Thoracic scoliosis is a condition that affects the spine’s curvature around the chest and upper back region. Although it can be diagnosed in children, adults stand vulnerable either because the curve existed since their childhood years and progressed into their adult years or as a result of degenerative changes in the spine. Osteoporosis is the leading risk factor that exposes an adult to develop thoracic scoliosis.
Thoracic scoliosis has no definite cure. However, treatments aim at reducing pain experienced by patients suffering from the condition and preventing further progression of the curvature. This piece aims at discussing some of your treatment alternatives as an adult diagnosed with thoracic scoliosis.
Medication
This section involves the use of painkilling medication that may help relieve the pain linked to scoliosis. You may decide to purchase over the counter anti-inflammatories such as aspirin or ibuprofen without a prescription. Nonetheless, proceed with the option after advice from your doctor. In case the pain is unbearable and continues to persist even after taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication. Some pain management clinics specialize in helping patients alleviate pain. You could consider heading into one for pain management drugs and techniques.
Chiropractic care
Again, chiropractic care doesn’t cure scoliosis but somewhat reduces pain and improves mobility. Chiropractors make use of spinal adjustments and tendon realignment to restore proper spinal functions and release tension from adjacent muscles. Your chiropractor should also recommend scoliosis friendly exercises to induce mobility. Maintaining a healthy weight from the exercises also helps in offsetting unnecessary weight that might cause strain to the spine. With a few sessions from your favorite chiropractor, you will receive enough guidance on managing your condition and preventing further degradation of the spine.
Corticosteroids injections
Thoracic scoliosis, in its severe state, can irritate or put immense pressure on the nerves connected to your spine. If you feel sharp and tingling pain that alternate with numbness felt all the way from the lower back down to the toes, you could use some spinal injections. These steroid injections are administered on the affected areas to relieve pain and may last anywhere between a few weeks or months. They aren’t usually a long-term solution but will work better than painkilling medication.
Scoliosis-specific exercises
Certain exercises are wired to ease tension around the curvature. You might want to seek the guidance of a specialist for accurate diagnosis, and in return, they should guide you through tailored exercises that will stop the progression of your curvature. Exercises also help you in maintaining a healthy weight that decreases the risk of straining your back.
Heat and cold therapy
Heat therapy has, for centuries, been known for its effectiveness in easing muscle tension and alleviating pain in affected areas. Consider applying a hot pad on the aching area around the curvature to offer pain relief remedy. Let the heat pad sit on the afflicted area for about twenty minutes. Repeat this at least twice a day, preferably before you start your day and at the end of the day. Ice or cold packs also work wonders. You could alternate the cold pack after the heat pad. Similarly, let it sit for about twenty minutes to offset the pressure in the muscles and affected area.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture makes use of traditional medicine that revolves around placing needles on the inflamed area. The treatment allows more blood circulation and energy flow releasing tension which offsets weight off the spine. At the end of the procedure, you should experience pain relief, although the best results are felt after a few sessions of quality acupuncture. Consult with your doctor before heading for acupuncture for pain relief remedy for your thoracic scoliosis condition.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is often the last option when all other treatment options fail. Your doctor may also suggest surgery if your spinal curvature continues deteriorating by the day. In case your nerves get compressed or irritated, surgery might be your only solution to reducing scoliosis pain. Unfortunately, surgery is invasive and may take you up to a year to fully recover. The success rates of reducing pain after surgery are incredibly high but only recommended as the last resort.
If you have been struggling to find ways to alleviate pain from your spinal section, this piece has listed the best options. Contact us at our facility at 205-637-1363to talk to the best experts and let us help you lead a painless life. You don’t have to be a slave to thoracic scoliosis.
