Conventional Allopathic medical diagnosticians often treat Scoliosis, in both children and adults, as a mysterious ailment with no real anatomical explanation. When asked, these well-meaning diagnosticians can’t explain the real musculoskeletal cause of the usual Scoliosis.
As a result, they treat all Scoliosis cases as a primary, idiopathic disease of “unknown origin.” They often will recommend a lifetime of brace therapies or surgical placement of rods and other hardware—but in truth, this is rarely necessary.
In truth—Scoliosis is usually secondary to a relatively easily diagnosed, relatively easily treated sacroiliac joint injury—which means common Scoliosis is a problem that is relatively easy to remedy. Consequently, there is renewed hope in there being a true, non-disfiguring remedy that addresses the actual underlying cause of Scoliosis. (See Causes & Symptoms for details.)
The vast majority of Scoliosis cases can be diagnosed, treated, and rehabilitated by performing a thorough:
- Orthopedic Medical History
- Hands-on, Functional Anatomic Physical Examination
— and employing a varied combination of therapies, such as:
- Osteopathic Manual Therapy
- Prolotherapy
- Orthotic Therapy
- Rolfing Therapy
- Pilates Instruction, and
- Physical Therapy
When you visit BOULDER SCOLIOSIS, we will gather a through medical history and perform an integrated physical exam. Here’s what you can expect:
History—we will ask about:
- Age of onset
- Locations, characteristics, and levels of pain
- What aggravates the pain
- Postural, movement, and strength problems
- Previous accidents or injuries
- Family history of Scoliosis and similar joint dysfunctions suggestive of General Ligament Laxity
- Previous diagnostic studies and therapies.
Physical exam—we will perform:
- Total body posture (standing and supine) assessment
- Gait analysis
- Leg length discrepancy assessment
- Foot and leg muscle strength assessment, differentiating true sciatic nerve involvement from ligament pain, especially if there is low back pain referral
- Pelvic and sacral alignment assessment
- Total vertebral alignment assessment for extent of any Scoliosis
- Low back (L 3-4-5) alignment assessment
- Upper back (T-6-7 and costovertebral) and neck alignment assessment
NOTE: A radiological study (X-ray) is helpful in documenting the extent of the vertebral misalignment in Scoliosis cases. However, seldom is such a study necessary to make the actual diagnosis. Thus, our proposed diagnosis and treatment strategies are effective and efficient—while ensuring minimal physical and psychological impact on the patient.