Scoliosis Chiropractor

Scoliosis is a condition that creates a sideways curve in the person’s curve. This can cause the spine to look like a “C” or “S” shape instead of being straight. Scoliosis is the result of genetic factors and neuromuscular conditions. However, it is often idiopathic (i.e., without a known origin).

In some cases, the curvature of the spine may lead to pain and mobility issues. Conversely, many patients are asymptomatic. The treatment of scoliosis revolves around braces, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and surgery.

On this page, we will discuss the potential benefits of working with a chiropractor in dealing with scoliosis. But before we do that, let us briefly cover the causes, symptoms, and potential complications of scoliosis.

What are the causes of scoliosis?

There is a number of causes that lead to scoliosis. Healthcare professionals categorize cases of scoliosis into various classes, depending on when and how they appear.

Here are the most common causes of scoliosis:

Idiopathic scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis, accounting for about 80% of cases. It can develop in children, adolescents, and teenagers.

Congenital scoliosis

This type of scoliosis is present at birth. It may be the result of a malformation of the vertebrae in the spine.

Neuromuscular scoliosis

This condition occurs as a result of neurological or muscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy.

Degenerative scoliosis

Degenerative scoliosis is common in older adults due to a wear and tear process in the spine. Conditions that increase the risk of this disease include osteoporosis, arthritis, and spinal stenosis.

Symmetrical scoliosis

A curvature of the spine caused by an imbalance in the musculature on either side.

Functional scoliosis

This condition is caused by an imbalance in the muscles and ligaments that support the spine.

Compensatory scoliosis

Compensatory scoliosis originates from an underlying condition that affects the normal balance of the spine (e.g., spinal cord injury).

Trauma-related scoliosis

This type of scoliosis is the result of an injury to the spine, such as a fracture or dislocation.

What are the signs and symptoms of scoliosis?

If you develop any of these signs and symptoms, it may be time to see a chiropractor for tailored health advice.

Uneven shoulders

One shoulder may appear higher or more prominent than the other. This phenomenon is also apparent in the shoulder blades.

Uneven waist

The waist may appear uneven or tilted to one side.

Rib cage asymmetry

The rib cage looks more prominent on one side.

Back pain

Some people with scoliosis may experience back pain, especially if the curvature is severe.

Click here for more information about back pain (insert a link for the back pain article).

Fatigue

In severe cases, the muscles in the back may have to work harder to compensate for the curvature, causing fatigue.

Limited physical activity

Scoliosis may limit a person’s ability to perform certain physical activities.

Breathing difficulties

Severe forms of scoliosis may lead to respiratory problems because the rib cage gets compressed, making it difficult to breathe.

Postural changes

Some people with scoliosis may develop a slouching posture in an effort to cope with back pain.

Numbness or tingling

The compression of the nerves leads to numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.

The common complications of scoliosis

Untreated cases of scoliosis precipitate an array of complications, including:

Chronic back pain

Scoliosis can cause ongoing discomfort and pain in the back, which can interfere with daily activities and quality of life. This pain can be exacerbated by physical activity, prolonged sitting or standing, and poor posture.

Respiratory distress

In severe cases, scoliosis can compress the lungs and make it difficult to breathe, leading to respiratory distress. The compression of the lungs and rib cage can make it challenging to inhale fully, provoking dyspnea (i.e., shortness of breath) and fatigue.

Cardiovascular complications

Scoliosis can put pressure on the heart and blood vessels, which causes cardiovascular problems. The compression of the blood vessels can reduce blood flow, decreasing the oxygenation of the body’s tissues. The compression of the heart can also lead to changes in cardiac rhythm and blood pressure, which might be problematic for those with pre-existing heart conditions.

Degenerative changes

Over time, the constant strain on the spine from scoliosis can lead to degenerative changes, such as arthritis, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs (insert a link to the previous article).

Nerve compression

Untreated scoliosis compresses the nerves in the spine, causing numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Nerve compression may also trigger pain, muscle weakness, and decreased dexterity in the hands and feet.

How scoliosis chiropractors may help with scoliosis (evidence-based)

There are several benefits of chiropractic care in the management of scoliosis, including pain relief, improved posture, and decreased progression of spinal curvature.

Chiropractors use manual spinal manipulation to improve spinal alignment and reduce pain. A study found that chiropractic care was effective in reducing pain associated with scoliosis. The study demonstrated that after just 6 weeks of chiropractic care, patients reported a significant improvement in pain compared to baseline levels.

Another potential benefit of chiropractic care is improved posture. Chiropractic adjustments can help to improve the alignment of the spine, which enhances posture and reduces pain. According to a study, chiropractic care is effective in improving posture in scoliosis patients.

In addition to pain relief and improved posture, chiropractic care may also be effective in decreasing the progression of spinal curvature in scoliosis patients. Researchers found that chiropractic care is extremely effective in reducing the progression of spinal curvature. It took 12 weeks for the patients to see an impressive improvement in their curvatures.

Takeaway message

There is plenty of evidence that chiropractors can mitigate the symptoms of scoliosis and aid with the rehabilitation process.

We hope that this article managed to shed some light on how chiropractors help with the signs of scoliosis.

If you have any specific questions about how a chiropractor can help with scoliosis, feel free to reach out to us via the contact us page!