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Chiropractors/Functional Scoliosis
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Question
Hey there. Is it possible to have functional scoliosis show up on an xray but not an MRI?
Terry,
Thanks for your question.
A functional scoliosis is defined as a structurally normal spine that appears to have a lateral curve (scoliosis).
Nonstructural scoliosis involves a temporary change of spinal curvature. This is caused by an underlying condition such as a difference in leg length, muscle spasms, or inflammatory conditions, (e.g. appendicitis), which may produce muscle spasm. Functional scoliosis is treated by correcting the underlying problem. The spine itself needs no treatment.
Functional scoliosis is also called nonstructural scoliosis as opposed to structural scoliosis in which there is a fixed curve of the bones of the spine (the vertebrae).
An MRI would typically not be used to identify a functional scoliosis; indeed, since the functional scoliosis is a temporary condition, it might not even be identified if it is not present at the time of the exam, or if it is, it might be identified as an incidental finding).
I hope this helps to answer your question.
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Gerald Anzalone, D.C.
Expertise
I can answer questions about musculoskeletal-based, evidence-based chiropractic practice.
Experience
13 years of chiropractic practice; currently practicing in an integrative medicine clinic.
Organizations
West Hartford Group, a think-tank that has put forth a model of chiropractic care that is consistent with that of the World Federation of Chiropractic and the Chiropractic Strategic Planning Conference. This model is of the chiropractic physician as the spinal health care expert within the health care system, i.e. society’s non-surgical spine specialist.
Publications
Chiropractic Products magazine
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts, Fordham University, 1991. Doctor of Chiropractic, New York Chiropractic College, 1997.
Awards and Honors
Fordham University: Scripps Howard Journalism Award. New York Chiropractic College: Clinic Award. University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine: University Award for participation as student president of the Integrative Medicine Program.
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