Chiropractic for Scoliosis
Scoliosis is defined as a sideways curvature of the spine in the lower or middle of the back. In most cases, medical professionals aren’t sure what causes the changes to the spine. In other cases, it may be a condition children have been born with or one that develops closer to puberty. It can also develop due to the degeneration of your spinal discs.
Chiropractic care helps to maintain normal spinal function for a patient with scoliosis and also works to manage the symptoms.
Diagnosing the Severity of the Case
If you look at the spine from behind, it should appear straight up and down like a pencil and the hips should be level. In patients with scoliosis, however, there will be curves in the appearance of the spine instead of the straight alignment.
Scoliosis is usually diagnosed on X-ray analysis and placed into categories of what is called its “Cobb angle” to determine severity. Scoliosis is a Cobb angle of more than 10 degrees. A mild scoliosis is a Cobb angle of 10 to 20 degrees, while a moderate scoliosis is a Cobb angle of 20 to 40 degrees. Severe scoliosis is 40 degrees or more.
Adjustments for Symptom Management
Scoliosis is not always painful. Symptoms are sometimes identified by way of physical appearance rather than degree of pain. The chiropractor may observe uneven shoulders, a waistline that is not balanced, one hip that is higher than the other, or a shoulder blade that sticks out farther than the other.
Chiropractic care has been shown to be very effective for managing mild to moderate scoliosis through spinal adjustments, while severe scoliosis will typically need a referral for a specialist evaluation to see if surgery is required or not.
In addition to spinal adjustments, we provide you with tips for exercise and rehabilitation at home, and often we participate in co-management in cases where scoliosis bracing is necessary.
Chiropractor Dr Laura Priestley works closely with ScoliCare, based out of Melbourne and Brisbane, to get the best appropriate management for the patient, depending on the severity of the scoliosis and what their goals are with their health as well.
Scoliosis in Children
Dr Laura will begin assessing children for scoliosis at the age of 2. Early intervention is key to preventing the progression of scoliosis. Catching it early can prevent it from becoming a severe case in the child’s teenage years and adulthood.
If you notice your child’s shoulder blades aren’t even, or if their ribcage isn’t level when they hug themselves and bend forward, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with our practice for an assessment.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need surgery for scoliosis?
Live Life with Less Pain!
Through comprehensive chiropractic plans, the symptoms of scoliosis can be managed. Be proactive about your health today, and contact our office to schedule an appointment!
