Remember school scoliosis screenings? Some of us Richmond adults do! We were checked back when we were adolescents in school. Chiropractors are spine specialists who check for spinal curvatures.

 

Scoliosis defined. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that is greater than 10 degrees on xray imaging. Johnson Chiropractic appreciates the simplicity of this definition, but Richmond scoliosis patients find that their condition is further categorized as congenital, idiopathic or neuromuscular.

 

Scoliosis screenings.  Since these kids are school-aged when scoliosis starts, school scoliosis screenings were often done. Today, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons still support such screenings. Some organizations have recommended against them due to cost and follow up. (1)  One study reported that of the children screened and referred for further evaluation, 4.1% were referred for additional checking. Of those, only 74% sought further evaluation from a chiropractic or medical physician. 448 kids need to be screened to identify 1 child who needed further follow up treatment. (2)

To be sure young people are checked, scoliosis screenings are left to the doctors who care for them during the well-patient visit. The screening takes less than a minute. Your Richmond chiropractic physician is available to check your children’s spines, too. Just ask! If there is no curvature of the spine, great. If there is, fine. Johnson Chiropractic can set a treatment plan to deal with it earlier than later. Studies show that medical and chiropractic physicians work cooperatively for the benefit of adolescent scoliosis patients. (3)

Lastly, scoliosis screening guidelines. The latest recommendations are that girls are screened twice (at 10 and 12 years) and boys screened once at 13 or 14 years old. (4) Chiropractic physicians specialize in the spine, so trust your Richmond chiropractor to check your child’s spine.

Contact Johnson Chiropractic if you have a young person in need of a spinal check. It’s a healthy choice for your child and re-assuring choice for you.