Can A Chiropractor Fix Scoliosis?
Scoliosis tends to affect teenagers more than any other age group, with around 1 in 15 Australian girls developing some form of scoliosis during their growing period between the ages of 9 to 14 years. It is less common in boys, but for both usually develops a year before puberty.
Some severe cases of scoliosis require surgery, but it is not as common as you may think. So, can a chiropractor fix scoliosis? Let’s have a look.
To Begin: What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways, which can result in back pain, muscle weakness, and other related symptoms. Sometimes it can be quite subtle, whilst in other situations it can be quite noticeable and in young adults, some will require a back brace to assist with proper spine alignment (or surgery, in very rare cases). While there is no cure for scoliosis, chiropractic care can be beneficial in managing the symptoms and reducing the progression of the condition.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
The right chiropractic care can go a long way towards non-invasive treatments for scoliosis, with a number of benefits.
Improves Mobility
One benefit of chiropractic care for scoliosis is that it can improve spinal alignment and range of motion. Chiropractors use manual adjustments and other techniques to realign the spine and reduce tension in the muscles surrounding the affected area. This can help alleviate pain and improve mobility, which can have a positive impact on quality of life.
Prevents The Advancement of Scoliosis
When tended to in time, chiropractic care can help prevent the progression of scoliosis. While chiropractic adjustments cannot reverse the curvature of the spine, they can help prevent it from getting worse. Chiropractors can also provide patients with exercises and stretches to improve their posture and strengthen their back muscles, which can help reduce the pressure on the spine and slow the progression of the condition.
Will Chiropractic Care Cure Scoliosis?
Since we’re asking “can a chiropractor fix scoliosis?”, it’s worth noting that there is no definitive evidence that chiropractic can cure scoliosis. Chiropractic care may have some potential limitations when it comes to treating scoliosis, such as chiropractic adjustments being an unsuitable replacement for medical treatment in the case of patients that require surgery. Patients with scoliosis should still receive regular medical care from their GP to monitor the progression of the condition and ensure that it does not cause any serious health problems – however, a qualified chiropractor should absolutely be considered as a supportive role.
Overall, chiropractic care may be a beneficial treatment option for managing the symptoms and slowing the progression of scoliosis but may not be a permanent solution depending on the patient. In cases of very mild scoliosis, just a few sessions with a qualified chiropractor may be enough to alleviate pain in the short-term, whilst continuous treatments may provide relief for a longer period of time.
