Treat Scoliosis with Chiropractic Care & Physical Therapy
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
Scoliosis can easily be identified visually. By taking a close look at the shoulders and back, you can determine if someone is suffering from this skeletal condition. Common symptoms of scoliosis include the following:
- Abnormal posture
- Uneven hips, waist, and shoulder blades
- Shoulder blade that sticks out
- Rotating spine
- Unequal gaps between the arms and waist
- One leg appears shorter than the other
- Difficulty in breathing caused by a reduced area in the chest for expanding
- Back pain
The initial cause of the most common type of scoliosis, called idiopathic scoliosis, is still unknown. However, studies have shown that the curve’s progression happens because of the brain’s failure to recognize that the body’s posture is misaligned. It doesn’t direct the muscles to correct the spinal curvature, thus abnormal spine growth. Other causes of scoliosis can include previous spinal injuries or genetic conditions that cause the ligaments and muscles around the spine to be too loose, causing the spine to be unstable.
Chiropractors and physical therapists help locate and manage various bodily pains and pain disorders. Additionally, they also help treat bone disorders and the symptoms that come with them. Scoliosis is one of our most commonly treated conditions. Take a look at how we can help you manage scoliosis symptoms.
Childhood Scoliosis Treatment
Children and teens are susceptible to scoliosis. A combination of growth spurts, rapid body development, bad posture, and certain habits can cause the spine to be driven out of alignment. It can, however, be treated early on to prevent it from developing into long-term spinal dysfunction.
You might be wondering if chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy are safe for children and the simple answer is yes. Parents’ common concern is that the thrusts and adjustments can hinder or limit their children’s growth. Parents do not need to worry as the safety of these treatment modalities have been widely studied and are practiced with utmost care, regardless of the patient’s age.
Chiropractic Approaches to Scoliosis
Chiropractors commonly use three basic approaches for patients with scoliosis. These treatments are non-invasive and non-addictive methods in managing it.
Chiropractic adjustments with no brace
Scoliosis curves vary in their degree of curving. Adolescents experiencing small and functional spinal curvature (around 10-20 degrees) can be treated with chiropractic adjustments alone and rehab.
Brace-less chiropractic approach
Scoliosis can be treated without a brace. This approach is focused more on exercise and traction. It is more effective in patients who are inching towards the end of growth or past the peak adolescent growth spurt. These factors play a part in the treatment’s success:
- Skeletally mature
- C-curves respond more significantly to brace-less treatments
- Centering of the uneven upper body with the pelvis
- Presence of flexible curves
Brace-based chiropractic therapy
This approach is most common in children who have a curvature of over 20-25 degrees. The chiropractor may recommend one of two treatments: braces with specific exercises, or braces alone. Both show promise and are very effective. For best results, the regular and correct wearing of the scoliosis brace is essential.
Benefits of Consulting a Scoliosis Chiropractor
Consulting a chiropractor is one of the most ideal ways to help treat scoliosis. It can also help prevent severe development upon early detection. It can be beneficial for scoliosis patients in a variety of ways.
Following a treatment plan for you
Scoliosis can worsen over time and can severely affect one’s quality of life. With a chiropractor diagnosis, you can track its progression to create a chiropractic treatment plan that is suitable for you.
Offers functional support
There are other related conditions that may arise or are already present with scoliosis. Chiropractic methods can help relieve you of that pain and help you regain most to the full function of these affected areas.
Gives direct referrals to medical specialists
If the patient’s condition worsens or does not improve, and if the chiropractor sees that more specialized care is needed, the patient may be referred to another medical professional to receive better treatment.
Options for Treating Adult Scoliosis
Chiropractic care and physical therapy are the most popular adult scoliosis treatment options. Below are the different methods our experts use to ease your symptoms:
Intensive Chiropractic Care
Our chiropractic treatments for scoliosis focus on decreasing the pressure on your nervous system and strengthening your body’s core. Our experts will conduct tests to fully identify the severity of your condition and develop the appropriate treatment plan. This non-invasive, non-surgical approach can help relieve serious scoliosis symptoms but without the long recovery time.
Exercise and Rehabilitation Therapy
Physical therapy is also an integral part of scoliosis treatments, especially for milder cases and postural scoliosis. A physical therapist or chiropractor will suggest exercises to help reduce pain while strengthening the muscles. Most of these focus on back and core muscle improvements to help support the spine.
Vibration Therapy
In cases that the patient is unable to perform the exercises, whole-body vibration therapy can be done. This treatment uses vibrations to strengthen bones and muscles while alleviating mild pain.
Massage Therapy
Massages help provide temporary relief from your scoliosis pain. They also help balance the muscles in different areas of your body.
Dietary Recommendations
Your chiropractor may recommend making some adjustments to your diet and taking supplements. This may include adding calcium, vitamin D, fish oil, and magnesium to help relieve pain.
