Scoliosis is a condition causing the spine to curve sideways. The physical and psychological impact is often devastating. The condition affects the function of the organs near the spine including the lungs and the heart. Scoliosis is most common among young children and teenagers while experiencing growth spurts. Women are affected more than men, with no clear cause for ninety percent of the cases. The most common procedure for diagnosing this condition is the Adam’s Forward Test. This screening is simple, pain free and performed by a doctor. The individual is asked to bend over and touch their toes. The doctor stands behind them and looks for:
• A protrusion of the shoulder blade on one side
• One hip is much more prominent
• The length of the legs are different
• An uneven waist
• A tilted body
• The shoulders are not the same height
If you are diagnosed with scoliosis, your condition will be classified as either structural or functional. It is possible for you to have elements of both. Functional scoliosis is when the curve of your spine is caused by an issue elsewhere in your body. This is generally a mild condition with a long curve in your spine involving numerous vertebrae. In most cases there is no spinal segment rotation. This condition can disappear or lessen over time with treatment. Structural scoliosis is more severe and causes changes to your vertebrae. If you have functional scoliosis and do not receive treatment, it can lead to structural scoliosis.
In some cases, the pain of functional scoliosis can be lessened with mild exercises. Since this condition involves muscles spasms and a difference in the length of your legs, Pilates, yoga or swimming may be helpful. Additional treatment may or may not be needed. Many individuals receive chiropractic treatments for extreme discomfort or high levels of pain.
The Chiropractic Treatments for Scoliosis
Chiropractors have a fairly wide variety of methods effective for treating scoliosis. In many instances, the treatments lessen the spinal curve, improve both posture and the spine, increase functionality and decrease pain. Chiropractic care is often the most effective if you use it in conjunction with additional rehabilitative therapy. Chiropractic treatments are extremely effective in relieving pain and restoring the loss of functionality associated with scoliosis. The most effective treatment plans will lengthen and strengthen your muscles located on the curve’s concave side. This enables the return of your spine to midline. There is an immense strain placed on your muscles on the other side of the curve because your body is being placed into an unnatural position. A chiropractor can get these muscles to relax and alleviate pain.
The Journal of Chiropractic Medicine released a report in 2011 documenting the effectiveness of the combination of chiropractic treatment and rehabilitative therapy. This report established the pain and disability of scoliosis were reduced significantly. There were 28 participants in the study. All of these individuals had a reduction in pain, with 22 achieving a reduction in the Cobb angle through a combination of the two therapies. When a follow-up examination was conducted two years later, the positive changes were still in effect.
Your chiropractor will customize your care based on your specific curvature. The muscles of your spine will be targeted for strengthening. Your therapy may include dynamic tension orthosis or exercises designed specifically for your treatment. Myofascial treatments including the Active Release technique may also be used for treatment. Every treatment you receive is based specifically on the curvature of your spine. You will also receive chiropractic treatment targeting any factors that may cause your condition to worsen. This type of care is often a proactive way to effectively deal with a diagnosis of scoliosis.
Chiropractic care is designed to provide you with the necessary relief from pain. Early intervention and detection are critical for a successful treatment plan. Your chiropractor understands scoliosis and can formulate the ideal treatment plan. Not only will this offer you relief, but your condition can often be halted before it becomes any worse. More and more health care professionals have started recommending chiropractic care for this condition to restore the curve of the spine back to normal. Even if you have not received a diagnosis of scoliosis, you may have an abnormal curvature of your spine. This can cause inflammation, pain and discomfort. These issues can be addressed by your chiropractor in addition to realigning your surrounding anatomy and spine.
If you are interested in receiving real relief from the pain you are experiencing, please call 205-637-1363 so we can help.
