Scoliosis Treatment - Chiropractic: How Chiropractic Care Works for Scoliosis

Why Scoliosis Treatment is Necessary

Scoliosis treatment is necessary because scoliosis can cause severe issues. Usually, scoliosis develops before puberty. However, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy can also cause scoliosis. Fortunately, many cases of scoliosis are mild. On the other hand, scoliosis can become more severe and cause major issues. In some cases, patients experience breathing difficulty. Scoliosis also affects physical appearance and functionality. Doctors monitor and treat young scoliosis patients. Additionally, some cases of mild scoliosis do not require treatment. Some patients only experience minor issues. Fortunately, scoliosis can be fixed naturally. Girls are more likely to develop severe spinal curvature, and they are more likely than boys to require treatment. Scoliosis treatment may be minor, and it depends on the patient’s condition. There are many signs that scoliosis is present, and there are also plenty of treatment options. Patients should always seek treatment if scoliosis is suspected.¹

Symptoms of Scoliosis

Common scoliosis symptoms are present in the back, hips, and shoulders. For example, one shoulder blade could be higher or stick out more than the other. The patient’s hips can be uneven. Uneven hips affect walking and twisting. Of course, back pain is another prominent symptom. Additionally, patients can experience symptoms that are associated with the condition that caused scoliosis. Scoliosis can be a symptom of cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, birth defects such as spina bifida, and spinal injuries or infections. Symptoms can help a doctor diagnose the condition and recommend scoliosis treatment. Doctors can use imaging technology and a physical exam to diagnose scoliosis. For example, unusual spinal curvature is a strong indicator of scoliosis. A visual inspection of the spine in different positions can reveal a lot. Next, patients should seek scoliosis treatment options if they are necessary.²

Traditional Treatment Options

Scoliosis treatment depends on sex, severity, curve pattern, curve location, and maturity. For example, back braces are more effective on children whose bones are still growing. Back braces reduce scoliosis. They can alleviate moderate scoliosis in young patients. Typically, braces are made of plastic. They are custom-made to fit the patient’s body type. Braces cannot fix the curve, but they can prevent a worsened curve. Braces are worn all day and all night. Sometimes, patients who participate in some physical activities have to take their brace off temporarily. Braces are especially effective when the patients are compliant. Patients should report any discomfort or issues to their doctor. Braces are discreet, and they can hide under clothing. Typically, patients stop wearing braces when their bones stop growing after puberty. Often, scoliosis is resolved while the patient is still young.³

Surgery for Scoliosis

Unfortunately, some cases of scoliosis require surgical treatment. Severe scoliosis can become progressively worse, and doctors will usually recommend surgery to prevent further issues. Spinal fusion can treat scoliosis. In spinal fusion, two or more vertebrae are fused together. Essentially, the fused vertebrae become one bone. Additionally, metal rods, screws, wires, and other materials are used to hold the spine in place while the fusion sets. Spinal fusion creates limitations in the spine, but it can also prevent worse complications from severe scoliosis. Potentially, spinal surgery complications include, bleeding, infection, pain, and nerve damage. Rarely, patients have to undergo another surgery because the bones did not fuse properly. In most cases, patients do not need surgery for scoliosis treatment. There are alternative treatment options that are safer, and patients should consult their doctors to learn about all of their treatment options.⁴

Scoliosis Chiropractic Treatment in Kids

In most cases, back braces are used to treat scoliosis in kids. However, some young patients also undergo surgery. Young patients who undergo spinal fusion will receive an adjustable rod that can lengthen while the child grows.⁵ Scoliosis treatment chiropractic care can be effective for kids. In general, chiropractic care is safe for children. Studies have shown that chiropractic care can treat many conditions in children. Chiropractic treatment for scoliosis is non-invasive, low-cost, and safe. Often, bracing is part of chiropractic scoliosis treatment. Chiropractors can use spinal adjustments, traction, and similar methods to encourage the spine back into alignment. They can also use imaging technology to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Patients are monitored to ensure that they are responding positively to treatment. Scoliosis treatment is most effective during childhood. Many patients go on to live happy and healthy lives.⁶

Chiropractic Treatment for Scoliosis in Adults

Generally, scoliosis treatment options are less effective for adults. Juvenile treatment is still the most effective option for several reasons. Adult spines are less flexible, and any scoliosis curvature has already set in. Additionally, scoliosis is lessened when patients are young. However, one study does show that there may be some effectiveness to chiropractic treatment for adults with scoliosis. Many of the patients who participated in the study reported improvements in pain, and the spinal curvature became more normal. The study took place over the course of two years, and there were some limitations related to how the patients self-reported. Fortunately, the conclusion to the study was promising. Furthermore, further studies are necessary in order to draw stronger conclusions. Patients can consult their primary healthcare provider before seeking chiropractic treatment for adult scoliosis. Most patients benefit from chiropractic care.⁷

Massage Therapy

In many cases, chiropractic care and massage therapy go hand-in-hand. Specifically, massage can reduce back pain and complement scoliosis treatment. Unfortunately, massage therapy cannot cure scoliosis. On the other hand, it can temporarily alleviate symptoms. Cranial-sacral therapy and deep tissue massage relieve scoliosis. Cranial-sacral therapy affects spinal column tissue, and deep tissue massage stretches tightened areas and promotes blood flow. Additionally, massage therapy increases mobility and encourages better sleep. Research has shown that massage significantly reduces pain, and it can help patients live more comfortably while they seek further treatment. It is also safe for both kids and adults. Of course, patients should always consult their doctor before trying any new treatment options. Patients who experience discomfort should report any issues that they have to their massage therapist and doctor. Massage therapy is just one part of treatment.⁸