Current Treatment For Scoliosis
Scoliosis happens when your spine develops a sideways curve, resulting in a feeling of stiffness or pain. Despite how widespread this condition is and thorough research, its real cause remains unknown. However, it is determined to be far more common in women than in men and usually begins during childhood. To help prevent the worsening of scoliosis, early detection is crucial. This problem cannot be adjusted by correcting your posture, unlike other spinal problems.
Typical treatment options for scoliosis involve the following:
*Bracing: A patient suffering from 30-degrees or less of curvature is required to wear a rigid brace. It helps to place pressure against the spine for more stability. However, this treatment option is quite inconvenient for the patient as it has to be worn up to 24 hours a day and is quite uncomfortable.
*Surgery: For scoliosis, it is specifically referred to as Spinal Fusion Surgery wherein a spinal cord monitor is used to avoid paralysis. It is performed with an incision and reduction of the curve or insertion of metal rods on each side of the spine. Since this procedure is expensive and dangerous, doctors recommend surgery only as a last resort for treating scoliosis.
Using Chiropractic Approach
Nowadays, chiropractic care is recognized as a valid solution to scoliosis. Since chiropractors follow a standard procedure of initial examination and assessment of patient’s health history, most scoliosis patients undergo the Adam’s Forward Bending Test to see if chiropractic care is really for you. On top of that are a variety of range of motion studies to see if you should be referred to a specialist.
Chiropractic Treatment Options
Chiropractic treatment for scoliosis utilize a variety of treatment methods including spinal manipulation, shoe lifts, electric stimulation, and isotonic or active exercise methods. The idea behind employing chiropractic for scoliotic treatment is to arrive at a combination treatment that is both manipulative and rehabilitative.
Chiropractic Care vs Spinal Surgery
Chiropractic care is gaining popularity as a treatment for scoliotic patients since it has been proven to be just as effective, if not more, than the existing treatment options for scoliosis. Chiropractic does not only treat any existing problems but also prevents further progression of the curves that is causing the problem. Of all patients who’ve undergone chiropractic care for scoliosis, about 70 percent have shown significant improvement in terms of the size of the curves. This is important since any relief from scoliosis means that a patient won’t have to undergo surgery, take medications, and suffer from the effects of scoliosis.
Due to the significant numbers of scoliotic patients who found relief from chiropractic care, health experts and doctors have recommended chiropractic as one of the first approaches to be used for this particular condition. Results of using chiropractic treatment range from improved stability, reduced size of curves, and even total correction.
Follow-up Treatments
After your chiropractic treatment for scoliosis, you need to regularly visit your doctor for continued observance of any progress you have in your condition. If you are really dedicated in eliminating your problems of scoliosis and lead a healthier life, then it is important to seek the guidance of a skilled chiropractor to monitor the development. On top of your chiropractic treatment, they might suggest additional physical therapy to enhance any treatment you are currently undergoing from your chiropractor. The purpose of these is to increase muscle strength and gain more mobility.