Chiropractic for Scoliosis

Here at Health From Within our chiropractic for scoliosis can improve range of motion, improve flexibility, and reduce pain and discomfort. Each fall scoliosis screenings are a normal part of the back-to-school routine here at our practice. If you are a parent that found us by searching ‘scoliosis chiropractor near me’, our scoliosis chiropractor would like local parents to know more about scoliosis and what they can do if their child develops it.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to the side where it should be straight. It can occur in children of any age, but it is most common during adolescence. The curvature of the spine can result from one misaligned vertebrae, or it can be pretty significant. The body always compensates for scoliosis, no matter how small the curve. 

Compensations for scoliosis are not corrections. They represent the body's attempt to keep the head level and promote normal functioning, such as balance. Much of this compensation results from unevenly strengthened muscles, which can cause additional unhealthy sideways curves to form in the spine. Effective treatment for scoliosis requires correcting the underlying cause of the condition, which may involve surgery, bracing, or physical therapy. Addressing the compensations that have developed is also important in order to prevent further progression of the condition and reduce pain.

There is no single cause for scoliosis, with the vast majority of cases having no diagnosable cause. However, some underlying conditions have been linked to the development of scoliosis. These include spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and other conditions that cause spinal misalignment. In most cases, the exact cause of scoliosis remains unknown. 

While scoliosis is more common in teens or children aged 10 to 12, it can occur at any age. Scoliosis that occurs at birth or at a very young age is infantile scoliosis. Four through 10-year-old children can have juvenile scoliosis. Scoliosis can also occur in elderly persons with osteoporosis and other diseases linked with spinal degeneration. 

How Is Scoliosis Identified?

Early detection of scoliosis is important in order to begin treatment as soon as possible. Scoliosis screenings are typically conducted by school nurses during back-to-school physicals. However, athletic coaches, dance teachers, and parents might also notice tell-tale signs of scoliosis such as uneven shoulder height, a rotated rib cage, or uneven hips. If you suspect that your child may have scoliosis, it is important to seek professional medical help immediately in order to begin treatment and prevent the condition from worsening.

Here at Health From Within, we don't just perform the classic forward bend test for scoliosis assessment. We also observe the spine as the child moves and assumes a variety of postures. This motion analysis can help us detect issues and develop a targeted exercise program. This comprehensive approach ensures that we catch any potential problems early and can provide the most effective care possible.

We also like to do a thorough health history while we have parents in the office. This helps us get a complete picture of a child or teen's life. Gathering as much information as possible about a child's habits, lifestyle choices, and friends can help us build a healthy living program that works for the entire family.

During examination, if we feel the need for additional data, we’ll refer you to a local practitioner for x-rays, scans, and other tests. In cases where the scoliosis causes a severe curve that could require surgical correction, we happily provide supportive care around the surgery and long-term healthcare. We want to give each of our patients so much more than relief of symptoms. Our mission is to help each patient have the best possible life.

Complications of Scoliosis

Scoliosis can cause serious problems if it is left untreated. The spine is connected to the head, neck, and limbs, so any misalignment can affect coordination and increase the risk of falls and other injuries. The spinal nerves travel through the spine, carrying nerve impulses between the brain and all the nerves. These impulses are messages that relay information from the senses and the body in motion. They help us process what we experience and act in our world. If the spine is out of alignment, these messages can be disrupted, causing a wide range of problems. Scoliosis can cause pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulties with balance and coordination. It can also make it difficult to breathe deeply or evenly.

Pain

The spine is made of stacking vertebrae with specific curves designed to promote easy, pain-free movement. When scoliosis skews this balance causing spinal misalignment, the result is a pain in the shoulders, neck, back, and buttocks. This is due to uneven muscle strength and nerve dysfunction. Excessive wear and tear on the spinal bones can eventually become very painful.

When the spine is out of alignment, it can cause nerve pain anywhere in the body. This is due to the fact that the spinal nerves connect to the brain, each other, and the nerves everywhere in the body. One example of this is sciatica. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed causing shooting, sharp pains that travel down the back of the leg. Because the sciatic nerve begins near the lumbar spine, any changes in this spinal curve area can cause painful sciatic nerve compression.

Dysfunction

When spinal nerves are damaged, it can cause problems with movement and organ function. This is because the spinal nerves connect to all parts of the body. So, if you have scoliosis, you may have reduced sensation or function in your limbs, fingers, or toes. You may also have problems with digestion, respiration, and other organs.

If scoliosis is severe, it may interfere with normal lung expansion and breathing. In addition, scoliosis can cause spinal fluid to leak, which can lead to symptoms such as headaches (that go away when lying down), nausea, and muffled hearing. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

Since the spine connects the entire body, some common signs of alignment are unevenness in the shoulders, waist, and hips. Since the spine typically twists toward the side with the scoliosis curve, the ribs and muscles are more prominent on the side of that curve. The classic sign of scoliosis is a curve that can be felt when the child bends forward.

Scoliosis can cause pain, weakness, and numbness related to uneven muscle strength and unusual stress patterns it places on the spine. These symptoms are common in the lower back, but scoliosis can cause or worsen nerve dysfunction elsewhere in the body. Another symptom of scoliosis is dysfunction, also driven by nerve issues. Fortunately, chiropractic care centers on restoring nerve function through addressing spinal issues.

How Our Chiropractors Help Scoliosis Symptoms

At Health From Within, we focus on correcting spinal issues that interfere with normal sensation and function. We combine in-office interventions that reduce pain with healthy lifestyle interventions that extend and enhance our results during appointments. Four of our most popular therapies for scoliosis are spinal decompression, chiropractic adjustment, and muscular therapies.

Spinal Decompression*

During spinal decompression therapy, we work to reduce spinal nerve compression using gentle stretching and flexing motions. We focus our efforts on the lower back and neck, depending on the location of the scoliosis curve and the impact its having on the rest of the spine. This not only provides pain relief but also a wider range of motion where it is needed most. Spinal decompression also prepares the spine for a chiropractic adjustment.

*Please note that spinal decompression is only available at our Bettendorf, IA office. 

Chiropractic Adjustment

Chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation is a hands-on therapy used to resolve spinal misalignments or subluxations. These subluxations interfere with healthy nerve function, causing pain and dysfunction throughout the body.

Adjustment involves using precise movements to restore proper alignment to the spine. This helps reduce interference to the nervous system, relieving pain and improving function. Spinal manipulation is a safe and effective treatment for many conditions including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more. 

A common misconception is that chiropractic adjustments can straighten out a scoliosis curve. The truth is that If we were to apply the amount of force needed to straighten a scoliosis curve, the spine would break, causing much more damage than repair. Often, the spine makes some noise during spinal manipulation, and many of our patients feel a bit sore following treatment, but we are always gentle during treatment. Chiropractic care can be a helpful addition to any necessary interventions, including surgery, as chiropractic gently supports nerve health. 

Muscular Therapies

Our most popular muscular treatments include massage therapy. Massage therapy works to soothe the muscles that are working unevenly and relaxes away tension that has resulted from skewed weight distribution patterns. It is a great addition to our custom therapeutic exercise program. Strategic exercises give teens the chance to strengthen muscles while having some much-needed fun.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis

Chiropractic care for scoliosis is a safe and effective way to treat the underlying issues that cause scoliosis symptoms. By reducing pain and restoring function, chiropractic care can help improve your quality of life. In addition, because chiropractic care emphasizes healthy lifestyle choices, it can also help promote overall wellness.

Consult With Our Scoliosis Chiropractor

If you're looking for a chiropractor who specializes in scoliosis, you've come to the right place. At Health From Within, we have a team of experienced and qualified chiropractors who are dedicated to helping children with scoliosis.

If you're interested in learning more about what our chiropractor for scoliosis can do for your child, we encourage you to get in touch. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.