What You Can Do to Treat Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition that affects hundreds of thousands of people around the country. It usually begins in the early teen years and, statistically speaking, affects boys more than girls. There are grades of scoliosis, from slight to severe, and these come with their own set of symptoms and difficulties for the patient.

The normal spine, as seen from the side, has three curves. The cervical (neck) curve, thoracic (back) curve and the lumbar (low back) curve all serve a very important purpose and are highly important to optimal health. These curves enable the incredible movements that humans can achieve, and the better the curves the healthier the patient.

Seen from the front, however, the spine should be completely vertical. Scoliosis is when the spine, from the front, is curved. This abnormal curving, or misalignment, of the spine can cause a myriad of health problems, from simple mid-back pain to heart, lung, and other internal organ problems if it is severe enough.

The reason is that, when the spine is misaligned, the discs between the vertebrae begin to break down and the delicate nerves that pass through the spine become compressed. A chiropractor can diagnose the severity of the problem with diagnostic x-rays.

A slight scoliosis will cause occasional pain and discomfort, but moderate and severe scoliosis can cause life threatening problems for the patient over time. Scoliosis is also a progressive problem, meaning that without treatment it will get worse slowly but surely over time. A slight scoliosis will, with time, become severe and so must be treated as soon as possible.

The good news is that, if the patient is young enough and the scoliosis is detected in time, it can usually be cured. A cure, to be sure, is something that takes time, patience and diligence on the part of both chiropractor and patient. The younger the patient the better, but scoliosis can also be treated in adults of all ages and, while not completely curable, can be kept under control and the progression stopped or at least slowed.

A chiropractor uses a number of treatment protocols to treat scoliosis, and these can include chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy and cold laser therapy. Spinal decompression can actually help to straighten the spine and help the discs to heal, while cold laser therapy is excellent for the surrounding tissues like muscles and tendons.

A combination of all three of these treatments, plus possibly massage and others, can reduce the tension and stress of the spine due to the abnormal curve and help to greatly alleviate pain and other symptoms.

Scoliosis is not a disease and, interestingly, scientists still have not determined its cause. Whatever the cause may be, proper and ongoing treatment to reduce the curve and maintain the spine is necessary, sometimes for life.

Across the country, chiropractic care is available that can help the patient suffering from scoliosis and ensure that they have a healthier, longer life. If you believe that you might have scoliosis, why not schedule an appointment with a chiropractor today? Beginning treatment early in life is the best way to battle this painful but treatable condition.