Wondering what is involved with scoliosis treatment? Scoliosis is a medical disorder that causes abnormal curves within the spine. This harmful curvature tends to appear more often in children before they reach puberty, with most cases of scoliosis being diagnosed as minor.
Those diagnosed with more severe cases of scoliosis will often experience difficulty moving their body and can potentially experience lung problems due to a decreased amount of space in the chest cavity as a result of the severe curvature.
Anyone who receives a scoliosis diagnosis will need to be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the curvature of their spine does not get worse. X-rays are commonly used for comparison reasons and play a very important role in determining whether or not the patient is in need of any type of treatment. Some of the more common signs that come with scoliosis include uneven shoulders and/or an uneven waist.
Treatment is necessary when the curvature of one’s spine begins to worsen. It is possible for the spine to rotate or twist even further, which often leads to the patient experiencing additional health problems. Because every case of scoliosis is different, treatment techniques will be customized to fit each patient's specific needs.
There are multiple factors a chiropractor will look for when determining what type of treatment techniques should be used to treat scoliosis patients:
There are a few different treatment options in place for treating patients who have been diagnosed with scoliosis.
Wearing a back brace
While wearing a brace will not reverse scoliosis, it will help to prevent any further progression of the disorder. When it is necessary for a patient to wear a brace, it will be made to conform to their body, making it virtually unnoticeable. The brace will need to be worn for a certain amount of time every single day until a chiropractor determines that the patient's bones are no longer growing.
Lifestyle changes
Scoliosis patients are encouraged to stay active as much as their condition allows. They should participate in any sport they enjoy playing and/or participate in outdoor exercises, as any type of exercise is going to help them maintain overall good health.
Chiropractic adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments help to reduce any restrictions or misalignments in the spine and are therefore a common treatment option chosen by scoliosis patients. These adjustments also help to minimize any inflammation present as well as help to improve functioning between the patient's nervous system and joints. The result is increased mobility and improved spinal health.
Surgery
According to the Scoliosis Research Society, sometimes an idiopathic scoliosis curve continues to progress despite bracing and if this happens and the curve progresses past 40 or 50 degrees, surgery may be considered. Therefore, patients living with severe scoliosis may need to undergo surgery in order to reduce the severity of their curvature. While there are a few different types of surgical options for correcting a severe curvature of the spine, the most common type of surgery is spinal fusion.
While the cause of scoliosis is not known, scoliosis treatment options are available. Some potential complications that come with a scoliosis diagnosis often include more severe back problems, which can really change your overall appearance and accordingly make you feel self-conscious about the way you look.
More serious complications include lung damage and heart damage, two serious health problems that can be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis. If you need scoliosis treatment, please do not hesitate to call our office and schedule an appointment today.