If you deal with scoliosis, you’ve probably wondered what options are available to help treat your symptoms and ease any discomfort. If you’ve ever wondered what a chiropractor can do for someone with scoliosis, read on to find out more about types of care, treatments, and benefits.
What is Scoliosis
Before we talk about treatments, it’s important to understand the condition. Scoliosis can be defined as a spinal deformity that causes the spine to curve sideways, forming either an “S” or a “C’ shape. The curve can occur either to the left or right.
Generally, most cases of scoliosis are considered mild and don’t cause symptoms, however, there are more severe cases that can cause uneven posture and pain.
Different Types of Scoliosis
There are three different types of scoliosis that can occur:
- Idiopathic scoliosis: This one is the most common type, and it will usually present during adolescence, but it can also start earlier in childhood or infancy. The cause of idiopathic scoliosis is currently unknown, but there has been some research that suggests that genetics could be involved.
- Congenital scoliosis: This is a rare spine abnormality that develops in utero and is usually detected at birth. It occurs when vertebrae (the bones that make up your spine) don’t form as they should during embryonic development.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis: This type is usually a result of abnormalities in the muscles and nerves that support your spine such as an injury, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy.
Symptoms and Signs of Scoliosis
Scoliosis does not usually cause symptoms in mild cases, but some of the symptoms that may occur include:
- Back pain
- Struggling to stand upright
- Weak core muscles
- Leg pain, numbness or weakness
What Causes Scoliosis?
The cause of scoliosis can vary based on the specific type, but may include:
- Vertebrae malformation during embryonic development.
- A genetic change.
- A spine injury.
- A tumor on your spine.
- A condition that affects your nerves or muscles.
Treatment Options
When it comes to treating scoliosis, a chiropractor can help in a couple different ways:
Spinal Adjustment
A chiropractor can use natural chiropractic adjustment methods to help with posture and spinal alignment. This type of adjustment is when a chiropractor uses a small device or their hands to adjust the spine.
By treating the underlying misalignment, you’ll relieve pressure on various body parts. So, if you’re experiencing neck or back pain, a chiropractic adjustment can be very beneficial.
Management
Another way a chiropractor can help with scoliosis is by helping you manage the symptoms. A chiropractor can show you exercise and stretches to help you manage your symptoms at home.
If you’d like to discuss your treatment options, we’d love to chat with you and answer any questions you have!
Dr. Lindsey fully believes that as her role in a doctor is to be a health coach, giving her clients the tools and knowledge to make the best educated decisions for their health and the health of their families. The body was not made to break down, it was created to thrive and adapt to its environment.
Being a native of Colorado, Dr. Lindsey loves to hike, bike, camp, dance, and travel often, but her main mission is to change the way her community views and manages their health, both physically and mentally, across all generations. Her vision is to see less pharmacies, and more farmer’s markets; less medication and more meditation; less sick days and more family days; less pain and more love.