Chiropractic is a branch of medicine focusing on the treatment of disorders in the joints and spinal cord.
Scoliosis is a complex condition. Its severity varies from one person to another. If you or someone you know has scoliosis, chiropractic care can help. However, your primary physician may recommend other treatment approaches.
A chiropractor specializing in all components of scoliosis and its multiple treatment modalities can help improve the condition. There is no one-treatment-fits-all when it comes to scoliosis. It is best to have a better understanding of the condition and how chiropractic fits in the picture.
What Is Scoliosis?
This condition is the abnormal curvature of the backbone. It often shows up in childhood or adolescence. An X-ray will reveal if you have it. A curvature of ten degrees or more is considered scoliosis.
The different types of scoliosis are:
- Idiopathic Scoliosis: This is the type of scoliosis that has no known cause. In most cases, the doctors can’t find the underlying reason behind the curvature.
- Degenerative Scoliosis: This type of scoliosis affects adults. As you grow old, the discs and joints in your lower back wear out — resulting in curvature.
- Congenital Scoliosis: It starts developing in the womb. The baby’s vertebrae may fail to develop or divide, causing the spine to curve. The doctor may only find out about their scoliosis once the baby is born or in their teenage years.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis: This type of scoliosis may happen if there is a spinal injury or spinal disorder, such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida. The muscles that are supposed to support your spine can no longer do it, causing the spinal cord to curve.
What Are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?
The degree of scoliosis plays a role in how severe the symptoms will be.
Here are some common symptoms associated with scoliosis:
- Back pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Uneven hips
- Rotating spine
- A shoulder blade is higher than the other
- A shoulder blade is protruding more than the other
Scoliosis Diagnosis: How Is It Done?
Your doctor will perform a thorough physical exam to see if there’s something unusual with your spine. Further imaging is required to uncover the extent of the curvature.
During the physical exam, your doctor will assess your back with both of your arms on the side. They’ll also see if your hips and waist are asymmetrical. Your doctor may also ask you to bend forward to check for any curvature on your lower and upper back.
Imaging tests will show the degree of scoliosis.
Your doctor may order any of the following:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- Bone scan
- MRI scan
Can Scoliosis Be Treated With Chiropractic Care?
Scoliosis is a condition that requires ongoing care. A common misconception is that the curvature of the spine is curable. What chiropractors can do is manage the symptoms and provide you with relief. However, not all chiropractors are equipped to address this condition.
General practitioners usually approach scoliosis as they would other spinal disorders. However, that simply won’t address the root cause of scoliosis. Know that your treatment provider, plan, and approach will determine your progress with the condition. With general chiropractic, the adjustments will only provide comfort from scoliosis-related pain temporarily.
A chiropractor that specializes in scoliosis will be able to provide you with scoliosis-specific treatment. Know that there is no quick fix when it comes to this condition. Any medical practitioner who promises this rarely delivers the results their patients are expecting.
Traditional Approach vs. Conservative Approach: What To Know
Scoliosis treatment is usually divided between the traditional and conservative approaches.
Traditionally, an individual schedules an appointment with a medical professional for a diagnosis. Then they would be referred to a spinal surgeon if their case is worse than imagined. For moderate scoliosis, the likely recommendation is observation.
More often than not, scoliosis progresses. This is when spinal fusion surgery is the best treatment left. It is an invasive — and costly — surgical procedure. Screws and rods are attached to the spine, which aim to properly align an individual’s spine.
The risks of this procedure include:
- hardware failure;
- subsequent surgeries; and
- limitations to spinal flexibility.
On the other hand, there’s the conservative approach — a scoliosis-specific treatment from a scoliosis-specific chiropractor. You may be wondering, “How effective is chiropractic treatment for scoliosis?” Although there’s no right answer to its effectiveness, chiropractic treatment guarantees relief and overall improvement of the patient’s condition.
With this, the patient will undergo different treatments, including:
- chiropractic care
- therapy
- corrective bracing
- rehabilitation
These treatment approaches focus on the structural level. Also, they work in conjunction with one another. Over time, they will minimize the curvature. Each treatment plan is customized to address every individual’s needs.
Reach Out To Advanced Chiropractors Group
We at Advanced Chiropractors Group are connected to licensed chiropractors near you. If you or someone you know is looking for a treatment option for scoliosis and other musculoskeletal disorders, call us. We’ll be more than glad to assist you! Live a better life one day at a time with scoliosis-specific chiropractic care.
