Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis
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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.
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. Whether the goal is to improve spinal curvature, slow progression, increase mobility, or reduce discomfort, chiropractic care can be a valuable part of scoliosis care. |
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What Is Scoliosis?
TTechnically, scoliosis is defined as a spinal curvature with a Cobb angle greater than 10 degrees. 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:
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:
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. Addressing the source of the pain and improving spinal and joint function may allow the patient to return to a more normal posture.
- Postural scoliosis, which refers to the appearance of curvature associated with postural imbalance, particularly during periods of rapid growth. Postural scoliosis may improve as posture and stability improve and can respond very well to chiropractic care.
Structural Scoliosis
This is the more significant form of scoliosis and may worsen during periods of rapid growth. It may begin as a smaller curve and progress into a larger structural curvature as the spine develops.
Structural scoliosis can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from more benign forms until changes in the curvature become more apparent. If the curve progresses significantly, bracing or, in more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to help stabilize the spine and prevent further progression.
Early intervention with chiropractic care can be an important part of caring for scoliosis, particularly while the spine is still developing. At McCann Family Chiropractic, we have seen patients experience stabilization and even improvement in spinal curvature with chiropractic care. While every case is different, Dr. Matt works to improve spinal function, mobility, posture, and muscular balance and help patients achieve the best possible outcome. He has also helped many post-surgical scoliosis patients improve mobility and find relief from pain and discomfort.
This is the more significant form of scoliosis and may worsen during periods of rapid growth. It may begin as a smaller curve and progress into a larger structural curvature as the spine develops.
Structural scoliosis can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from more benign forms until changes in the curvature become more apparent. If the curve progresses significantly, bracing or, in more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to help stabilize the spine and prevent further progression.
Early intervention with chiropractic care can be an important part of caring for scoliosis, particularly while the spine is still developing. At McCann Family Chiropractic, we have seen patients experience stabilization and even improvement in spinal curvature with chiropractic care. While every case is different, Dr. Matt works to improve spinal function, mobility, posture, and muscular balance and help patients achieve the best possible outcome. He has also helped many post-surgical scoliosis patients improve mobility and find relief from pain and discomfort.
Can Scoliosis Be Treated by a Chiropractor?
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Many types of spinal curvature can respond very well to chiropractic care. Using gentle, targeted adjustment techniques, Dr. Matt works to improve spinal alignment, joint mobility, posture, and overall spinal function.
One of the biggest factors in successful scoliosis care is the patient’s commitment to regular care and recommended exercises at home. With consistent chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and rehabilitation exercises, patients may experience significant improvements in mobility and symptoms, reduced muscle tension and pain, and in some cases stabilization or improvement of the spinal curvature. |
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Dr. Matt is an experienced and trusted chiropractor for scoliosis care. His approach goes beyond simply addressing areas of restricted motion in the spine. He looks at the way the spine, joints, muscles, and posture are functioning together and develops an individualized plan based on each patient’s needs.
Early intervention can be especially important, particularly while the spine is still developing. If you have concerns about scoliosis or would like to find out whether chiropractic care may be right for you or your child, reach out to us today at (360) 657-7183!
Early intervention can be especially important, particularly while the spine is still developing. If you have concerns about scoliosis or would like to find out whether chiropractic care may be right for you or your child, reach out to us today at (360) 657-7183!
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Contact Us11605 State Avenue, Suite 111
Marysville, WA 98271 |
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