Scoliosis Treatment: The Role of Chiropractic Care in Recovery

Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal spine curvature that can cause discomfort, severe pain, and mobility issues. While scoliosis treatment like braces and surgery are typically recommended, chiropractic care provides a non-invasive alternative. Chiropractic treatment for scoliosis focuses on realigning the spine, alleviating pain, and improving everyday function.

Understanding scoliosis

Scoliosis often develops in childhood or adolescence, known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Adults can also develop scoliosis due to factors such as degenerative conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis. Scoliosis in adults is typically detected after the patient begins to experience symptoms, as they may not always notice physical changes to their appearance. Common scoliosis symptoms in adults include:

• Lower back pain and stiffness
• Numbness, cramping, and shooting pain in the legs from pinched nerves
• Restricted range of motion
• A shoulder or hip sits higher than the other
• One arm hanging lower than the other
• A rib hump in the lower back

Scoliosis treatment varies from patient to patient. Treatment options depend on the size of the curve, bone maturity, and sex, as female patients are at higher risk of progression than male patients. Traditional treatment includes bracing, physical therapy, and surgery. While spinal surgeries are effective in addressing severe cases of scoliosis, they also carry complications such as bleeding, infection, and nerve damage.

Chiropractic care for scoliosis

Chiropractic treatment involves the manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. For scoliosis treatment, chiropractors focus on managing the patient's symptoms, improving their mobility and function, and enhancing their overall well-being. Chiropractic treatment for scoliosis includes:

Spinal adjustments

Chiropractors use precise, controlled force to mobilize spinal joints, promoting better alignment and flexibility. While spinal adjustments may not completely reverse the curvature, they can enhance the spine's function and alleviate discomfort.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy can help increase the body's production of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. This hormonal boost can relieve tension and discomfort in the muscles and other soft tissues.

Heat and ice therapy

Heat therapy soothes and loosens tight tissues, providing pain relief. Meanwhile, ice therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation.

Postural exercises and stretches

Chiropractors may prescribe specific exercises and stretches to target muscles affected by scoliosis. These exercises can strengthen one's core muscles, improve posture, and promote better spinal alignment.

Electrical muscle stimulation

This technique uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate muscles and promote relaxation, helping to relieve pain and reduce scoliosis-related muscle spasms.

Safety and efficacy of chiropractic care for scoliosis treatment

Chiropractic treatment is an effective and safe method for treating scoliosis. While research is ongoing, a 2021 study by the Frontiers Research Foundation found that combining chiropractic care with other forms of treatment, like bracing or physical therapy, can improve spinal alignment and reduce pain. While there is no cure for scoliosis, chiropractic care can help improve the patient's everyday function and mobility, decrease pain, and prevent their condition from progressing.

Call our office to schedule a consultation

Chiropractic care can be a valuable non-surgical treatment option for individuals with scoliosis, offering pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life. If you or someone you know is living with scoliosis, you may benefit from adding chiropractic care as part of your journey to recovery. Call our office to learn more about scoliosis treatment options or schedule a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://www.woodsindychiro.com or call Woods Chiropractic PC at (317) 257-3919 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

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