Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that can result in both chronic and acute pain. Many patients are referred to a scoliosis chiropractor by their orthopedist or neurosurgeon for drug-free pain relief and to maintain an optimal range of motion during and after treatment.

Many people wonder “Can a chiropractor straighten scoliosis?” Oftentimes, scoliosis responds well to chiropractic therapy and improvements in curvature can often be measured on X-ray.  However, there are times when patients use chiropractic adjustments as a supportive and pain relieving treatment, regardless of whether changes are noted.

So, what can chiropractors do for scoliosis? The treatment needed will depend on the particular type of scoliosis and its severity.

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What Is Scoliosis?

Technically, scoliosis is a curve in the spine which is over 10 degrees of the Cobb angle. A curve may be stable or progressive and advance slowly or rapidly, depending on the cause. People of any age can develop scoliosis, but it is most common in the early teen years. Girls are more likely than boys to have the condition, and it runs in families.¹

There are two general categories of scoliosis, each with its own treatment protocols:

Functional Scoliosis

These are small curves in the spine that do not involve twisting or rib cage deformities. They are benign and self-limiting and often respond well to treatment with little or no permanent structural damage. Some of these include:

• Short leg scoliosis, where one leg is shorter than the other, causing a tipped pelvis. This type may benefit from a pelvic adjustment.  Additionally, a heel or foot lift in the shoe may be helpful.
  
• Acute antalgic scoliosis, resulting from an injured disc which causes the patient to lean away from the pain. Treating the cause of the pain by treating the injured disc and realigning the spine allows a return to normal posture.
  
• Postural scoliosis, which refers to the appearance of curvature due to the unstable posture that children may have during growth spurts. Postural scoliosis may resolve as the child achieves better posture and stability, and responds very well to regular chiropractic care.

Structural Scoliosis
This is the more significant form of this condition, rapidly worsening with growth. It may present early as small functional curvature, but it quickly progresses into larger structural curves.

Structural scoliosis may be difficult to distinguish from the more benign forms until major changes have occurred. If it progresses sufficiently, this form of the disease may require bracing or surgery to halt the progression of the curvature. The most common surgical procedure involves fusing multiple levels of the spine with Harrington Rods.
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Early intervention with chiropractic is an important step to attempt to protect the spine from reaching this advanced state. Additionally, Dr. Matt has helped many post-surgical scoliosis patients achieve pain relief.

Can Scoliosis Be Treated by a Chiropractor?   ​

Many of the functional types of spine curvature can be treated by a chiropractor specializing in scoliosis. With gentle adjustment techniques, the spine can be guided to a healthy alignment, damaged discs can heal, and stable posture can be established.

One of the biggest factors in the success of scoliosis treatment is the patient’s commitment to regular therapy and at-home follow-up. With regular adjustments and stretching exercises, patients will experience an improvement in symptoms, slowing or reversing of the progression, release of muscle tension, and a lessening of pain.

Dr. Matt is an experienced and trusted chiropractor for scoliosis pain. He treats not just subluxations of the spine, but works to improve the function of all the body’s systems. Starting treatment early is very important, so if you have any concerns about scoliosis symptoms, reach out to us today at (360) 657-7183!

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Sources:
1. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scoliosis#tab-risk
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