Scoliosis Treatment with Chiropractic Care

Scoliosis Treatment with Conservative Chiropractic Care

Ten Oaks Health and Wellness regularly treats patients with scoliosis within the Western Howard County region including Glenelg, West Friendship, Clarksville, and Ellicott City. Dr. Glenn Molin, Ten Oaks Health and Wellness’s chiropractor has been treating people with scoliosis throughout his career and has experienced many great successes.

Scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves sideways, is relatively common, affecting about 2-3% of the population. The severity of scoliosis varies, with many cases being mild and not requiring treatment, while others may be severe enough to consider bracing or surgery.

Groups Most at Risk:

1. Adolescents (10-15 years old):
   • Idiopathic scoliosis, the most common type, often develops during growth spurts in adolescence. Girls are more likely to develop more severe curves that may need treatment.
2. Females:
   • While scoliosis can affect both males and females, girls are 8 times more likely to develop significant spinal curves that require intervention.
3. Family History:
   • There is a genetic component to scoliosis. If a family member has scoliosis, others in the family may be at higher risk of developing it.
4. People with Neuromuscular Disorders:
   • Conditions like muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida increase the risk of scoliosis because these disorders affect the muscles that support the spine.
5. Older Adults:
   • Degenerative scoliosis can occur in older adults due to age-related changes in the spine, such as arthritis or osteoporosis, leading to spinal deformities.

Prevalence:

• Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Most common, affecting 2-3% of children aged 10-15.
• Degenerative Scoliosis: More common in adults over 50 as a result of spine degeneration.
• Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Seen in individuals with underlying neuromuscular conditions.

Early screening and monitoring are key for managing scoliosis, especially in adolescents going through growth spurts. If caught early, non-invasive treatments like bracing may prevent further curvature progression.

How chiropractic care helps scoliosis:

Chiropractic care can play a supportive role in managing scoliosis, particularly in alleviating symptoms, improving mobility, and enhancing overall spinal health. While chiropractic treatment cannot cure scoliosis or completely reverse the curvature of the spine, it can help manage the condition and improve the quality of life for those affected.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis:

1. Pain Relief

• Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain caused by scoliosis by relieving pressure on the nerves and improving joint function. The adjustments can help align the spine in a way that reduces discomfort in the back, neck, and hips.

2. Improved Mobility and Flexibility

• Scoliosis can lead to stiffness and limited mobility. Chiropractic care can help improve range of motion in the spine and other joints, making it easier for patients to move freely and participate in daily activities.

3. Reduction in Muscle Tension

• Scoliosis often leads to muscle imbalances, with some muscles becoming overworked and others weakening. Chiropractic adjustments, combined with soft tissue work, can help release tension in tight muscles and promote more balanced muscle function.

4. Postural Correction

• Chiropractors focus on improving posture through both adjustments and exercises. While they can’t correct the spinal curve itself, improving posture can help alleviate compensatory issues and improve overall body alignment, which can reduce the strain scoliosis places on the body.

5. Complement to Other Treatments

• Chiropractic care can be part of a multidisciplinary approach to scoliosis management. It can complement other treatments such as bracing, physical therapy, and even surgery by helping manage symptoms and improving spinal health.

6. Non-invasive Approach

• For individuals with mild to moderate scoliosis, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive alternative for managing pain and discomfort, which can reduce or eliminate the need for medications and invasive procedures like surgery.

7. Spinal Decompression

• Some chiropractors use techniques like spinal decompression therapy, which involves gently stretching the spine to relieve pressure on the vertebrae and nerves. This can help reduce discomfort associated with scoliosis and promote better spinal alignment.

Chiropractic Care Techniques for Scoliosis:

• Spinal Adjustments: Manual manipulations to improve spinal function and reduce nerve pressure.
• Soft Tissue Therapy: Massage or trigger point therapy to relieve muscle tension.
• Rehabilitation Exercises: Custom exercises aimed at improving core strength, posture, and flexibility.
• Postural Training: Guidance on how to maintain proper posture to minimize scoliosis-related discomfort.

The entire staff at Ten Oaks Health and Wellness has the experience needed to help those with scoliosis effectively manage scoliosis symptoms. It’s important to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help restore mobility and stability. If you or your child are suffering from scoliosis, please consider visiting our state-of-the-art facility. We offer a wide range of treatments for mild to severe scoliosis cases. To learn more about our scoliosis treatment options or to schedule a consultation with one of our expert team members, please contact us today.