changes the position of their spine. The best exercise program depends on what type of scoliosis you have. In addition to that talking to your doctor or physical therapy to see which exercises are safe to do from home and which ones are not.
- Walking and running ( sprints)
Exercises To Avoid
- Bending your neck forward to where it faces down like when using a phone.
- Playing high impact sports
- Ballet or gymnastics
- Repeatedly extending the torso
- Exposing spine to repeated impacts
Dr. Han Jo Kim – Scoliosis Specialist Long Island
Dr. Han jo Kim is a spinal surgeon in New York. Most scoliosis cases are mild but can get worse as children grow older. Also, extreme curves in the spine can cause some problems in the chest area, making it hard for the lungs to function properly. So if you need a scoliosis specialist long island, look no further because Dr. Han jo Kim is the best for the job. To learn more about Dr. Han Jo Kim, visit his website to learn more about how we can help today!