Conditions

Scoliosis

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis happens when the spine rotates and develops an unnatural side curve, forming a C or S- shaped curve in the spine. The most commonly affected regions of the curvature are the upper spine and lower back. The twisting causes the ribs or muscles on one side of the body to stick out farther than those on the other side. Most cases of scoliosis are mild (10-degree curve) while other cases, the curve could be as severe as 100 degrees or more. Scoliosis is often diagnosed in adolescents and more commonly found in females.

Scoliosis is not easily perceptible but some people with this condition may lean to one side or have uneven shoulders or hips. A severe spinal curve could be disabling, as it reduces the amount of space within the chest, making it harder for your lungs to function properly.

Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis

What Causes Scoliosis?

Generally, there is no definite cause of scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis or ‘no known cause’ is the most common type of scoliosis which tends to run in families and affects females more than males. However, genetics was found or appears to be a significant cause/contributor. Having a family member with scoliosis puts you at a higher risk for developing the condition yourself. Apart from genetics, age and genders are the risk factors of scoliosis. Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by the following conditions:

Congenital Scoliosis

Although scoliosis is rare at birth, it can occur if the bones in the spine develop abnormally when the fetus is growing. This defect can also be acquired from the genetic make-up of the parents.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition caused by the weakening of bones. The bone degeneration can cause secondary scoliosis.

Neuromuscular Condition

A condition that affects the nerves and muscles, which include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and poliomyelitis.

Other Causes

These causes may likewise lead to spinal curvature:

  • Poor posture.
  • Carrying heavy backpacks.
  • Injury
  • Connectivity tissue disorder.

Signs and Symptoms

Scoliosis, a condition marked by an abnormal curvature of the spine, manifests differently in adolescents and adults. Recognizing the signs early can lead to more effective management of the condition. Here are the most common indicators:

Uneven Shoulders and Hips

One of the initial signs of scoliosis is the unevenness in the shoulders or hips, often visible when the condition starts to affect the body’s alignment.

Prominent Shoulder Blade

One shoulder blade may appear more raised or more pronounced than the other due to the spinal curve.

Rib Protrusion

On one side of the body, the ribs may stick out more than on the other side, particularly noticeable when bending forward.

Visible Spine Curvature

The spine may visibly arch to one side. In more severe cases, the spine may also twist or rotate, causing noticeable asymmetry in the body.

Off-center Head

The head might not align perfectly with the center of the pelvis, often tilting slightly to one side.

Postural Lean

There may be a noticeable lean to one side, which is often a compensatory mechanism of the body trying to maintain balance.

Schedule for Scoliosis Treatment at N8 Family Chiropractic

Our professional team of providers and staff will provide you with the care that’s right for you.

Types of Scoliosis OH

Chiropractic Treatment for Scoliosis

Chiropractic care is essential for managing scoliosis, focusing on improving spinal alignment and reducing curvature. Through precise spinal adjustments, chiropractors alleviate muscle and ligament tension around the spine, easing pain and enhancing mobility. These treatments are customized to each patient’s specific condition.

Additionally, chiropractic care incorporates exercises, stretching, and posture training to strengthen spinal support muscles and stabilize the spine. This comprehensive approach not only relieves scoliosis symptoms but also aims to slow its progression, enabling patients to enjoy a higher quality of life and engage more actively in daily activities.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chiropractic Treatment for Scoliosis

How does chiropractic treatment help manage scoliosis?

Chiropractic treatment helps manage scoliosis by using spinal adjustments and manipulations to improve posture, alleviate pain, and potentially decrease the angle of curvature. Chiropractors may also employ corrective exercises and spinal decompression techniques to improve spinal alignment and relieve pressure on the nervous system.

Chiropractic care can benefit individuals with various types of scoliosis, including idiopathic (unknown cause), congenital (born with it), and neuromuscular scoliosis. It is particularly beneficial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life, even though it is not a cure for scoliosis itself.

While chiropractic care cannot cure scoliosis or guarantee to halt its progression, it can be an effective component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Chiropractic care aims to manage symptoms and improve spinal function, which can help stabilize or slow the progression of the spinal curvature in some cases.

During a chiropractic session for scoliosis, the chiropractor will perform a detailed assessment of your spinal alignment and posture. Treatment may include spinal adjustments, manual therapy, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation. You may also receive guidance on specific exercises and lifestyle changes to support your spine health.

The frequency of chiropractic visits for someone with scoliosis depends on the severity of the spinal curvature and the individual’s response to treatment. Initially, more frequent visits may be necessary to achieve optimal results. Over time, as the patient’s condition stabilizes or improves, the frequency of visits may be reduced. The chiropractor will tailor the treatment schedule based on individual needs and treatment goals.

Schedule for Scoliosis Treatment at N8 Family Chiropractic

Our professional team of providers and staff will provide you with the care that’s right for you.