Back to School Means Time to Check Your Child’s Spine: Scoliosis Awareness for Lake Mary Families

It’s that time of year again! The smell of new crayons, the excitement of seeing friends, and the rush to get everything ready for the school year. For parents in Lake Mary, this is a busy time. While you’re thinking about backpacks and schedules, let’s talk about something super important for your kids’ health: their spines.

You might be taking your kids for their school physicals right now. That’s a great step in keeping them healthy! But along with checking vision and hearing, there’s another check you should think about: scoliosis screening. This is a health concern for many families in Sanford and the surrounding areas.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is when the spine curves sideways instead of being straight. It can look like an “S” or a “C” shape. Sometimes, the curve is small, and other times it can be more noticeable. Scoliosis usually shows up in kids between 10 and 15 years old, right during those big growth spurts of adolescence.

The Importance of Early Detection

Finding scoliosis early is really important because if it’s left unnoticed, the curve can get worse as your child grows. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and even problems with breathing in more severe cases. Parents in Longwood should be particularly mindful of this during their children’s growth years.

The Adam’s Forward Bend Test: What You Need to Know

You might have heard of the Adam’s Forward Bend Test. This is when a child bends forward at the waist, and someone looks at their back to see if one side of the rib cage is higher than the other. This test is often used in schools or during quick check-ups.

While the Adam’s test is a good first step, it might not catch smaller curves in the early stages. Think of it like this: a small bend in a tree might not be obvious until it’s grown much bigger. The same can be true for scoliosis. A mild curve might not be visible with the Adam’s test but could still get worse during those rapid growth years.

Why Early Scoliosis Checks Matter

Even small curves can progress, especially during the teenage growth spurt. Missing these milder cases early means missing the chance to address them proactively. That’s why it’s a good idea to be aware of scoliosis and consider more thorough checks, even if the initial Adam’s test looks normal. This is a topic we discuss with families from DeBary and beyond.

Scoliosis Screening in Lake Mary: Why It’s a Must

 

 

If you live in the Lake Mary area, scoliosis screening should be part of your back-to-school health checklist. Many parents focus on the basics — vaccinations, vision, and dental checkups — but forget how important the spine is to a child’s growth, posture, and development.

A proper scoliosis screening in Lake Mary can help you catch potential spinal issues early, before they become long-term problems. These screenings aren’t just about identifying scoliosis; they help evaluate the overall alignment and balance of your child’s spine.

If a curve is detected, the next step is a full assessment by a qualified professional such as a Lake Mary scoliosis chiropractor who can evaluate the extent of the curvature and discuss the right course of action.

Pediatric Chiropractic Care in Lake Mary: A Gentle Approach to Growing Spines

At Lake Mary Chiropractic, we believe in proactive care for kids. Pediatric chiropractic care in Lake Mary focuses on gentle, non-invasive adjustments designed specifically for children. When scoliosis is detected early, pediatric chiropractic care may help in managing the progression of spinal curvature.

Chiropractors trained in pediatric care understand how to work with growing bodies. They use techniques that support spinal alignment, muscular balance, and improved posture. For mild curves, these treatments may help reduce discomfort and improve spinal health over time — without medications or invasive procedures.

Options for Scoliosis: Beyond “Wait and See”

If your child is diagnosed with scoliosis, don’t worry! There are different ways to manage it, depending on how big the curve is and if it’s getting worse. It’s not always just a case of “wait and see.” Here at Lake Mary Chiropractic, we can discuss these options with you. Here are some options to consider:

Corrective Chiropractic Care (Chiropractic Biophysics® – CBP):

Some chiropractic approaches, like Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP), focus on correcting the underlying spinal curvature. CBP uses specific adjustments, exercises, and spinal traction to try and improve the alignment of the spine over time. The goal isn’t just to relieve pain but to actually correct the abnormal curve. Studies show this method to be effective at reducing scoliosis.

ScoliBrace:

The ScoliBrace is a custom-made brace designed using 3D scanning technology. It’s a more modern approach to bracing compared to traditional braces. ScoliBrace aims to provide a more comfortable and potentially more effective correction of the spinal curve. Because it’s custom-made to the individual’s specific curve, it can offer a more precise fit and targeted pressure.

Scoliosis Treatment for Kids in Lake Mary: What to Expect

 

When parents hear “scoliosis,” it’s natural to worry. But the truth is, most scoliosis cases are mild and can be managed with non-invasive treatments. Scoliosis treatment for kids in Lake Mary can include regular monitoring, home exercises, bracing, and chiropractic care, depending on the severity.

For families in Lake Mary, Sanford, and surrounding areas, having access to scoliosis care that’s local, affordable, and child-focused is essential. That’s why many turn to Lake Mary Chiropractic for both screening and ongoing treatment.

Scoliosis Care for Children: Your Role as a Parent

When it comes to scoliosis care for children, early awareness and action are key. Here’s how you can help:

  • Schedule regular checkups during growth spurts

  • Watch for signs like uneven shoulders, visible curves, or one hip higher than the other

  • Encourage good posture and core-strengthening exercises

  • Partner with local providers who specialize in pediatric spinal care

By being proactive, you can give your child the best chance at staying healthy, active, and pain-free.

Why Choose a Lake Mary Scoliosis Chiropractor?

A Lake Mary scoliosis chiropractor is trained to recognize even subtle signs of scoliosis in children. They use advanced diagnostic tools, such as digital posture scans or spinal x-rays, to get a detailed understanding of the spine. Based on these insights, they can create a personalized care plan tailored to your child’s age, spinal development, and activity level.

Whether you’re seeking an initial diagnosis or alternative treatments to surgery or bracing, a scoliosis-focused chiropractor can help guide you through the process with confidence.

Final Thoughts: Making Informed Decisions for Your Child’s Spine

It’s important to talk to healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about scoliosis to figure out the best plan for your child. This might involve a chiropractor trained in scoliosis correction or a medical doctor, such as an orthopedist specializing in scoliosis surgery for large curvatures more than 45 degrees. They can help you understand the magnitude of the scoliosis and the risk of it progressing. Our team at Lake Mary Chiropractic is ready to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your child.

With the back-to-school season in full swing, there’s no better time to add spinal health to your family’s to-do list. With options like scoliosis screening in Lake Mary, pediatric chiropractic care, and scoliosis treatment for kids, your child is in good hands — and on the path to a strong, healthy school year.