Around 7 million Americans have scoliosis. This common condition is known for the abnormal curvature of the spine, which symptoms are sometimes unnoticed but can turn to severe, causing the patient pain and need for surgery. Scoliosis occurs as the patient ages or if they are born with it.
Thankfully, there are multiple treatments available for patients with scoliosis. While chiropractic care is not a treatment that will cure scoliosis, it is crucial addition to the treatment plan to ensure that other treatments are as effective as possible. This article explains how one can identify scoliosis and the benefits of incorporating the support of a chiropractic professional.
Signs & Symptoms of Scoliosis
The degree of curvature in patients with scoliosis can range from a minor misalignment to an s-shaped or c-shape curve. For patients with minor misalignment, symptoms present as unconformable pain or bad posture, but it can become a debilitating condition without observation and treatment. An increasing curvature can impact muscle function, movement, and restrict breathing.
Physical signs of scoliosis include:
- Chronic back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty breathing
- One hip higher than the other
- One shoulder blade may appear more forward than the other
- Uneven shoulders
- The rib cage may appear more prominent on one side than the other
If a patient shows any of these physical symptoms, it is recommended to do a complete medical history and a thorough physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. According to the severeness, a neurological exam may be conducted to check for muscle weakness or abnormal reflexes. A positive scoliosis diagnosis is confirmed if the spine has a curve greater than 10 degrees. Severe cases are identified if a curve exceeds 45 to 50 degrees.
Treatment of Scoliosis
Once scoliosis is identified, treatment is required for all cases, no matter how minor it might be. Minor scoliosis requires constant monitoring through x-rays to check that the curve is not worsening. Physical therapy and bracing are also recommended to help straighten the spine and support the curvature.
For mild to moderate scoliosis, chiropractic care is the best option to relieve symptoms and correct posture. Chiropractic care also prevents the condition from getting worse.
How Can Hunt Spinal Care Help Scoliosis?
Although chiropractic care will not fully cure scoliosis, patients experience extraordinary benefits when implemented on their treatment plan. Out treatments can be used to help realign the spine and decrease strain and pressure around the spine. These realignments reduce pain and inflammation, increase joint mobility, and improve nervous system function.
Hunt Spinal Care offers long-term treatment options and routine adjustments. In the beginning, treatment may be several times a week for spinal adjustment. Over time we will recommend at-home exercises, stretches, bracing techniques, and physical therapy to improve the condition. As time passes, adjustments will not need to occur as often, and your quality of life will improve with barely any symptoms.
If you are struggling with the symptoms of scoliosis, chiropractic care may be the right treatment option for you. Our experienced chiropractic team can help reduce pain and discomfort along your spine. You don’t have to deal with scoliosis symptoms alone. Contact us online today or call us at (918) 459-0333 to learn more about how we can help you. Don’t just survive; thrive. We want you to enjoy life to the fullest!
