Scoliosis is a condition of the spine that affects around 3% of the US population, or 6-9 million people. Onset is usually between 10-15 years of age, affecting girls more than boys. However, it can affect anyone at any age and happens for any number of reasons, including congenital anomalies, trauma, degeneration, and (most commonly) indiopathic—meaning, we just don’t know why.
Many people with scoliosis live perfectly “normal” lives, while for others the condition can become severe enough to require surgery. Scoliosis is a progressive condition, which means that even mild cases can progress far enough that surgery could be the only available traditional option. The progression is unpredictable, though, and it is impossible to know who will progress and how far it will go.
Chiropractic care takes a different approach to traditional medical management of scoliosis. Being more conservative and far less invasive, it is a sensible and effective approach to addressing this condition.
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways (lateral) curve of the spine. Some people are born with scoliosis, but for others, it develops over time and is usually detected in adolescence. Remember when the school nurse came into your classroom and had you bend forward? They were looking for signs of scoliosis.
Scoliosis is usually a visible condition, and those with scoliosis will see telltale signs. These include:
- Clothes hang unevenly
- One shoulder blade higher than the other
- Head tilt
- Uneven hips
- Ribs sticking out on one side
- Leaning to one side
- A visibly curved spine
People with scoliosis can also experience back pain and a reduction in organ system function, such as lungs, heart, brain, digestive system, muscles, nervous system, reproductive system, and mental health.
The curve itself, in most cases, doesn’t interfere with everyday life. It’s the effect of the abnormal curve that presents problems. People with scoliosis can live full, happy, and active lives. They participate in sports and can function as well as anybody else—as long as the curve is well managed. When scoliosis isn’t managed, it can result in pain, stiffness, and disability.
How can chiropractic care help with scoliosis?
In a majority of scoliosis cases, regular chiropractic care is a promising approach that can prevent progression, and it can even reduce the curvature of the spine. This means that chiropractic care is at least as effective as the traditional observation or bracing approaches taken by the medical community (it also means you or your child doesn’t have to wear a cumbersome brace!).
While many adults with scoliosis may not experience a significant curve reduction, regular chiropractic care can prevent progression. The benefit for adults is increasing function, maintaining health, and increasing longevity.
Regular chiropractic care focuses on strengthening the spine so that it can support itself, reducing pressure on the nerves in the back, improving flexibility and restoring normal tension and balance, and training the body to hold itself in a different way. The care plan will vary according to the needs of each patient, as well as the outcome of the initial diagnostic procedures.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care can be a valuable non-invasive, non-surgical option for individuals with scoliosis, offering not just pain relief but also improved mobility, optimal function, and enhanced quality of life. By focusing on spinal adjustments, postural exercises, and supportive therapies, chiropractors aim to address the symptoms and functional limitations associated with scoliosis. It is crucial to consult with a chiropractor to determine the most appropriate approach based on the individual’s specific condition. If you or a loved one want to know more about how chiropractic can help, talk to Dr. Druckenmiller or make an appointment to learn more!
