5 Ways A Chiropractor Can Help You with Scoliosis
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. Normally, the spine has gentle curves when viewed from the side, but when scoliosis occurs, it results in a sideways curve that resembles an “S” or a “C” shape. This curvature can occur in any part of the spine, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), or lumbar (lower back) regions.
Scoliosis can vary in severity, and it can develop at any age. There are two primary types of scoliosis:
1. Idiopathic Scoliosis: This is the most common type of scoliosis, and it typically occurs during adolescence, between the ages of 10 and 18. Prevalence and curve severity are higher for girls than for boys, and the female to male ratio increases with increasing age of the children. The exact cause is unknown (hence the term “idiopathic”), but it often has a genetic component.
2. Non-Idiopathic Scoliosis: This type of scoliosis has an underlying cause, which may include congenital spinal deformities, neuromuscular conditions (e.g., muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy), injuries (e.g., pelvis misalignment or spinal fracture), infections, or tumors.
The degree of curvature in scoliosis can vary widely. While mild cases may not cause significant symptoms or health problems, on the other hand, severe cases can lead to pain, discomfort, and potentially affect lung and heart function if the curvature presses on these organs. In such cases, surgical intervention may indeed be necessary. However, these procedures often involve the use of implants, such as rods and screws, which will greatly diminish the mobility of the spine. Therefore, early detection and intervention are essential for managing scoliosis effectively, especially in children and adolescents when the condition is more likely to progress. Regular check-ups with chiropractors who specialise in spinal care are crucial for monitoring the condition and determining the appropriate treatment plan could be useful in managing and treating scoliosis as they are healthcare professionals who are specialised in musculoskeletal system and nervous system. In this article, we will explore five ways in which a chiropractor can assist with scoliosis treatment, highlighting the potential benefits of their expertise.
Chiropractors are skilled at assessing the musculoskeletal alignment, particularly the spine. With the goal of improving spinal mobility, nerve function and overall health, chiropractor emphasised thorough evaluation and precise adjustment to address spinal misalignments or subluxations.
1. Evaluating and Monitoring Scoliosis: Gaining a thorough understanding of a patient’s medical history is crucial because it can provide insights into any prior injuries or related factors that might contribute to the development of scoliosis. Chiropractors will conduct comprehensive assessments, including a detailed medical history and spinal assessment/physical examination to identify the underlying causes and assess the severity of scoliosis in their patients. For instance, chiropractors utilise x-ray analysis, instrumentation, visualisation, motion and static palpation to identify the root cause of scoliosis. This is done to eliminate any contraindications and better understand the actual cause for scoliosis together with the best treatment option. With this information in hand, chiropractors can provide targeted, effective spinal adjustment whilst monitor any changes in your condition over time.
2. Creating Customized Treatment Plans: Chiropractors understand that each case of scoliosis is unique. They design personalized treatment plans that consider anatomical and physiological factors such as anatomical leg length discrepancy, the severity of the curvature, the direction of the curvature, age, overall health, and any other medical conditions you may have. These tailored plans according to each patient’s unique circumstances often combine with specific chiropractic adjusting techniques. Customized care is an essential aspect of chiropractic practice, as it ensures the effectiveness of the treatment plan and eliminate the unwanted effects of unspecified treatment.
3. Spinal Adjustments and correction: Gonstead chiropractors are well known for their expertise in specific spinal adjustments, which involve applying high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrust to the only vertebrae which is causing the problem. For scoliosis patients, chiropractic adjustments can help in enhance spinal mobility, withdraw nerve interference, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall quality of life. Regular adjustments can effectively manage associated symptoms that comes with misaligned vertebrae and preventing further unwanted curvature progression.
4. Corrective Exercises and Stretches: Chiropractors often prescribe corrective strengthening exercises and stretches that focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine. These exercises help improve posture, enhance spinal stability, and alleviate strain on the muscles affected by scoliosis. By targeting muscle imbalances, chiropractors contribute to a more balanced alignment of the spine.
5. Postural Guidance and Education: Chiropractors provide valuable guidance on maintaining proper posture throughout daily activities. We teach scoliosis patients how to sit, stand, walk, and lift objects in ways that minimise stress and the chance of getting injured to the spine. This ergonomics education empowers individuals with scoliosis to actively participate in their treatment by making conscious postural choices which results in a better treatment outcome.
The outcomes of chiropractic care:
While chiropractors cannot reverse the underlying structural malformation associated with scoliosis, they can certainly play a role in managing the condition’s impact on an individual’s daily life. Scoliosis treatment with a chiropractor focuses on improving spinal mobility, enhancing nerve function, reducing pain, and promoting better posture. It’s important to note that the efficacy of chiropractic care for scoliosis varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the curvature and other individual factors, such as anatomical short leg, congenital malformations of the pelvis or spine, occupation, lifestyle, chronicity etc.
When to Consider Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis:
While some minority consider chiropractic care as a complementary approach, most people consider chiropractic care as the primary choice to manage scoliosis, especially in cases where the curvature is mild to moderate. In fact, most of the scoliosis cases are caused by imbalance pelvis which lead to unstable spine. The human body is a remarkably complex and efficient machine. The skeletal-muscular system gives form to the body, and in the neutral position. The body naturally and efficiently maintains posture balance while attempting to expend minimal muscular energy. These processes respond to a centre of mass inputs, as well as the equilibrium somatosensory impacts of the visual relationship to the horizon and the vestibular system, ensuring even weight distribution around a central axis with minimal postural energy expenditure. An imbalance in the pelvis can lead to a deviation of the spine above it towards one side. Our body naturally attempts to reestablish balance, so the spine may gradually shift back toward the centre of mass. Over time, this process can contribute to the development of spinal curvature. Gonstead chiropractors who mainly focuses on the pelvis (the foundation of our spine) may be one of the efficient ways to manage individuals with scoliosis who experience pain and discomfort, muscle tension, and postural issues. It’s crucial to consult as chiropractor to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific case.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, chiropractic aims are not to ‘straighten’ the spine but to ensure all vertebrae to be in a function position for better spinal mobility, thus better nerve function. Chiropractors can provide valuable support and relief to individuals dealing with various symptoms caused by bad spinal alignment, while plays a crucial role in scoliosis. Through personalized treatment plans with specific spinal adjustments, corrective exercises, and postural education, chiropractors can effectively manage scoliosis-related discomfort. If you are currently suffering from scoliosis and seek for non-invasive approaches to enhance your quality of life, consulting a qualified Gonstead chiropractor may offer valuable insights and benefits.
