How Chiropractic Care Helps Scoliosis
When you were in school, you may recall the nurse checking your spine for scoliosis. He or she probably had you all line up, observing your back as you bent forward to touch your toes. But why was this necessary?
Scoliosis is a postural deformity that has been an issue for time immemorial, and it has caused numerous problems for people of all ages. But while it may seem like the only way to fix scoliosis is through surgery, there is hope through chiropractic care!
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is typically defined as a lateral deviation of the spine.
When viewed from the back or front, the spine should follow a fairly straight line. If it curves to the left or right, this is evidence of scoliosis.
Along with this sideways deviation, scoliotic spines will also often be rotated inappropriately.
In summary, scoliosis typically involves a rotation and lateral deviation of the spine which can cause pain and dysfunction for patients.
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
An official diagnosis of scoliosis is usually made using an x-ray machine. By measuring a specific angle in the spine (known as the Cobb angle), clinicians can diagnose scoliosis and educate patients on the extent of the issue in question.
However, most mild cases of scoliosis are diagnosed through simple physical tests, such as the one many of us remember from our school days. By watching the spine as one bends forward to touch their toes, clinicians can get a good idea of the extent and shape of the scoliotic curve in question.
How is Scoliosis Treated?
Most cases of mild scoliosis aren’t treated at all. In fact, many individuals who have low-grade scoliosis will walk around without ever knowing they have the condition in the first place.
However, moderate to severe cases of scoliosis can cause both functional and aesthetic problems for patients. These are the individuals who will seek treatment for their condition.
Unfortunately, there aren’t too many options when it comes to treating scoliosis.
When it is identified in children, serial casting can sometimes be a viable option. This means using a progressive casting method to push the spine back into alignment.
Alternatively, for both children and adults, many doctors will look toward surgical corrections for scoliosis. Scoliosis surgery is extremely involved. The procedure involves metal rods, tons of screws, and various other components for it to be successful. Plus, after surgery, the patient will often be very stiff. However, for some serious cases of scoliosis, the benefits of surgery will often outweigh the downsides.
For those looking for an alternative to surgery, there are also alternative treatment methods for scoliosis.
Alternative Treatment Strategies for Scoliosis
Beyond surgery and casting, there are a few other key strategies that can help with scoliosis.
One option is exercise involving stretching and strengthening movements. Exercise plans for scoliosis will often involve stretches for any identified tight tissues and strengthening movements for any identified weak tissues. By progressing these exercises over time, patients can sometimes reverse their scoliosis, at least to a certain degree.
Chiropractic care is another wonderful alternative option for those with scoliosis pain. Chiropractors work to realign the spine through the use of manipulations, also known as adjustments. In doing so, they can slowly, over the course of many sessions, begin to assist the scoliotic patient in achieving a straighter, more upright posture.
Do you suffer from scoliosis? Is it negatively affecting your life? If so, you don’t have to resort to surgery, and you don’t have to keep living in pain! Our team at Anchor Health Chiropractic, the Noblesville chiropractor, is here to help you with your scoliosis symptoms. Book your appointment today.
