Scoliosis refers to an abnormal condition of the spine that forces it to have an acute curvature on certain parts. The severity of the condition and preferred treatments depend on the degree of curvature. Scoliosis treatment doesn’t guarantee the elimination of the curve but instead slows down the progression of the condition. Over the years the medical advancements have made non-surgical treatment of scoliosis possible. Here are some non-invasive options that hold great promise for halting the progression of scoliosis before it gets too serious, demanding surgical intervention.
Observation
If detected early during its first phases, most of the scoliosis cases don’t require treatment. Doctors normally recommend the observation method on young children with mild spinal curves. The observation method involves the “wait and see” as the doctor tries to identify the cause of scoliosis and if it looks to progress in the future. Should it continue increasing in curvature degrees, your doctor will proceed to recommend other treatments.
Braces
Back braces are recommended for kids with mild scoliosis. Since children’s bones continue to grow, there is a risk of progression of the condition. Most back braces are made from plastic and designed to conform to the child’s body. Although the braces don’t promise the correction of the curves, they help stop the backbone from progressing to prevent the need for surgery. The treatment method is effective until the child stops growing mostly in their teenage years.
Physical therapy
Certain physical therapy sessions specialize in scoliosis-specific exercises. These exercises are customized depending on an individual’s spinal curve and will usually work to balance and strengthen muscles in the back. They work best when practiced consistently. In regaining the balance of posture and strong muscles, the spinal curvature will hardly increase. Also, they reduce pain, which makes the condition bearable.
Yoga
Yoga exercises are used to reduce pain levels and improve the state of the back and leg muscles. A qualified instructor will study your condition and personalize your yoga exercises to strengthen muscles adjacent to the side on the curve. Avoid poses that compromise the spine triggering pain and progression of scoliosis. Yoga also works to improve your body posture, which helps prevent the progress of the curve.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care entails of adjustments and manipulation of the spinal cord and other surrounding bones and muscles. These chiropractic techniques will often offload pressure and tension on the spine reducing pain and increasing body functionality. Individuals who have scoliosis could benefit from chiropractic care through pain alleviation and proper spine function. Your doctor of chiropractic will examine the state of curvature and decide on the best way to readjust your muscles to slow the progression of scoliosis.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory drugs are effective when seeking pain relief methods to contain scoliosis. Your doctor could prescribe stronger pain relief medication if the pain is too severe. You could also use over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to manage everyday tasks comfortably. If scoliosis worsens to affect the normal function of the legs, your doctor may inject an epidural or nerve-blocking drug to offer short-term relief. Steroid injections are also an option when the pain is too severe. It is administered with the supervision and recommendation of your doctor. However, the results aren’t long-term.
Exercises
Exercises such as stretches and walking could help strengthen back and abdominal muscles. Stretches in particular aid in relieving pain caused by the spinal curve. These exercises eventually slow down the progression of the condition when the right poses are chosen. Also, in maintaining a healthy weight through exercising, you offset unwanted pressure from the spine, which helps in maintaining healthy spine curvature or its deterioration.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Chinese-originated pain relief method that utilizes thin needles on pain points. For scoliosis treatment, the acupuncturist will identify pain points along the back and insert the needles to relieve inflammation. It is believed that the therapy acts to regain body balance that can be useful in preventing the increase in curvature degrees in the spine. If handled by a qualified acupuncturist and taken in multiple sessions, an individual with scoliosis will experience relief and desired results.
Most doctors recommend coupling two or more of these non-invasive treatments for maximum effect. With frequent check-ups, you will narrow down to the best alternative. Surgical operation is the last resort when all other options fail to halt the progression of the curve and reduce pain. Call us today at 205-637-1363 to book an appointment and start a scoliosis treatment procedure immediately.
