From time to time, children and adolescents hear from those who care for them that they should “sit up straight” or “stand tall.”
Generally, these suggestions simply ask for an adjustment in posture. However, a change in stance, uneven shoulder height or a perceived inability to maintain a level hemline of the skirt of an adolescent girl may indicate a true spine deformity.
Scoliosis, or a sideways curve of the spine, is a condition that occurs in otherwise healthy children and adolescents, often with few if any symptoms.
Some degree of scoliosis is relatively common. Very small curves may be detected in as many as two to three out of 100 people.
As scoliosis is related to growth, the curve may be quite small in younger-aged children, and therefore not readily apparent. The curvature becomes a concern as the severity increases with growth of the child.
Although scoliosis can occur at any age, most curves become more obvious during the adolescent growth spurt. Small curves occur with similar frequency in boys and girls, but girls are more likely to progress to the point of requiring treatment.
Diagnosis
The underlying cause of scoliosis may sometimes be related to a defect in bone development or other conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. However, the vast majority of cases are seen in healthy, active adolescents.
Scoliosis can run in families, but the exact cause of most cases is not known.
Scoliosis does not usually cause any pain. Your child’s primary care physician should inquire about your child’s strength and activity, as the evaluation of scoliosis requires a thorough medical history to determine if any other problems may be causing the spine to curve.
During an examination, the doctor will ask your child to bend forward, which will highlight any deformities. The nature and severity of the spine deformities are determined with an x-ray of the spine. The type of treatment required depends on:
The main categories of scoliosis in children and adolescents are as follows:
Treatment
Treatment options are limited to observation, casting/bracing or surgery. Physical therapy, chiropractic care and electrical stimulation of the muscles of the back have not been shown to change the curve nor alter its risk of progression. Severe deformities and those at risk to progress to unacceptable deformity or to the point of interfering in function warrant treatment.
Source:
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Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Scoliosis in Children & Adolescents" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & Wellness Blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a Multi-State board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those on this site and on our family practice-based chiromed.com site, focusing on naturally restoring health for patients of all ages.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Multidisciplinary Licensing & Board Certifications:
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License #: TX5807, Verified: TX5807
New Mexico DC License #: NM-DC2182, Verified: NM-DC2182
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Multi-state Compact APRN License by Endorsement (42 States)
Texas APRN License #: 1191402, Verified: 1191402 *
Florida APRN License #: 11043890, Verified: APRN11043890 *
Colorado License #: C-APN.0105610-C-NP, Verified: C-APN.0105610-C-NP
New York License #: N25929, Verified N25929
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ANCC FNP-BC: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner*
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Master's in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
Digital Business Card
Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)
(Licensed Medical Doctor)
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426749
MD License #: J2933
Licenses and Board Certifications:
MD: Medical Doctor
DC: Doctor of Chiropractic
APRNP: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
FNP-BC: Family Practice Specialization (Multi-State Board Certified)
RN: Registered Nurse (Multi-State Compact License)
CFMP: Certified Functional Medicine Provider
MSN-FNP: Master of Science in Family Practice Medicine
MSACP: Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice
IFMCP: Institute of Functional Medicine
CCST: Certified Chiropractic Spinal Trauma
ATN: Advanced Translational Neutrogenomics
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TCA: Texas Chiropractic Association: Member ID: 104311
AANP: American Association of Nurse Practitioners: Member ID: 2198960
ANA: American Nurse Association: Member ID: 06458222 (District TX01)
TNA: Texas Nurse Association: Member ID: 06458222
NPI: 1205907805
| Primary Taxonomy | Selected Taxonomy | State | License Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | 111N00000X - Chiropractor | NM | DC2182 |
| Yes | 111N00000X - Chiropractor | TX | DC5807 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | TX | 1191402 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | FL | 11043890 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | CO | C-APN.0105610-C-NP |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | NY | N25929 |
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
Digital Business Card
Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)*
(Licensed Medical Doctor)*
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426749
MD License #: J2933
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