Around 3 percent of the nation’s total population is affected by scoliosis, or an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. Some are born with scoliosis, and others develop scoliosis as they age.
Of those affected by scoliosis, approximately 90 percent do not have severe enough scoliosis to require surgery but still face the pain and discomfort of scoliosis’ effect on the body’s anatomy and alignment.
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the structures of the body, including the skeletal system, nerves and muscles. Since so much emphasis is placed on the health of the spine in chiropractic wellness, can your chiropractor make a difference in a person’s scoliosis?
In this blog, we’ll explore what you should know about scoliosis and how regular visits to a chiropractor may impact your life.
What You Should Know About Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that affects about one in 40 people and refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine that exceeds 10 degrees. It may also refer to a rotation of the spine. In as many as 85 percent of scoliosis cases, there is no known cause.
Scoliosis most frequently presents itself when the body is growing, usually between the ages of 10 and 15, with 80 percent of cases developing in adolescence. These curves happen slowly over time, so signs may initially be hard to identify. While it depends on the magnitude of the curvature, the first symptoms of scoliosis may include:
- Uneven shoulders.
- An asymmetrical rib cage.
- The prominence of one hip or shoulder blade.
- Leaning to one side.
Those experiencing mild scoliosis may not have too many issues, but for those with severe cases, scoliosis can cause respiratory and abdominal issues.
The most common kind of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, for which the cause is unknown. Once an adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis reaches their skeletal maturity, as long as the scoliosis curve is 40 degrees or less, it is unlikely that the curvature will continue to progress. Because of this, scoliosis must be identified early.
What Can Chiropractors Do for Scoliosis?
For those with scoliosis, chiropractors can be an important part of their wellness plan. Those searching for non-drug, non-invasive care often find that chiropractic treatments reduce their pain through two methods:
- Decreasing pressure on the nervous system.
- Strengthening the muscles of the core to support the spine.
Through these methods, chiropractors can help those with scoliosis by ensuring that their spine is in alignment. While these methods may not have an impact on the curvature of the spine, proper alignment of the spine can make a major difference in pain management and overall quality of life. When paired with treatment of the spine’s curvature, this can help those with scoliosis thrive.
A chiropractor will have the knowledge to help those with scoliosis through precise care. Chiropractors can also help people with scoliosis in the following ways:
- They can suggest ways to move or rest that may limit or alleviate pain.
- They can demonstrate potential exercises that will strengthen muscles to support joints.
- They can apply practices that will increase a person’s ability to take a deep, cleansing breath.
- They can offer procedures and ideas to help a person stay active without compounding symptoms of scoliosis.
Here at the South Orange Chiropractic Center, we work with patients who are dealing with scoliosis-related pain and seek to find ways to relieve it. This might include several kinds of techniques, but each one is catered to your specific condition and your pain needs. We’ll individualize your care to find the best plan for you.
If you are dealing with scoliosis-related pain, reach out to us today. Our chiropractors are committed to relieving your back pain and promoting the overall health of your spine’s alignment.
