If you’re somewhat familiar with chiropractic therapy, you might assume that it’s an ideal treatment for scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine). Chiropractic focuses primarily on the spine, and if you’re a scoliosis sufferer, going to a chiropractor can seem like a far preferable alternative to wearing a brace or undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

But can chiropractic treatment really combat scoliosis effectively? That’s the question we’ll be attempting to answer today.

Chiropractic is a form of medicine that is used to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders, with practitioners using their hands (or a machine) to perform treatments on the bones, muscles and joints, which are commonly referred to as ‘manual therapies’. Chiropractic treatment usually involves a range of techniques, although this is often focused on the manipulation of the patient’s spine, in order to treat conditions which cause pain in the neck and lower back, including scoliosis.

While those who practice chiropractic are considered to be part of the healthcare profession, there have been many debates and controversies relating to its effectiveness over the years, particularly due to the fact that it does not refer to a single treatment. While there is evidence to support the fact that chiropractic medicine can improve and relieve persistent lower back pain, there is no strong evidence to suggest that it has the ability to treat other conditions.

Can chiropractors treat scoliosis?

 

No two cases of scoliosis are exactly alike – symptoms and their severity vary hugely from patient to patient and depend on a number of contributing factors. Due to several possibilities in how scoliosis can occur and progress, no one treatment is universally effective; certain treatment routes may be effective for some patients but fail to provide the desired results for others.

 

Another issue that often arises when it comes to treating scoliosis concerns the patient’s personal circumstances and physical abilities. The typically-recommended treatment for progressive curves in young people is a back brace, which is fitted to the patient’s exact measurements and worn for extended periods of time in an effort to limit curve progression. For patients whose curves are progressing at a particularly rapid rate (to a degree that has the potential to limit their mobility, breathing capacity and overall health), spinal fusion surgery is often recommended in order to permanently halt the curvature’s progression. While these options may provide encouraging results for some, others may find them ineffective or limiting, and this prompts many scoliosis sufferers to seek out alternative treatments.

 

One approach that is often discussed as an alternative to surgery and bracing for treating scoliosis is physical therapy – that is, the non-invasive treatment of spinal curvature via a series of exercises and manipulations. While this type of therapy can be an effective form of treatment for scoliosis when performed correctly, the term ‘physical therapy’ is very broad, and individuals are often left confused as to what this treatment actually involves.

 

Below is an explanation of how and why physical therapy is used to treat scoliosis, along with a closer look at the forms of physical therapy that we use here at our clinic:

Scoliosis patients may seek treatment via physical therapy for a number of reasons, including:

• Avoiding the complications and physical limitations associated with surgery.
• Improving body image by reducing the visibility of the curve and avoiding surgery scars.
• Improving flexibility and mobility by strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine.
• Relieving the pain caused by scoliosis (often experienced by scoliosis suffers who have undergone surgery).
• Preventing curve progression using corrective techniques in a way that allows continued maintenance and improvement.

Physical therapy for scoliosis works by repeating a series of corrective movements and techniques, which are intended to limit restrictions, improve posture, strengthen the back muscles, and increase the patient’s range of motion. All of this contributes to reducing the level of pain experienced by the patient, along with improving their physical ability and correcting the visual symptoms of the condition.

 

Here at Scoliosis SOS, we achieve optimal results for each patient by assessing and treating their condition on an individual basis and by providing a range of targeted physical therapies that treat the various aspects of their scoliosis condition. While the Schroth method forms the foundations of our treatment approach, this is complemented and supported by a range of other proven techniques, which work in unison to form our ScolioGold treatment programme.

 

 

 

People with this type of scoliosis are impacted by disorders of the brain, the spinal cord, and the muscular system, the weakness of which leads to an abnormal spinal curvature. The rate and risk of progression is often much higher than for other types of scoliosis, which makes neuromuscular scoliosis one of the most severe forms of the condition.

• Cerebral Palsy: This condition causes muscle weakness, uncontrolled body movements, poor co-ordination, and other issues. To find out more about its connection with scoliosis, read our blog post here.
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A disease which impacts the nerve cells connecting the brain and spinal cord to the body’s muscles. With progression, the disease can lead to a gradual weakening of the muscles, making physical activities more and more difficult. Find out more in our previous blog post.
• Spina Bifida:  A condition which impacts the development of the spine, leaving a gap. This leads to mobility issues, bowel problems, and a build-up of fluid on the brain.
• Muscular Dystrophy: This term refers to a collective group of medical conditions which cause the muscles to weaken, leading to a progressive loss of physical ability. Mutations cause changes in the muscle fibres, interfering with their ability to function. In most cases, these mutations are passed down genetically from parent to child.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Bruises and tears which cause damage to the spinal cord, impacting the ability of the brain to transmit messages to the rest of the body.

How does neuromuscular scoliosis affect the patient?

• Progression: Due to the fact that this type of scoliosis is common in children with the conditions listed above, it can often become worse during growth spurts. This progression can lead to a collapsed torso and a raised diaphragm, which impacts the patient’s lung function. This can be even more severe in cases where the muscles which control breathing are already weak.
• Symptoms: Often, patients with neuromuscular scoliosis who are able to walk will display similar symptoms to those with idiopathic scoliosis: tilted shoulders, uneven waist/hips, and prominence of the ribs on one side. For patients who require the use of mobility aids due to the severity of their condition, the symptoms can include those mentioned above, as well as changes in overall posture, a tilted pelvis, progressive loss of the ability to sit unsupported, and pressure sores. In addition to these symptoms, patients may also suffer from other types of spinal curves, including kyphosis and lordosis.

How is the Condition Treated?