Scoliosis Diagnosis

Scoliosis is a lateral (toward the side) curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. Scoliosis is usually mild and needs no treatment; however, for more severe cases treatments include a back brace or sometimes surgery to straighten the spine.  At Carolina Chiropractic Center, treatment of scoliosis is based on the severity of the curve and the chances of the curve getting worse.

Without an X-ray of the spine, there are several common physical symptoms that may indicate scoliosis. One of the most common tests for detecting scoliosis is called the Adam’s Forward Bend Test, in which the individual bends from the waist as if touching the toes. Dr. James Huggins, Jr. will then observe for one or more of the following signs of scoliosis:

• One shoulder is higher than the other


• One shoulder blade sticks out more than the other


• One side of the rib cage appears higher than the other


• One hip appears higher or more prominent than the other


• The waist appears uneven


• The body tilts to one side


• One leg may appear shorter than the other

If you have questions about scoliosis, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, be sure to contact Carolina Chiropractic Center for an appointment. Our Florence, SC office can be reached by phone at (843) 665-9192 or through our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com.