Scoliosis usually appears in children aged 10-15, causing an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, it affects around 2-3% of the population, or six to nine million people in the US. Most of these patients seek treatment in physician offices, but some reach out for alternative care provided by chiropractors.

So, is chiropractic care any good for scoliosis?

What Are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?

Most scoliosis symptoms are mild, but some people experience deterioration with age. Severe cases can limit the space within the ribcage, affecting the normal function of the lungs and making it harder to breathe. Other complications include back pain and noticeable appearance changes.

Scoliosis signs and symptoms include:

• Pain
• Uneven shoulders
• Uneven waist
• Asymmetrical ribcage
• One unusually high or prominent hip
• One more prominent shoulder blade

What Causes Scoliosis?

We are still not sure what causes scoliosis. It usually develops in the adolescent period, with a similar prevalence in boys and girls. However, it is more common for scoliosis to worsen in girls, which is why they require treatment more often. 

Scoliosis sometimes runs in the family, which hints at possible genetic factors. Other causes may include:

• Spinal cord abnormalities
• Injuries or infections of the spine
• Cerebral palsy
• Muscular dystrophy
• Infant chest surgery
• Congenital anomalies of the spine

How Is Scoliosis Treated?

There is no cure for scoliosis, and this condition requires ongoing treatment. The approach depends on the severity of the curvature, and mild cases usually don’t require interventions. However, they need regular check-ups to ensure their condition isn’t deteriorating.

For growing children with moderate to severe scoliosis, doctors usually recommend wearing a brace. Although doing this won’t improve the condition, it stops it from getting worse.

The brace is typically made of plastic and conforms to the body. Children need to wear it 13-16 hours per day, and it is barely visible under the clothes. The great thing is that the brace doesn’t limit them, and the kids can usually participate in all activities, including sports.

Once the child stops growing, their doctor will recommend taking the scoliosis brace off, since curve progression is much lower risk. If scoliosis becomes severe, your doctor may suggest surgery to straighten the curve.

Can a Chiropractor Help With Scoliosis?

Yes, chiropractors provide adjustments and other treatment modalities that can help alleviate pain and prevent further degradation of the spine. The chiropractic adjustments focus on improving the mobility of the joints and easing the pressure of the surrounding nerves, which helps manage the pain.

Your chiropractor can also suggest light exercises, stretches, and breathing techniques to help you alleviate pain and preserve mobility in your everyday life.

Some studies confirm that chiropractic care can help manage pain and other symptoms associated with scoliosis. However, it can induce mild side effects such as muscle weakness.

Where to Get Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis?

Joint and Spine Center offers a combination of traditional and novel chiropractic care therapies for scoliosis. The team is led by Dr. Jeffrey Pruski, a famous Chiropractor in Huntsville, Texas, who has over 30 years of experience in the chiropractic field. It’s safe to say that you are in good hands when you come for an appointment at the Joint and Spine Center. Click here for contact information.