Your spine is a complex network of bones, muscles, and joints. It is the center of your body, forming a cavity that protects your spinal cord and nerves. It also connects your head, neck, and chest. Your spinal cord connects to the brain, which controls all movement and reflexes. If your spine curves to one side or the other, it may cause pain or problems like frequent headaches or muscle spasms.
Scoliosis occurs due to an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. The condition is the most common spinal deformity in children and adolescents. It is also more common in girls than boys. 3% of the American population suffers from scoliosis. Most cases do not require surgery and can be treated through physical therapy. Here we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What Causes Scoliosis?
The most common cause is the presence of weak muscles or ligaments that do not provide sufficient support to the spine. In such cases, combined with weak vertebrae, this can eventually lead to the spine curving to one side. However, genetic factors and a family history of scoliosis may also increase its occurrence. Despite these predisposing conditions, most cases occur in people who have not been diagnosed with a spinal abnormality or have no noticeable signs. According to the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, 80% of cases have no identifiable cause. These cases are usually diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 14. The average age of onset is about 11 years old.
How to Identify it in Yourself or Others?
This condition is easy to identify by observing the spine in a standing position. The normal spine should be straight and in line with the head and feet. If a person has scoliosis, the spine will bend to one side. The curve may be visible from the front or back, depending on its severity. A lateral view of the spine may reveal a slight deviation from a straight line. In most cases, curves of more than 10-15 degrees are considered abnormal and warrant medical attention.
The signs and symptoms are usually mild initially and do not require treatment. However, if the condition worsens, it can cause severe pain and muscle spasms around the spine. Common symptoms include pain in the back, neck, or head, frequent headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and poor posture. These symptoms are often present in more than one part of the body. Early detection is essential to avoid complications and ensure proper treatment. Inform your doctor right away if you notice any signs and symptoms.
Treatment Options
Chiropractic Therapy is one of the most common treatments. Changes in the spine’s structure can be easily corrected with chiropractic therapeutic exercises that strengthen and stretch muscles and improve posture. It is recommended for patients ages 6-18 since most cases occur during this period. Chiropractic care is a form of physical therapy. It involves manipulating the spine to improve alignment and restore natural spinal curves. A chiropractor can identify the underlying cause of scoliosis and prescribe the best treatment options. The success rate will depend on the commitment to therapy and the severity of the condition. Here is a brief outline of how we treat scoliosis:
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
A thorough examination using a hands-on approach is the best way to diagnose the condition. This method is more accurate than x-rays and allows your doctor to determine the condition’s root cause. A detailed history of your case is taken, and you will be asked to provide a medical history and describe your symptoms in detail. Your doctor may use a scoliometer to measure your spinal curves, flexibility, strength, and general health. It may also be used to measure the alignment of your spine during various movements.
The exams are a complete evaluation of your condition. They are not restricted to the spine but also look into the joints, muscles, bones, and other areas, including your ears, jawline, and hands. After the exam, your doctor will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and explain the best treatment options.
Specific Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments are specific to your condition. They are used to relieve pressure on spinal nerves. This unique approach may use stretch, traction, or other manual techniques depending on the severity of your condition. The chiropractor may recommend several adjustments every week or month, depending on the progress. A series of 3-4 treatments is usually required before seeing improvement in your condition.
During the session, the chiropractor will assess your movement and flexibility to determine the initial frames of the spine and work on the misalignment. The adjustments are usually applied manually but can also be given using instruments or equipment. You will lie on the treatment table while your doctor works on your spine. You may feel pressure, tension, and soreness around the lower neck. Your chiropractor may provide a manual adjustment by carrying out specific movements and positioning or use their hands to provide gentle traction and stretch of the muscles in the back, neck, and shoulders.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
A majority of times, your exercise program will be designed from kinesiology to correct the tightness and alignment in the affected areas. This can include muscle stretches, strengthening exercises, and gentle mobility exercises. More advanced plans may even include scoliosis motion chairs or special braces that allow patients to work on stretching and strengthening their muscles.
At home, the best exercises include resistance band training, yoga poses, core strengthening, and other fitness activities that improve muscle balance and flexibility. Your chiropractor will recommend an appropriate home program based on your condition. Most exercise programs take around 20-30 minutes per day. This is a good time investment.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression involves the use of a motorized machine that provides traction for the spine. This helps in removing the pressure from the spinal discs and nerves. It uses a customized approach to reach individual spinal levels while avoiding painful pressure. It is recommended to ease pain, boost mobility and reduce the risk of complications such as osteoporosis, disc degeneration, and spinal stenosis.
During the procedure, you will lie on a special table with a harness with multiple straps that secure your shoulders, hips, and feet. The table is then tilted at an angle to lower the upper body, decompress the spine and improve alignment. This works by pulling the spinal discs away from each other, which reduces pressure on the nerves and lowers blood pressure in the spinal discs when combined with traction. Spinal decompression is advised for patients with minimal to no symptoms that have been active and healthy over the years and have no signs of previous spinal disease.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy involves using hands, pressure, and stretching to work on aches, stiffness, and muscle tightness. This is done by manipulating specific muscles, tendons, and ligaments to increase blood supply which helps in relieving pain. The massage therapist will also include gentle warm-ups as part of the session to warm up your muscles before getting into deeper treatment.
Massage therapy promotes flexibility, reduces left-side pain, and helps correct muscle imbalances. Your doctor can recommend different types of massage based on your back pain, specific pain points, and desired treatment goals. You may feel mild soreness, tightness, tingling, or bruising as part of the massage session. This will be temporary and subside after a couple of days.
Complications from Scoliosis
The effects may be subtle at first but can worsen if not treated. Severe cases can lead to shortness of breath, life-long pain, breathing problems, heart attack, and even death. Long-term scoliosis cases may also reduce lung capacity and result in issues like osteoporosis and scoliosis kyphosis. If left untreated, it can also cause damage to the back, shoulders, ribs, or vertebrae. Some of the complications are reversible with timely treatment. Others may become permanent with age. Surgery and other treatments are available for severe cases but can cause more harm than good in most cases.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care promotes overall health and well-being by focusing on the spine and core muscles. It is also a safe, natural alternative to surgery and invasive procedures. Chiropractors are trained to perform a series of adjustments that help correct and treat symptoms related to the spine and back. They take a natural approach to your spinal health that does not require medication or invasive procedures like radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. All you need is regular chiropractic care and exercise sessions to improve your mobility in the long run.
The treatment is designed to improve the quality of your life by reducing spine curvature and restoring normal spinal alignment. Many patients experience a noticeable improvement in their mobility and restoration of a full range of motion to the muscles, spine, and bones. After receiving the treatment, you will also notice positive changes in overall health, reduced stress, and enhanced energy levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I sleep with scoliosis?
Sleeping on your back is an excellent way to reduce pressure on the spine and allow for good spinal alignment. Try to sleep on your back supported by pillows for the optimal position. Sleeping in a fetal position or leaning on uncomfortable pillows and chairs can cause stress on the lower back. Get a comfortable mattress with high enough support that allows your shoulders to be at the same level as your hips. Remove all tight clothing or belts that can pull on the spine, especially when sleeping or sitting for extended periods.
What foods help scoliosis?
To maintain good health, patients should consume a diet rich in leafy greens, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These foods contain phytonutrients that promote overall health and reduce the risk of diseases. It is also recommended to avoid processed foods that are high in sodium and refined sugars, like cookies, chips, and doughnuts.
What sports should be avoided with scoliosis?
Patients need extra care while dealing with sports and physical activities. They should avoid high-impact activities that can cause excessive pressure on the spine and aggravate the symptoms. Activities like running, jumping, high-impact aerobics, or sports like gymnastics, football, and rugby can worsen the symptoms. Other dangerous activities include water skiing, martial arts, horseback riding, bike riding, and long-distance running.
What does scoliosis pain feel like?
In mild cases, you may feel stiffness in the back and even pain. But if it is severe, you will experience intense pain in the lower back and hips that can become unbearable. This pain indicates that the spine is out of alignment and should be checked by your doctor as soon as possible. It can lead to complications like muscle strain, nerve damage, muscle fatigue, and even nerve-root impingement.
Is walking good for scoliosis?
Walking is one of the best ways to improve scoliosis. It helps improve the range of motion and strength of the lower back and hips. An excellent daily walking routine can easily be incorporated into your schedule and requires little effort to maintain. Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine. You can start with simple walking and slowly progress to a comfortable level. Walking on uneven surfaces and uphill can also help improve your spinal curvature.
Can a chiropractor straighten your spine?
Yes, a chiropractor can effectively reduce spinal curvature and restore alignment. They are trained to identify abnormal curvature of the spine and restore it to its natural position. This is done by cracking or adjusting the spine using their hands and other tools to relieve pressure on the vertebrae. The procedure is painless, non-invasive, natural, and does not require surgery.
Spinal health is vital to maintaining overall health. It’s essential to seek treatment at the first sign of the condition. It can be easily treated with natural, non-invasive methods like chiropractic care. You can also treat the symptoms by incorporating gentle exercises and a healthy diet into your lifestyle. Research has proven that regular chiropractic care effectively reduces pain, increases mobility, restores normal spinal alignment, enhances flexibility, and improves nervous system functionality in patients.
