Scoliosis is described as an unnatural lateral curvature of the spine. It is estimated that 5-7 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with scoliosis. Although there are many common back problems, scoliosis has the greatest potential for discomfort and immobility. Thankfully, chiropractors can provide relief for this condition!
Scoliosis most often affects the chest area and lower back, and it is more prevalent in women than men. Scoliosis is said to be hereditary, but there is no correlation between one generation and the next. In many cases, the cause of the curvature is unknown.
There are five types of scoliosis:
- Idiopathic Curve – no known cause of the curvature
- Congenital Curve – the curvature was present at birth
- Paralytic Curve – the curvature was the result of an injury
- Myopathic Deformity – the muscles are not supporting the spine properly
- Secondary – other conditions, such as osteoporosis or osteomalacia, cause the curvature.
Chiropractors will not take the traditional approach – drugs and surgery – to correct this issue, because they do not want to mask the symptoms or add more pressure on the spinal joint. This could cause the surrounding nerves to be aggravated and make the condition worse.
Chiropractors work on repositioning the joints in the spine. They also work on relaxing the muscles and retraining the brain to use the muscles and spinal joints differently. To accomplish this, chiropractors use scoliosis-specific adjustments, and may incorporate stretches and exercises, as well as recommend massage therapy.