Scoliosis
Progressive Chiropractic Berwick works with the young, old, and everyone in between who presents with scoliosis. Relief of pain and tension can be experienced through proven techniques and treatments.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is experienced by many people in Berwick. It is a condition of abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. A healthy spine when viewed in profile has three natural curves which form a slight ‘S’ shape: at the neck, upper back and lower back. A healthy spine should appear straight when viewed from the rear however a spine affected by scoliosis will have an abnormal sideways curvature which makes the spine appear tilted when viewed front-on or from the rear.
Scoliosis can be categorised as following:
Congenital: caused by abnormalities present at birth
Idiopathic: most common type but the cause of which is unknown. Can be sub-categorised further into infantile, juvenile, adolescent or adult
Secondary: caused by deformities such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy or physical trauma
Of the scoliosis cases that have a known cause, the following are the most common:
- leg length discrepancy – having one leg shorter than the other causes the hips to tilt. In an attempt to compensate for this, the shoulders tilt in the opposite direction causing an abnormal bend in the spine
- neuromuscular conditions – such as cerebral palsy where muscle spasms can pull the vertebrae out of alignment
- bone diseases – such as osteoarthritis which result in degeneration of the vertebrae and changes in the spine
On This Page
Symptoms of Scoliosis
The symptoms of scoliosis can range from mild to moderate to severe and can include:
- one shoulder tilted towards a raised hip
- prominent ribs
- protruding shoulder blade
- tilted waist
- a curve that is more pronounced when the patient bends forwards
Mild cases of scoliosis do not require medical treatment but should be assessed by a professional. However, scoliosis can become progressive, with the curvature of the spine worsening over time and, if unmanaged, progressive scoliosis can cause:
- chronic back pain
- rib cage compression resulting in breathing difficulties and injuries to the heart and lungs
- susceptibility to pneumonia
- problems in pregnancy due to increased load on an already compromised spine
- physical disability that may impact quality of life
- increased risk of osteoporosis
How can chiropractic help with Scoliosis?
One of the most crucial aspects of the management of scoliosis is its early detection. As scoliosis can have an onset of as early as 3 years of age, the identification of this condition becomes imperative for the monitoring of curve progression and its potential correction.
At Progressive Chiropractic Berwick, assessment of the spine is one of the features of our comprehensive clinical examination and we continue to monitor for changes in the spine throughout progressive appointments, to help manage the condition in its early stages. Should early intervention be required, we can assist with conservative treatment, depending on the severity of the scoliosis. This treatment can include:
Cox Technic (flexion-distraction) using the Cox 8 Instrument to maintain mobility of the curve, improve spinal flexibility, movement and reduce discomfort
spinal manipulation to help relieve joint pain which may assist in improving overall spinal curvature and flexibility
massage can help to relieve muscle tension which can result from abnormal spinal positioning. Specific myofascial release techniques are used to relieve muscle tightness and reduce pain as a result of scoliosis
individualised prescriptive exercises targeted at improving flexibility and strength
Although less common, some conditions of scoliosis can be severe and may require a surgical approach. This can include an orthopaedic brace which may prevent the curve from worsening or delay the need for surgery, or orthopaedic surgery to correct severe curvatures.
Do you need help with Scoliosis?
Research on chiropractic treatment of Scoliosis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3368978/pdf/main.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3259989/pdf/main.pdf
Chiropractic care resulted in a reduction in overall spinal curvature in an adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis suggesting it is an effective scoliosis treatment option. Kao-Chang, C. (2008). Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated by spinal manipulation: A case study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(6); 749 – 751
