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.  Dr. Robert L. Larson, D.C., explores all non-invasive treatment options first, before deciding if surgery is necessary. A proper diagnosis of scoliosis is required to treat the curve.


During an initial consultation, Dr. Robert L. Larson will perform a physical exam. During the physical exam, he will ask if there is any history of scoliosis in your family and if you have experienced any pain or weakness. He may check range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes, but will ultimately perform something called the forward-bend test. During this test, the patient will bend over as if they are trying to touch their toes. This position makes the curve more obvious to detect.


If you have questions or concerns regarding scoliosis management and treatment, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drrobertllarson.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert L. Larson, D.C., in Billings, MT, call 406-655-0101.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Digital Motion X-Ray Machine

At the chiropractic office of Dr. Robert L. Larson, we strive to keep up with the latest advances in medical technology in order to best serve our patients. Dr. Larson is certified to manage spinal trauma cases and interpret MRI spinal scans. His office is also home to a digital motion x-ray machine, which provides additional valuable information to practitioners. Digital motion x-ray machines take hundreds of x-ray images of a patient’s spine while being put through different poses. This allows video software to assemble the images into a high-resolution animation of the spine that can be played back, paused, and overlaid with curvature measuring apps. By watching the video, a chiropractor is able to gain more information about how strained ligaments or other abnormalities are affecting the overall musculoskeletal system. This is particularly useful while analyzing cases of whiplash, in which the ligaments in the neck have failed, causing instability at the base of the skull.  Given t
Read more

Cell Phone Use and Neck Strain

Dr. Robert L. Larson, D.C. sees a lot of patients straining their back and neck by looking down at the screen on their devices.  You may have even heard this being called “text neck”. The average adult head weighs between 10 and 12 pounds, and neck muscles are meant to support the weight of the head in a neutral position.  Looking down at a screen increases the strain on your neck as if your neck is carrying a lot more weight.  Tilting your head forward just 15 degrees adds enough force to double the weight your neck is supporting, and the greater the angle, the greater strain.  Many people who text with their chin near the neck are tilting the head forward 60 degrees, which increases the load to about 60 pounds! The good news is we can make smarter choices about how to use devices every day to reduce strain on our bodies. Starting with good posture will always reduce strain on your neck.  Sit up straight with your shoulders lined up above your hips and your head upright. Hold your pho
Read more

Tailbone Injuries

Sprains to the tailbone are among the less common spinal injuries, but they can be a real pain. While the body possesses a potent capacity to heal itself, patients shouldn’t have to choose between suffering or taking dangerous painkillers while their tissues repair. At the Billings chiropractic office of Dr. Robert Larson, we provide minimally invasive, low-risk treatments to help our patients remain active and as comfortable as possible. The tailbone is a vestigial structure at the bottom of the spinal column that is made up of fused vertebrae. It is also called the coccyx and pain in the area surrounding it is called coccydynia. The tailbone is located in the pelvic region, and while it can be broken, it is more common for pain to be caused by bruising to the soft tissues that support it. Bruising in this area can be caused by injuries while horseback riding and cycling, and there are some cases that were caused by childbirth. Swelling in the pelvic region could cause sciatica and th
Read more