Scoliosis is the term for the abnormal curvature of the spine that affects an estimated 7 million Americans. Even individuals with minor scoliosis may find the illness an unpleasant obstacle to their everyday lives. Symptoms can vary from little apparent to severe. What choices do you have, though, if surgery isn’t an option for you?
Most people consult a physical therapist, orthopedist, or primary care physician for scoliosis treatment. However, an increasing number are also seeking chiropractic care. Why? In this article, we’ll look at how can a chiropractor help scoliosis.
What is Scoliosis?
Before talking about scoliosis, there are two things to know about it. First of all, a “scoliotic” curvature in your spine is any lateral or sideways bend in your spine. Whether the curvature is 3 degrees or 20 degrees, the word refers to the sideways bending of the spine. Scoliosis, often called clinical scoliosis, is different from a scoliotic curve.
When the degree of bend is greater than or equal to 12 degrees, clinical scoliosis is most frequently diagnosed. At this point, the curve may start to significantly impact posture, physical motions, and even cause discomfort. Two varieties of scoliosis exist:
1. Structural Scoliosis
One kind of scoliosis that results from the shape of the bones is called structural scoliosis. There’s a chance that certain bones are misaligned, causing the vertebrae above to tilt sideways. This scoliosis is unfixable with chiropractic care or other conservative therapies like physiotherapy or osteopathy. Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or osteopathy can all help with the pain associated. Structural scoliosis increases joint range of motion and movement through various approaches. Since we cannot alter the bones’ structure, it is exceedingly challenging to realign the spine.
2. Functional Scoliosis
Functional scoliosis is the term for the other kind of scoliosis. Chiropractic care and other conservative therapy may be helpful for this kind of scoliosis. When you have functional scoliosis, your posture causes your spine to curve sideways rather than so much that the bones form a wedge. Typical instances of asymmetrical behaviour are as follows:
- Driving a vehicle or machine with a manual gearbox always at work meant repeatedly depressing the clutch for many years.
- Working in a factory requires only moving the body in one direction.
- Engaging in physical activities that demand you to repeatedly use one side of your body over the other, such as badminton, when you can only use one hand.
Exercises like the ones listed above can lead to asymmetrical muscle development. And it can considerably greater workload on one side of the body. The far more common issue is that it develops postural habits. That result in the spine twisting sideways or scoliotically when a person leans to one side.
What Causes Scoliosis Pain?
A cartilage disc sits between each vertebrae in a normal spine, arranging the vertebrae neatly on top of one another. When you move, your vertebrae are cushioned and made more flexible by this cartilage.
However, scoliosis causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. All the vertebrae “tilt” to one side instead of looking like a tidy stack of bricks. Other diseases (such as muscular dystrophy) may cause scoliosis or develop suddenly as you age.
A relatively minor curvature may result in significant back pain from scoliosis. The spine’s lateral, or sideways, curvature compresses the spinal discs on one side. It causes the vertebrae to rub against one another, as the x-ray image above illustrates. Insufficient cushioning between vertebrae can lead to the development of painful bone spurs.
Additionally, this misalignment might pull your nerves and cause joint strain. However, the pain associated with scoliosis extends. And it goes beyond your spinal column to include your tendons and muscles.
How Can a Chiropractor Help Scoliosis
Chiropractors prescribe braces and surgery as popular treatments. But there are non-invasive alternatives that can relieve pain and realign the spine, such as chiropractic care. People with scoliosis can benefit from chiropractic care in five different ways.
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Acute and Chronic Pain Relief
Scoliosis can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Because of its uneven pressure on the spine and surrounding muscles. Chiropractic adjustments, which entail manipulating the spine. It may reduce pain by enhancing spinal alignment and lowering inflammation.
One of the most prevalent problems people with scoliosis have is pain and discomfort. It can significantly lower their quality of life. Get in touch with a chiropractor who can assist you. If you want to relieve scoliosis-related pain without using opioids or narcotic drugs.
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Improved Posture
An uneven posture is one of the most obvious signs of scoliosis. Uneven shoulders, a protruding shoulder blade, or a lateral curvature of the spine may result from this. The goal of chiropractic care is to realign the spine. This can assist in addressing scoliosis-related postural abnormalities.
One of the most prevalent problems that persons with scoliosis encounter is postural difficulties. You may find that you are more at ease at work or in the classroom if you can correct your posture. To start, think about making an appointment with a chiropractor.
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Increased Mobility
More movement might benefit those who have scoliosis. It promotes better alignment and flexibility. Frequent movement keeps the spine flexible and maintains its natural curves. Exercises that increase muscle strength, such as yoga, stretching, and swimming. It can lessen the effects of scoliosis.
This improved mobility also helps to reduce pain related to the illness. It also enhances general physical well-being. The best way to manage scoliosis is to speak with a healthcare provider. Ask him which exercises are best for you. For a healthier spine, keep your body moving and stay active.
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Help With Spinal Misalignment
Spinal misalignment is the most common reason for tilting or twisting the spine. Imagine a block tower that leans if one block is missing. Similarly, the entire back is impacted by misalignment of the spine. A misalignment like this leads to scoliosis.
A chiropractor can use natural chiropractic techniques to help posture and the spine. Alignment because scoliosis can result in spinal misalignment. These adjustments were made by the chiropractor. This kind of adjustment involves the chiropractor adjusting the spine using their hands or a little instrument. It’s not as forceful as surgery but consists of some force.
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Non-Invasive Treatment Option
Conventional scoliosis therapies, including bracing and surgery, can be costly. Also can be time-consuming and involve a lengthy recuperation period. Without requiring surgery, chiropractic care is a non-invasive option to enhance spinal alignment.
Chiropractic adjustments can help patients live better. It lives by managing pain, enhancing mobility, and improving posture. All of which can help reverse severe spinal curvatures. Seeking a chiropractor who can assist with scoliosis. It is a good option if you want to minimize adverse effects while treating your condition.
Things to Consider in Chiropractic Treatment Plans
The most effective scoliosis and scoliotic pain therapies deal with the condition’s underlying causes rather than just its symptoms. Consequently, while considering chiropractic care as a kind of treatment, keep an eye out for these two crucial elements.
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Cultivating a Customized Treatment Plan
Every patient with scoliosis has a unique set of trigger points, symptoms, and severity levels. The first examination and x-ray of each patient are the only factors that create efficient treatment regimens. As a result, you must collaborate with a chiropractor who rejects the formulaic method.
The chiropractor will identify the exact location of the increased pressure on your nerves through a comprehensive examination and x-ray. After determining the extent of the problem with your spinal alignment, a reputable chiropractor will create a long-term scoliosis treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause while managing your symptoms.
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Exploring Your Expanded Treatment Options
Regular chiropractic care can help cure scoliosis before you feel more discomfort, so it has more benefits than surgery or bracing. Nonetheless, you can add more elements to your chiropractic care.
Your personalized treatment plan may involve acupuncture, laser therapy, traction therapy, or even specific exercise regimens, depending on the results of a consultation with a certified and licensed chiropractor.
FAQ
Is a Chiropractor Good for Scoliosis?
Through spinal adjustments and exercises, chiropractors can assist in controlling the symptoms of scoliosis. However, the effectiveness of chiropractic care may vary. So, seeking the advice of a medical team may help you.
Can a Chiropractor Straighten Your Spine?
Chiropractors release restricted spinal joints. Excessive sitting with a forward head posture or a crouching position can cause the spinal joints to become locked in these bad positions. A chiropractor can realign these joints. This can help enhance the posture and curvature of the spine, in addition to muscle exercises. A pelvic tilt is a nice illustration of this. This may be associated with spinal limitations, which, if addressed, can significantly improve spinal health.
Is Massage Good for Scoliosis?
Massage can not cure scoliosis. However, it can offer short relief from the condition. Seek advice from a medical specialist for complete management.
Conclusion
The answer to the question, “Can a chiropractor help scoliosis?” is absolutely yes. Some people believe that receiving chiropractic care has helped them feel better. But it’s crucial to understand that scoliosis is a complicated term. The Brost Clinic offers the best chiropractic and natural health treatment. Nonetheless, a thorough consultation with a physician is essential. A complete treatment strategy is crucial for the best outcomes. So, taking services from The Brost Clinic can be helpful.