Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine. In most people it is mild, produces no symptoms, and was diagnosed in childhood or adolescence during a school screening. In others it causes chronic back pain, uneven muscle tension, and fatigue from the body working to compensate for an asymmetrical load. We do not cure scoliosis, but we do address the pain and limitation it creates.
What we can do
The curve itself is structural. What responds to care are the consequences of living with it: the joints that are chronically overloaded on the compressed side, the muscles that are constantly working to hold the spine upright against an asymmetrical pull, and the pain that builds from both.
Chiropractic adjusting in scoliosis is done carefully and is focused on the segments that are most restricted and causing the most strain, not on trying to straighten the curve. Soft tissue work addresses the chronic tension in the muscles along the concave side of the curve. Acupuncture helps with the pain and the fatigue. For active scoliosis in growing children, regular monitoring and early intervention give the best outcome.
Common questions
Can chiropractic straighten a scoliosis curve?
No, and you should be skeptical of anyone who claims it can. Structural scoliosis involves the bones themselves and does not reverse with adjusting. What adjusting does is reduce the pain and restriction that come from the mechanical consequences of the curve.
My scoliosis is mild. Should I still be treated?
If you have pain or restricted movement, yes. If you have no symptoms, monitoring is reasonable to make sure the curve is not progressing, particularly in children and adolescents.
My child has scoliosis. What should we do?
Mild curves in children benefit from monitoring and, when there is pain or progression, conservative care. We work alongside your child's orthopedic provider and do not replace that relationship.
Schedule an appointment or call 704-663-2010.
