Scoliosis

Your Brisbane Scoliosis Clinic

Chiropractic for Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a progressive, lateral curvature of the spine. When viewed from the side, the spine should have curves. But when viewed from the front, the spine should be straight. 

The most commonly found type of scoliosis is called “adolescent idiopathic scoliosis”. Idiopathic means “of unknown origin”. However recent research into the cause of scoliosis seems to suggest that there is often a genetic factor which affects the control of the growth of the spine. 

Scoliosis can affect both children and adults. In children it can be a more serious condition because it can rapidly progress as the child grows; it's usually first seen in children between the ages of 10 and 15 although it can occur in younger children aged 3 to 10 years (juvenile scoliosis) and in babies (infantile scoliosis). 

Scoliosis can also occur in adults with no previous history, due to spinal degeneration and advancing age. This is called "De Novo scoliosis". 

The effects of scoliosis include: poor posture, shoulder humping, muscle weakness, and pain. In rare cases scoliosis may lead to heart and lung problems. 

If scoliosis is detected and treated early, patients may be able avoid these symptoms in many cases. If left untreated, scoliosis may sometimes require surgery. 

Think of us as your Brisbane Scoliosis Clinic

Conservative scoliosis treatments have the best result when the condition is detected early and treated with appropriate and proven methods. By combining treatments into a program tailored for each patient and adjusted according to response it is often possible to avoid the more unpleasant, expensive or dangerous treatment options.

Treatment may include: 
  • Specific Chiropractic Adjustments, designed to correct dysfunction of skeletal structures and reduce the torsion in the spinal cord.
  • Use of foot orthotics and heel lifts to level the pelvis.
  • Exercises specifically designed to address balance, co-ordination and body awareness problems, as well as stretch the muscles around the curves and correct changes in muscle fibres.
  • Nutritional support.
Studies indicate that chiropractic care for scoliosis helps to alleviate pain in the neck and shoulders, improve lower back function, and reduce curvature of the spine. It is also useful as an alternative treatment to bracing for some patients. 

The treatment program requires a commitment by the patient and their family, but if undertaken enthusiastically it has the potential to prevent the need for much more drastic treatments later on.

References:
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1556370711000915
  • https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/141725/20230306-12619-89lbsf.pdf
  • https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kwok-Ronald/publication/364255562_Chiropractic_Treatments_and_Scoliosis-specific_Exercise_Therapy_as_An_Alternative_to_Bracing_for_Adolescent_Idiopathic_Scoliosis_A_Narrative_Review/links/634167d376e39959d6ab5619/Chiropractic-Treatments-and-Scoliosis-specific-Exercise-Therapy-as-An-Alternative-to-Bracing-for-Adolescent-Idiopathic-Scoliosis-A-Narrative-Review.pdf
  • https://europepmc.org/article/med/35535532

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