From the side, the spine has three natural curves, giving it an “S” shape. When viewed from behind, though, the spine appears straight—or should appear straight. Some people have an abnormal sideways curve in the spine, often resembling an “S” or “C” shape when viewed from behind. This condition is known as scoliosis and can cause pain and other physical symptoms.
Scoliosis can affect individuals of all ages but is most commonly diagnosed between 10 and 15, with a prevalence rate of 3%. Symptoms of scoliosis include visible spine curvature, ribs sticking out, and uneven shoulders, waist, and hips. Some people also experience back pain, especially in more serious scoliosis cases. The exact cause of most scoliosis cases is usually unknown. However, factors like genetics, hormones, and cellular structure changes can sometimes play a role.
Scoliosis management aims to stop the progression of the condition in children and relieve symptoms in adults. Conservative treatment is the first-line option in scoliosis management, and natural treatment options can offer a safe and effective way of reducing symptoms. The main natural treatment options for scoliosis management include chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and physical therapy.
If you have scoliosis or think your child has scoliosis, you are in the right place. Read on to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and natural treatment options for scoliosis.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal S-shaped or C-shaped curve in the spine. Anyone can get scoliosis, but it is most typical in children between the ages of 10 and 15. The prevalence of scoliosis among children and adolescents is just over 3%.
Everyone has a curve in their spine from the side, but the spine appears straight from the back. People with scoliosis have a curve in their spine from behind, appearing as though the person is leaning to one side. The spinal curvature may occur on either or both sides of the spine and at different locations.
There are different types of scoliosis, and they are listed below.
- Idiopathic scoliosis (also known as Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis—AIS) has an unknown cause and is the most common type of scoliosis, responsible for more than 8 in 10 cases. AIS often develops around 10, although it can develop earlier (infantile and juvenile idiopathic scoliosis) or later (adult scoliosis).
- Congenital scoliosis results from an abnormal development of the spine before birth. Health practitioners generally detect this type of scoliosis at birth or in early infancy.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis is related to other neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
Scoliosis is not always a serious condition and may not even require treatment if it is mild. However, if the curve is not mild and rapidly progressing, immediate medical care is necessary to prevent permanent deformity and more serious health complications like lung problems.
What Are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?
The symptoms of scoliosis include a curved spine, uneven shoulders, uneven waist, leaning to one side, one hip sticking out, back pain, and ribs sticking out. Most children and teenagers do not have any symptoms or pain, especially in mild cases.
Here are some of the symptoms of scoliosis:
- Visibly curved spine
- Uneven shoulder
- Uneven waist
- Uneven hips
- Ribs sticking out
- Leaning to one side
- The head is not centered with the rest of the body
- Back pain (usually among adults)
What Causes Scoliosis?
Most cases of scoliosis have an unknown cause. However, factors like genetics, hormones, and changes in cellular structure can contribute to the condition. Certain injuries to the spine, medical conditions like cerebral palsy and tumors, and the wear and tear of the spine can cause scoliosis.
Natural Treatments of Scoliosis
The natural treatment of scoliosis depends on the type of scoliosis, the extent of the spine curvature, the patient’s age, the risk of the curve worsening, and the patient’s feelings about their back shape. Health practitioners consider these factors before deciding on the appropriate treatment option for scoliosis.
The primary goal of treatment for children is to slow the curve in the spine from progressing, while the goal when treating adults is to relieve any symptoms the condition may bring. Other treatment goals include posture correction and improving the individual’s quality of life with scoliosis.
Here are some of the natural treatment options for scoliosis.
Observation
Observing the spine and how the curve progresses is often the first step of scoliosis treatment in growing children. Monitoring the spine in young children is so important because the spine may straighten on its own and no further treatment will be required, especially when the curve is mild (less than 25 degrees). Observation is also useful in older children with mild scoliosis, as treatment may be unnecessary if the curve is not worsening.
Monitoring the patient for a few months before recommending any treatment option is also known as the “watch-and-wait” treatment. Health practitioners observe patients through X-rays every few months. The exact number of months between check-ups depends on the particular scoliosis case but is typically around 6 months.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a holistic health model that revolves around the body’s ability to heal itself, utilizing the relationship between the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Holistic medicine involves the total healing of a particular condition, considering its physical and mental aspects and addressing it from its root cause.
Chiropractic is useful in a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the back, hip, knee, and other skeletal structures. Scoliosis is a condition of the spine, and chiropractic has some advantages in managing it, as well.
How Does Chiropractic Treat Scoliosis?
Chiropractic treats scoliosis by relieving the pain associated with the condition and improving the patient’s physical performance. Chiropractic specializes in managing spinal conditions through various chiropractic techniques, especially spinal manipulation.
Spinal manipulation involves applying a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust at the end of a joint and is present in 8 out of 10 chiropractic treatment plans. The primary goal of spinal manipulation is to improve a joint’s range of motion and relieve pain.
The use of spinal manipulation in managing back pain and other types of musculoskeletal pain is well-documented, and it can also apply to back pain from scoliosis. A 2020 study found that spinal manipulation can relieve pain and improve balance in people with scoliosis.
No treatment option can fully straighten the spine, but severe scoliosis cases may benefit from surgery. Certain surgical procedures (like spinal fusion) can prevent the curve’s progression and straighten the spine to an extent. However, chiropractic can still help manage pain and improve spinal function among individuals who have had surgery. Therefore, chiropractic has benefits in managing scoliosis regardless of the primary treatment options employed.
Is Chiropractic Safe in Treating Scoliosis?
Chiropractic is generally safe in treating scoliosis and other musculoskeletal conditions. The safety of chiropractic techniques is supported by science, too, with a study revealing fewer than 2 serious adverse events per 10,000,000 chiropractic manipulations.
The fact that chiropractic is non-invasive (it does not penetrate the body) correlates to fewer side effects and complications. Chiropractic also does not promise to straighten the spine in treating scoliosis. As such, you don’t have to worry about chiropractors breaking the spine while trying to straighten it!
However, confidence in the safety of a chiropractic technique depends heavily on the quality of the chiropractor. Therefore, it is critical to only visit licensed, experienced chiropractors if you have scoliosis or other musculoskeletal conditions.
How to Find a Chiropractor for Scoliosis Treatment in Panama City, Florida?
You can find an experienced and quality chiropractor for your scoliosis treatment if you live in and around Panama City at Bay Clinic of Chiropractic. Dr. Tony Salamay is the lead chiropractor at The Bay Clinic of Chiropractic, and he has decades of experience and expertise in managing musculoskeletal conditions and their various symptoms.
You can reach The Bay Clinic of Chiropractic at (850) 785-9372 or info@thebaydoctor.com.
Complementary and Alternative Treatments
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a model of medicine that falls outside of the conventional and mainstream medicine practiced in many hospitals and clinics. Different types of complementary and alternative treatments include massage, acupuncture, yoga, pilates, and even chiropractic.
Alternative treatments like massage and acupuncture can help manage scoliosis. Acupuncture involves applying small and sharp needles to specific points in the body to open blockages in the normal flow of energy through the body. On the other hand, massage therapy involves applying varying degrees of pressure with the hands to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of the body.
Massage and acupuncture cannot straighten the spine but can help manage scoliosis symptoms. Both massage and acupuncture have scientific evidence of relieving pain, which may also be useful in treating scoliosis.
Bracing
Braces are orthopedic devices made to support, stabilize, align, and limit the motion of the spine. Bracing is the practice of using a brace and is one of the primary treatment options for scoliosis in children. Braces cannot straighten a curved spine; however, they can prevent the curve from progressing and getting worse. Bracing can also help in the management of scoliosis symptoms like chronic pain.
There are different types of braces, including the Milwaukee brace, Boston brace, Cheneau brace, Charleston brace, and Triac brace. The type of brace a health practitioner recommends depends on the severity of the curve, location, flexibility, and other medical conditions. Patients typically need custom-made braces.
Bracing often has a few requirements to guarantee any success, especially relating to compliance and wearing times. Health practitioners often require patients to wear the brace for around 23 hours a day until the spine stops growing.
Braces do not interfere with regular activities, but children may feel reluctant to wear them often or for that long, especially when playing with their friends. Poor compliance with bracing instructions can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, such children may need more support and monitoring from guardians and their healthcare providers.
Surgery
Surgery is one of the conventional treatment options available for managing scoliosis. The goals of surgery are to straighten the spine and limit the progression of the curve, relieve pressure on the spinal nerves, improve balance, and help manage symptoms like severe back pain.
There are different surgical procedures for scoliosis, and the exact procedure a medical practitioner recommends depends on the location and severity of the curve. Below are some of the procedures health practitioners may consider for scoliosis:
- spinal fusion surgery, which joins two or more spinal vertebrae together using metal rods, hooks, screws, or wires
- lumbar decompression surgery, which helps relieve pressure on the spine or nerves
- inserting an expanding rod, especially for children, which surgeons can lengthen as the child ages
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need Surgery for Scoliosis?
No, most people will not require surgery for their scoliosis management. Medical practitioners typically only recommend surgery if the curve in the spine is severe, getting significantly worse, or there are nerve problems or severe back pain.
The reluctance of health practitioners to consider surgery is due to the risks involved with spinal surgery. The risks of surgery for scoliosis include bleeding, infections, nerve damage, blood clots, and the surgery being unsuccessful, which often necessitates another surgery.
Can You Live a Normal Life With Scoliosis?
Yes, you can live a normal life with scoliosis and do most of your daily activities without pain and stress. People with scoliosis can even play sports and exercise. However, there may be some shame associated with treatment options like braces, particularly among children. Many adults may also be self-conscious and unwilling to socialize in places that require less clothing, like beach events, swimming, and many sports.
Therefore, people with scoliosis may still need support groups if they have problems socializing and living normally in society. People with severe symptoms that hinder their daily activities also need to be in continuous contact with their healthcare provider on the best approach to managing their symptoms and condition.
Are Painkillers Needed in Managing Scoliosis?
No, painkillers are typically not needed in scoliosis as the condition usually causes no pain. People who do experience pain may need treatment options for pain management, and conventional healthcare providers will often recommend NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) painkillers. Examples of NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac.
However, NSAIDs can cause a wide range of health complications, like gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, and cardiovascular problems, especially if an individual uses them for extended periods. Scoliosis is a lifelong condition, meaning any pain it causes will likely be chronic (lasting for more than 1 year), and using NSAIDs for that long increases the risk of health complications. Therefore, non-medication treatments like chiropractic and other physical therapies can help in the safe management of scoliosis pain.
Is Scoliosis Preventable?
No, scoliosis is not a preventable condition. Factors like exercise, posture, and diet are not thought to contribute to the development of scoliosis. Conversely, factors like genetics and changes in cellular structure can play a role in the development of scoliosis. Altering a person’s genetic or cellular structure is difficult and sometimes impossible, making scoliosis a practically unpreventable condition.
Can Scoliosis Be Cured?
No, scoliosis cannot be cured by any treatment option. Surgery is the closest option to curing scoliosis, but even surgery doesn’t fully straighten the spine. While there is no cure for scoliosis, chiropractic treatment can improve the quality of life of people with scoliosis. Braces can also stop the curve from getting worse.
Conclusion
Scoliosis is a complex condition that requires personalized treatment based on its severity, type, and progression. Scoliosis cannot be cured, so treatment is usually geared toward improving symptoms and increasing the patient’s quality of life. Various conservative treatments can help manage the condition and its symptoms, including chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture.
You can get this range of treatments at The Bay Clinic of Chiropractic. Reach us at (850) 785-9372 or at info@thebaydoctor.com.
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