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5 Ways Chiropractors Can Help Scoliosis

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a man is examining a woman 's back with scoliosis.

Scoliosis is defined as curvature of the spine, and when left untreated, it can become a progressive condition that leads to pain, discomfort and limited mobility. Affecting between 6 and 9 million people in the United States, scoliosis is a relatively prevalent condition, though depending on the severity of your curve, it may go undiagnosed.

If you are suffering from persistent, chronic back pain, you may be wondering, can a chiropractor fix scoliosis?

1. Spinal Adjustments

Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy is a popular treatment option for patients who are suffering from scoliosis. Commonly referred to as spinal adjustments, these treatments are used to realign the spinal column while simultaneously stimulating the nervous system. When chiropractors perform spinal adjustments, they use gentle pressure and low-impact thrusting techniques in order to adjust the spine and reduce back pain.

2. Muscle Strengthening

Due to the progressive nature of scoliosis, patients may also suffer from muscle weakness over time as the spine continues to curve more significantly. During the evaluation process, chiropractors will often identify specific areas of muscle weakness, and then they can subsequently recommend muscle strengthening exercises to help reduce pain and restore mobility.

3. Postural Education

a woman is stretching her back in a field at sunset .

In addition to providing scoliosis patients with targeted chiropractic treatments, chiropractors also often work to empower their patients with the tools and resources they need to live a comfortable life. By offering postural education and guidance, chiropractors can provide patients with actionable advice to help them protect their back and naturally reduce discomfort. For example, patients with scoliosis should focus on sitting properly at their desks when working, as improper posture can lead to amplified pain and lingering mobility issues.

4. Use of Supportive Devices

In some cases, scoliosis patients may need to rely on supportive devices in order to strengthen their back and straighten their spine. Young patients who have been diagnosed with scoliosis may be able to wear a back brace during adolescence in order to prevent their spine from curving more significantly over time.

5. Pain Management

Depending on the severity of the curve, scoliosis can be a debilitating condition that leads to chronic back pain. Most chiropractors will include pain management as part of their treatment plan. For instance, your chiropractor may recommend massage therapy in addition to your spinal adjustments. Therapeutic massage techniques can be used in order to manipulate the soft tissue in the muscles and improve joint motion, ultimately reducing your pain and discomfort while simultaneously improving your mobility.

Advanced Physical Medicine is Here to Help

At Advanced Physical Medicine of St. Charles, we are proud to have leading chiropractic care providers on our team who have significant experience working with scoliosis patients. Whether you have been managing the symptoms of scoliosis for years, or you have recently been diagnosed with curvature of the spine, we can work to create a comprehensive care plan for you that includes chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy and postural education.

Request an appointment today, and begin your journey toward a pain-free life.