Chiropractic Treatment for Scoliosis
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that occurs in close to 5% of the population globally. It is usually diagnosed between the ages of 12 and 16, although adults can also suffer from this condition. If the curvature is left untreated, it will get progressively worse with time, which in turn can lead to further health complications including problems with the heart and lungs and digestive tract and excruciating pain.
Scoliosis can happen anywhere along the spine and is usually accompanied by the vertebrae and rib cage rotating within the body. The reason a curve is formed lower down in the spine is due to a loss of the curve in the neck of the patient. As the curve disappears in the neck area, the rest of the spine and surrounding muscles are left to compensate for carrying your head. Extreme cases of scoliosis can have a curve of 30 degrees and sometimes more.
The exact cause of scoliosis is still unknown, although there are a number of contributing factors. Illness, trauma, injuries, other diseases and even day to day activities like sitting at a computer all day can all precipitate scoliosis in a patient. A great deal of research has also shown that this condition can be passed from parent to child genetically.
How to Treat Scoliosis
Treatment for scoliosis can take one of three forms, or all three depending on the person. Chiropractic treatment, bracing and surgery are the most common forms of treating someone with scoliosis. The goal of all types of treatment methods is to reduce the pain felt by the patient, as well as the curve of the spine.
During bracing, the person suffering from scoliosis must wear a correctional brace at all times. There are different types of braces, but the newer styles are lightweight and flexible. They work by exerting a light resistance on the body, so that the muscles reform and the spinal curve can be reduced. These are best used on children who are still growing, particularly those during their first growth spurt.
The spine is fused to a metal rod to hold it in place during scoliosis surgery. This treatment is usually only recommended for those patients with an extreme deformity or who have had no success with the other methods of treatment. Unfortunately, the rod can corrode over time, so it is likely that part or all of it will need replacing. This is an invasive surgery and many people are trying alternative ways to cure their scoliosis before committing to this procedure.
While the goal of chiropractic treatment for scoliosis is to reduce pain, straighten the spine and improve movement of the body, the ultimate aim is to halt the progression of the disorder and to avoid surgery if at all possible. During a chiropractic treatment, the ligaments and tendons will be loosened, the spine will be re-adjusted and then the muscles will be retrained so that they will hold their correct position. This should lead to better posture in the person, as well as increased flexibility and movement.
Chiropractors use a number of different techniques to treat scoliosis. At all times, a complete history of the scoliosis diagnosis and changes for the better or worse are documented through the use of x-rays. Using and comparing subsequent x-rays of the patient's spine, the chiropractor can actually measure the curvature of the spine. This information is vital in determining the best methods of treatment for each patient. Spinal adjustments using specialized equipment, coupled with stretching and exercises can be very beneficial in the treatment of scoliosis. Contrary to those who advocate surgery, treating scoliosis with chiropractic techniques is all about movement instead of rigidity. Of course, with all treatment methods, success comes down to the willingness of the patient to take part in any and all prescribed measures.
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that occurs in close to 5% of the population globally. It is usually diagnosed between the ages of 12 and 16, although adults can also suffer from this condition. If the curvature is left untreated, it will get progressively worse with time, which in turn can lead to further health complications including problems with the heart and lungs and digestive tract and excruciating pain.
Scoliosis can happen anywhere along the spine and is usually accompanied by the vertebrae and rib cage rotating within the body. The reason a curve is formed lower down in the spine is due to a loss of the curve in the neck of the patient. As the curve disappears in the neck area, the rest of the spine and surrounding muscles are left to compensate for carrying your head. Extreme cases of scoliosis can have a curve of 30 degrees and sometimes more.
The exact cause of scoliosis is still unknown, although there are a number of contributing factors. Illness, trauma, injuries, other diseases and even day to day activities like sitting at a computer all day can all precipitate scoliosis in a patient. A great deal of research has also shown that this condition can be passed from parent to child genetically.
How to Treat Scoliosis
Treatment for scoliosis can take one of three forms, or all three depending on the person. Chiropractic treatment, bracing and surgery are the most common forms of treating someone with scoliosis. The goal of all types of treatment methods is to reduce the pain felt by the patient, as well as the curve of the spine.
During bracing, the person suffering from scoliosis must wear a correctional brace at all times. There are different types of braces, but the newer styles are lightweight and flexible. They work by exerting a light resistance on the body, so that the muscles reform and the spinal curve can be reduced. These are best used on children who are still growing, particularly those during their first growth spurt.
The spine is fused to a metal rod to hold it in place during scoliosis surgery. This treatment is usually only recommended for those patients with an extreme deformity or who have had no success with the other methods of treatment. Unfortunately, the rod can corrode over time, so it is likely that part or all of it will need replacing. This is an invasive surgery and many people are trying alternative ways to cure their scoliosis before committing to this procedure.
While the goal of chiropractic treatment for scoliosis is to reduce pain, straighten the spine and improve movement of the body, the ultimate aim is to halt the progression of the disorder and to avoid surgery if at all possible. During a chiropractic treatment, the ligaments and tendons will be loosened, the spine will be re-adjusted and then the muscles will be retrained so that they will hold their correct position. This should lead to better posture in the person, as well as increased flexibility and movement.
Chiropractors use a number of different techniques to treat scoliosis. At all times, a complete history of the scoliosis diagnosis and changes for the better or worse are documented through the use of x-rays. Using and comparing subsequent x-rays of the patient's spine, the chiropractor can actually measure the curvature of the spine. This information is vital in determining the best methods of treatment for each patient. Spinal adjustments using specialized equipment, coupled with stretching and exercises can be very beneficial in the treatment of scoliosis. Contrary to those who advocate surgery, treating scoliosis with chiropractic techniques is all about movement instead of rigidity. Of course, with all treatment methods, success comes down to the willingness of the patient to take part in any and all prescribed measures.