Chiropractor For Scoliosis
Scoliosis is when your spine curves sideways in a way that’s not normal, and it often happens to teenagers before they finish growing.
When you have scoliosis, you might notice big changes in how you look. Besides the sideways curve, your spine might also twist. Some signs include one shoulder being higher, pain in your lower back, uneven shoulders, one hip higher, a lopsided waist, and strong pain in your hips.
Dr. Jerry will help break down the different aspects of scoliosis, from the different types to what causes it, and he’ll also talk about the various ways to treat it. So, if you’re curious or dealing with scoliosis, this page should be helpful for you.
Types Of Scoliosis
In most patients, scoliosis develops due to unknown reasons, like idiopathic scoliosis. It affects mainly adolescents. The other two scoliosis types are:
Congenital scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that a person is born with, typically occurring around the fifth lumbar vertebra. This means that the spine is not shaped normally from the very beginning of a person’s life.
Acquired scoliosis is a condition where the spine develops an abnormal curve due to repeated injuries or trauma. Unlike congenital scoliosis, acquired scoliosis is not present at birth but develops over time as a result of various factors that impact the spine.
Causes Of Scoliosis
There is no exact cause for most scoliosis cases. Hereditary factors may be the significant reason behind idiopathic scoliosis as it tends to run over generations. The following are the possible causes for the other two less common scoliosis forms.
- Neuromuscular disorders like muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy
- Spinal trauma
- Infections of the spine
- Physical deformity
- Frequent muscle spasms in the area around the spine
- Spinal deformities at the time of birth
Temporary Pain Relief
Here are some general tips that may help alleviate temporary pain associated with scoliosis:
Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the affected area can help relax tense muscles, improve blood flow, and temporarily alleviate pain associated with scoliosis.
Cold Therapy: Using cold packs or ice can reduce inflammation and numb the pain, providing temporary relief for individuals with scoliosis.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medications: Non-prescription drugs like acetaminophen or NSAIDs can be used under guidance to manage pain associated with scoliosis, but consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.
Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises designed by a physical therapist can strengthen and stretch muscles around the spine, promoting pain reduction and improved flexibility.
Posture Awareness: Maintaining good posture is crucial for minimizing strain on the spine and may contribute to temporary relief from scoliosis-related pain.
Chiropractic Treatment For Scoliosis
Chiropractic treatments for scoliosis typically aim to improve spinal alignment, reduce pain, and enhance overall function. Chiropractors use their hands to adjust your spine, kind of like giving it a tune-up. Let’s discuss some possible treatments which can help to make your spine healthy and treat scoliosis.
Here are some common chiropractic approaches that a chiropractor can apply:
Spinal Manipulation: Chiropractors often use manual adjustments to manipulate the spine and improve its alignment. While this may provide temporary relief, the impact on the long-term progression of scoliosis is unclear.
Exercise and Stretching: Chiropractors may recommend specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve flexibility. These exercises are designed to support overall spinal health.
Bracing: In some cases, chiropractors use bracing as a conservative measure to help manage scoliosis. Braces are intended to provide support and potentially slow down the progression of the curvature.
Electrical Stimulation: Many skilled chiropractors use electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to help reduce muscle spasms and promote muscle relaxation around the spine. It will help you to put your spine in a good position.
Postural Training: Chiropractors often emphasize the importance of maintaining good posture to reduce strain on the spine. They may provide guidance on ergonomic adjustments and lifestyle modifications.
Chiropractic treatment offers immediate pain relief through stretching and spinal reconstruction. We carefully assess the patient’s condition and use spinal manipulations, traditional non-surgical therapies like soft tissue therapy, and spinal exercises in conjunction with treatment medications.
Ballard Seattle Chiropractic Center is a chiropractor in Seattle for scoliosis treatment of all health conditions. Our chiropractors conduct a physical examination to ascertain the root cause of scoliosis and formulate your customized scoliosis treatment.
Contact us to book an appointment if you have scoliosis.
Book An Appointment
Request an appointment online by calling us at (206) 783-6000
You can also use the online booking tool below for an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scoliosis
Are Seattle, WA Chiropractors good for scoliosis?
Seattle, WA chiropractors are highly experienced in treating scoliosis. Chiropractic care is a great long-term solution to manage scoliosis. Ignoring moderate scoliosis and leaving it untreated, can lead to it progressing into a more severe form that requires complex spinal treatments.
Is scoliosis a neurological condition?
Scoliosis resulting from neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy is a secondary neurological condition. It is generally associated with spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy, and trauma to the spinal cord. This form of scoliosis progresses more rapidly than others.
Does scoliosis worsen with age?
Mild scoliosis doesn’t get worse with age. However, in most young scoliosis patients, the curvature sometimes increases by one or two degrees with every passing year. A chiropractic adjustment is an effective solution for restoring the natural alignment of the spine.
Isn’t a Certain Amount of Sideways Curvature Normal?
Two mild C and S shaped curvatures are generally present in the spine. However, abnormal lateral or sideways curvature results from trauma or injury to the spine. It is a severe medical condition that needs immediate and professional medical care.
Do Heavy Back-Packs Cause Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a complex disorder caused by severe trauma to the spine. Childhood sports injuries or carrying heavy backpacks can’t cause scoliosis. However, they certainly can lead to neck and lower back pain that goes away after taking some rest.
