Doctors still have no idea why scoliosis appears, but one thing is clear: it is a degenerative condition that progresses over time if you do nothing. Unfortunately, the traditional medical approach is waiting until the condition is sufficiently advanced to require surgery. At our Forest Park injury center, we believe in a proactive approach: chiropractic adjustments for scoliosis.
Let us discuss this condition and why early intervention with chiropractic is the best approach.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition of the spine that creates an abnormal curvature to the left or right. The most common signs of scoliosis are:
- Uneven shoulders
- Inadequate stability when standing up
- An appearance of being hunched over
- Ribs poking out on one side of the body
It is not clear why this condition appears – some studies show that it may be hereditary. What is known is that it appears in early adolescence. It can get quickly worse, because this is the period when most teens experience a sudden growth spurt.
When Should You Start Treatment for Scoliosis?
As we hinted at the beginning of the article, most doctors evaluate the abnormal curvature of the spine (called Cobb angle) and tell the patient to wait and see if it gets worse. Of course, the condition will progress if it is left unchecked.
So, when the patient returns for an examination, the doctor agrees that the condition got worse and recommends corrective surgery. We are talking about open surgery on the spine – a highly invasive and risky procedure.
We believe in an early proactive approach: chiropractic care for scoliosis.
What Can a Chiropractor Do for Patients with Scoliosis?
Many people still do not consider chiropractors as real healthcare professionals. However, these specialists undergo as much training, testing and licensing as your family doctor. And, thanks to the specific nature of the therapies they provide, chiropractors know the human spine better than most doctors.
Having clarified this important aspect, let us explain why you should come to our Forest Park injury center for chiropractic care for scoliosis:
1. Chiropractic Adjustments Correct the Abnormal Curvature
Careful chiropractic adjustments encourage the spine to curve in the desired position – that is, back to its normal position. It is important to note that these adjustments are safe and gentle. The patient will undergo a series of adjustment sessions until the first results are visible.
No chiropractor will simply yank your spine back in place – this is extremely dangerous and you should never attempt self-manipulations.
2. Strengthening the Muscles around the Spine
One of the problems of scoliosis is that it weakens the muscles in the back. The constant pulling on one side will determine the patient to avoid sitting and standing straight to avoid the strain.
The chiropractor will apply a series of deep-tissue massages and exercises to rebuild strength in the muscles. This is an important part of slowing down the progress of scoliosis and helping the spine maintain a normal curvature.
3. Applying a Brace during Periods between Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic care for scoliosis combines active and passive therapies to restore a normal gait. In many cases, the chiropractor will suggest the patient wear a back brace between the appointments. The brace is made of a special material that does not allow the spine to further curve sideways and helps the patient enjoy a correct posture.
Modern braces are invisible when worn under the clothes. No one but you will know that you are wearing one.
4. Scoliosis Exercises for Home
Scoliosis treatment does not stop at the end of the chiropractic appointments. The chiropractor will teach you a series of exercises, which you can do at home safely. These exercises are meant to strengthen the muscles and mobilize the spine.
Find the Best Scoliosis Treatments at Our Forest Park Injury Center!
The chiropractors at our Forest Park injury center believe in a proactive approach to treating scoliosis. The earlier you start chiropractic care for scoliosis, the more effective its results will be.
We encourage you to call 1-800-HURT911 and schedule your first appointment with an experienced chiropractor at our clinic!
