Does your spine have too much curve for comfort? Our chiropractors at OnePointHealth are scoliosis specialists who can help improve spinal function and reduce discomfort without drugs or surgery.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine develops an abnormal sideways curve, causing the back to appear more like the letter “S” or “C” rather than straight when viewed from behind. This sideways bending of the spine is most often seen during the growth spurt just before puberty, but scoliosis can occur at any age. While mild cases may produce no symptoms or need only occasional monitoring, more severe scoliosis can cause noticeable changes in posture, pain, muscle tightness, and problems with mobility if the condition worsens over time.
At OnePointHealth, our chiropractors provide a drug-free, hands-on approach to treating scoliosis and slowing progression of the abnormal spinal curves. Through specialised chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue techniques, therapeutic exercises, and posture re-training, our goal is to reduce spine curvature, relieve associated pain and muscle spasms, improve mobility and function, and help patients with scoliosis maintain an active, high-quality lifestyle.
Chiropractic Evaluation of Scoliosis
Every scoliosis patient first undergoes a thorough chiropractic evaluation of their full spinal alignment and overall musculoskeletal health. This includes a postural assessment, orthopedic testing, range of motion checks, and palpation of the muscles surrounding the spine. Imaging like x-rays will also be utilised to fully visualise the scoliotic curve, determine the angle of spinal deviation, and formulate the most effective treatment plan.
In addition to examining the spine itself, our chiropractors conduct a full functional movement assessment to identify any limitations, gait abnormalities, or biomechanical dysfunctions that may be contributing to the progression of the scoliotic curves. No two cases of scoliosis are exactly alike, so we must uncover the unique root causes and customise our treatment approach accordingly.
Gentle and Effective Chiropractic Techniques
Depending on the severity of the spinal curvature, a variety of hands-on chiropractic techniques may be utilised to help improve spinal function, restore mobility, and reduce pain. These include:
- Gentle spinal manipulation and mobilisation to improve spinal flexibility and relieve nerve irritation
- Myofascial release to relax the paraspinal muscles surrounding the scoliotic curves
- Flexion-distraction technique to gently decompress the spinal joints
- Soft tissue massage and trigger point therapy to reduce muscle tightness
- Stretches and traction to increase the spine’s range of motion
Some scoliosis patients experience pain and muscle spasms as the surrounding tissues tighten in response to the abnormal spinal curves. Our chiropractors are specially trained to deliver hands-on techniques customised to address this neuromusculoskeletal imbalance, providing both immediate relief as well as long-term reduction of the curves.
Developing an Ongoing Treatment Plan
Based on the severity of scoliosis presented during the chiropractic evaluation, a customised long-term treatment plan will be developed to achieve your health goals. For mild cases focusing mainly on pain relief, weekly chiropractic adjustments may be recommended. More moderate scoliosis may need 2-3 visits per week incorporating myofascial release, spinal traction, and muscle-relaxing therapies along with chiropractic care. Severe scoliosis often requires 3-6 month treatment plans with daily home exercises and posture re-training included as well.
Over time, the scoliotic curves and associated pain can be significantly reduced through this customised chiropractic approach. We’ll also provide home care tips like ergonomic advice to ensure your spine stays balanced and you maintain a strong, flexible spine. Though scoliosis cannot typically be fully reversed, chiropractic treatment can help halt the progression of the sideways curves.
Benefits of a Chiropractic Approach
The benefits of seeing a chiropractor to treat scoliosis include:
- A drug-free, non-invasive treatment that is gentle and does not require surgery
- Whole-body approach beyond just the spine itself
- This may reduce the need for restrictive bracing or more aggressive interventions
- Custom exercise programs improve posture, strength, and flexibility
- Works well in conjunction with standard medical treatment
- Aims to reduce the progression and complications of scoliosis
By addressing both the structural curvature of the spine as well as muscular factors influencing scoliosis, chiropractic care delivers effective relief for patients of all ages. If your scoliosis is causing pain, posture changes, or loss of mobility, chiropractic can be an excellent first line of treatment before considering bracing or surgery.
If you or your child suffer from scoliosis, contact OnePointHealth today to schedule a comprehensive chiropractic evaluation. Let’s work together to formulate a treatment plan that provides relief and improved alignment so you can get back to living your active life!
