February 10, 2024
An estimated 7 million Americans are affected by an abnormal curvature of the spine, known as scoliosis. Symptoms can vary from unnoticeable to severe, but even patients on the milder end of the spectrum can have negative impacts in their day to day.
People often look for help from physical therapists and primary care doctors, but more are turning to chiropractic care. Read here to find out how a chiropractor can help with your scoliosis pain.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is one of the most common spinal disorders. It’s characterized by spinal curves in the shape of an S or C. This curvature can result in the hips and shoulders looking mildly to severely uneven. Although treatments are available, scoliosis has no cure.
What Symptoms Does Scoliosis Have?
Aside from the cause (the curvature of the spine), some other signs and symptoms include:
- Uneven hips, waist, or shoulders
- Difficulty breathing
- Back and joint pain
- Muscle spasms
- Limited mobility
If you’re experiencing one or more of these issues, contact an expert to receive a professional opinion.
Types of Scoliosis
There are two main categories of scoliosis:
Structural
This is the most common category, where the spine’s structure has been damaged due to spinal rotation and curves from side to side. Occasionally, this is referred to as “True” scoliosis.
Non-Structural
This is a secondary, less common form of scoliosis. The spine’s structure remains intact but still curves from side to side. Non-structural scoliosis is generally caused by inflammation, muscle spasms, and unequal leg height.
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
As mentioned above, scoliosis has no cure. There are, however, services and techniques that chiropractors can use to increase mobility and pain relief.
Manual Adjustments
A chiropractor trained to treat scoliosis will know how to work with spine twists and turns. Manual adjustments that are safe for scoliosis can relieve pressure on the nervous system, allowing the body to operate more smoothly and efficiently.
Soft Tissue Techniques
Also referred to as massage therapy, these techniques can help improve the range of motions for someone with scoliosis. When used with a manual adjustment (if possible), there’s potential for the body to respond to the treatment better as a whole.
Prescribe Mobility Exercises
Your chiropractor may use some rehabilitation exercises and stretches to increase your mobility. These exercises will help the body hold itself in the proper position. Depending on your specific case of scoliosis, the methods and practices may vary.
Can Chiropractic Care Help My Scoliosis?
Of course it can! If you’re experiencing the symptoms and pain of scoliosis, call 727-447-4647 or contact us to schedule an appointment with our Clearwater scoliosis chiropractors to make a positive effect on your health!
About the Authors: With four decades of combined experience, Dr. Jere Jarrett and Dr. Philip Toft are highly educated and experienced chiropractors who serve Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding areas. They take a “whole-body” approach to chiropractic care, looking for the underlying cause of pain and discomfort instead of treating symptoms. Call 727-447-4647 to schedule an appointment.