Treating Scoliosis and Abnormal Spine Curvature
Scoliosis is caused by an abnormal curvature of the spine. The spine has a natural curve to it, but when it takes the shape of a “C” or an “S” (as evidenced by an x-ray), scoliosis is present. It is subcategorized by cause as a secondary condition, idiopathic (meaning the cause is unknown), or congenital.
Types of Scoliosis
Secondary scoliosis is usually caused by either physical injury, or an existing neuromuscular disorder. Idiopathic scoliosis, which most often presents in adults, occurs when doctors cannot pinpoint a cause. However, this form of scoliosis presents patients with less side effects. Finally, congenital scoliosis occurs in patients at birth, and implies that there is spinal anomaly present from the beginning.
Treatment Options
In order to be treated, scoliosis must first be properly diagnosed, and an x-ray is the best way to do this. Visualizing spine curvature is done more easily this way, and the “C” and “S” shapes are more prominent in x-ray. When an individual is officially diagnosed with scoliosis, there are options that can greatly improve the abnormal curvature. Technically speaking, scoliosis is defined as a spine curvature greater than ten degrees. In chiropractics, doctors understand that muscle torsion can influence the pull on the spine. This in turn disrupts the flow of nerve signals from the brain to body. By addressing this issue and correcting it via chiropractic adjustment, patients can experience a curvature correction ranging from twelve degrees even to complete restoration. Traditional methods like braces are unable to achieve such results, which is why chiropractic care in the treatment of scoliosis is so intriguing.
Embracing Chiropractic
Because chiropractic care can help, in many cases, to restore spine curvature back to normality, it is an option that more health care providers should consider. Even for clients who do not have diagnosed scoliosis, abnormal curvature of the spine can cause discomfort and symptoms of pain and inflammation. Chiropractors can address these, and by realigning the spine and surrounding anatomy, patients experience real relief.
*Disclaimer: Always consult your physician or other health care professional before seeking treatment or taking related advice herein.*
Story Credit: Ask the Doc: Do I have scoliosis and can chiropractic help me? by Dr. Philip Schalow