Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. The condition mostly advances in puberty due to rapid spinal growth. The curvature degree varies with each case, ranging from a minor curve to a nearly S-shaped curve.

 

Initially, most people do not see any symptoms of scoliosis. They may never have to make any accommodations either. You would only tell by looking at the child’s waist, shoulders, or hip. A child with scoliosis has an uneven waist, uneven shoulders, a hip higher than another. One shoulder blade may also be more prominent than the other.

 

With time, the situation worsens, causing them debilitating pain. In some severe cases, the curved spine reduces the amount of space available in the chest cavity, causing the patient shortness of breath.

 

Outside of adolescence, a case of scoliosis, like that of a small child, needs close monitoring. You would need X-rays to track its progress.

 

Chiropractic Treatment for Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a progressive condition that has no cure. So, the primary goal of treatment is to reduce the spine’s curvature structurally. As such, you need to be in the hands of a chiropractor with extensive knowledge and experience to assess and correct scoliosis.

 

Mild Scoliosis

Persons with only minor symptoms of scoliosis may not need any treatment. They only visit the chiropractor, who then orders X-rays to check how the curvature is progressing. If the spine is not increasingly curving, the patient may not need any treatments. Still, the chiropractor may offer some therapy treatments to help with any symptoms. You may be asked to wear a back brace or to undergo physical therapy. The treatment gently straightens your back, correcting the spine’s curvature.

 

Severe Scoliosis

Severe cases need a robust approach. The doctor uses a hammock and pulley to pull your spine back to position gently. For cases involving a lot of pain, the doctor may order spinal surgery to correct the spine’s position. One of the surgical treatments recommended is spinal fusion. It involves connecting two or more vertebrae with pieces of bone or other bone-like material. Once tied together, the bones can no longer move freely.

 

Moderate Scoliosis

For persons with mild to moderate scoliosis, chiropractic adjustments help to bring down the symptoms of scoliosis. They also help to correct the patient’s posture.

 

Chiropractic Care Reduces the Symptoms of Scoliosis

Most scoliosis patients develop muscle strain. They may also have pain in their neck, back, hips and shoulders. Chiropractic adjustments help to release the muscle strain and enhance circulation in the damaged muscles. The cells heal better, and any pain or inflammation decreases.

 

But, know that you might not achieve all this progress in only one session. It would help if you had routine spinal adjustments to see any significant progress.

 

In conclusion, chiropractic care may not resolve scoliosis. But, with routine treatments, you can achieve better spinal alignment and improved posture. Your symptoms may also decrease, and the quality of your life may improve.

 

Learn more about chiropractic care for scoliosis, contact East Bank Wellness in Chicago, Illinois at (312) 832-9700 to request an appointment.