Scoliosis is a very common spinal condition throughout the world. In fact, scoliosis is so common that many schools perform mandatory assessments for the condition in young students. Usually, this involves having the child bend forward and try to touch their toes while the nurse or doctor assesses their spinal alignment. Then, if scoliosis is noted, the child can be referred for x-rays and a consult about the next best steps for his or her treatment.
Luckily, chiropractic care offers a low-risk, painless solution to the issue of scoliosis. In this article, we will review the topic of scoliosis and show how chiropractic care can benefit those who suffer from this spinal condition.
What is Scoliosis?
Generally speaking, scoliosis is a lateral spine curvature. There are specific degrees that clinicians will use to diagnose scoliosis, but suffice it to say that any lateral deviation in the spine can cause many health problems.
What Issues Can Scoliosis Cause?
For people with very mild cases of scoliosis, symptoms are generally very minimal. For example, these patients may have trouble bending or reaching in certain directions. They may notice that one side of their body is more flexible than another or that they always prefer to lean in a certain direction.
Unfortunately, there are also very severe cases of scoliosis that some individuals suffer from. In these cases, patients may experience such extreme rotation and lateral curvature of their spines that they can barely breathe.
What are the Common Treatments for Scoliosis?
Depending on the specific type of scoliosis, there are a few different treatment options available. For example, mild cases of scoliosis may be treated with specific exercises and stretches. These can be performed throughout one’s lifetime, and the patient is unlikely to experience any severe problems.
In more advanced cases, patients may consider surgical options. While many different surgeries are available for scoliosis, the most common option is to perform a surgical fixation of the spine. In this operation, the spine is essentially supported by a metal rod that runs directly up and down the back.
However, those who are uncertain about surgical options may be wondering if there are any less extreme options available. These patients should consider chiropractic care.
Top 3 Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis
While there are many benefits of chiropractic care for patients with scoliosis, these are the top 3!
Benefit #1: Decreased Pain
By manipulating misaligned spinal segments, chiropractors can often decrease patients’ pain significantly. Pain is one of the biggest complaints reported by scoliosis sufferers. By alleviating this symptom, chiropractors enable patients to reclaim their lives and enjoy activities they’ve been avoiding due to discomfort and fear of causing further pain.
Benefit #2: Improved Function
A lateral curvature of the spine may not seem like it would limit a person too much. But when the degree of spinal curvature is extreme, it can be very hard to complete any daily activities. Chiropractic care can improve range of motion so that patients can more easily reach, bend, and complete any other tasks they may need to throughout the day.
Benefit #3: Improved Strength
Because of the increased range of motion and decreased pain patients experience as a result of chiropractic care, they often also experience improved strength. When they can move better, with decreased pain, these patients can generate more force and may experience higher levels of strength than they did previously.
Do you suffer from scoliosis or a related condition? If so, you should consider setting up an appointment with the premier chiropractors in Plano, TX at Keystone Chiropractic. Book your appointment now!
