The common wisdom about Scoliosis is that you’ll have back pain for life. But what if I told you that this conventional thinking is all wrong? In this post, we challenge the status quo and offer a fresh, alternative perspective on living with Scoliosis.
What Is the Main Cause of Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a common condition where there are abnormal sideways curves in the spine that develop and progress during adolescence. While the most common diagnosis of scoliosis given is idiopathic scoliosis (aka scoliosis from an unknown cause) there is often an undiagnosed reason that is missed.
That reason is a lack of symmetrical spinal joint motion and shifting of the vertebrae of the spine causing misalignment. This is so commonly missed because medical doctors aren’t trained to assess the spine and can only visually look at and recognize the lateral curvature, this is why an assessment from a chiropractor is crucial.
Can Scoliosis Be Corrected by a Chiropractor?
This is the most common question asked and the answer is often exaggerated so we will break down where the truth lies and what claims are false. The lateral curvature is only able to be corrected (straightened out) if you are not skeletally mature, or in other words, still growing. This means before the age of ~17-20 a chiropractor can help with curvature reduction.
After the person becomes an adult there will no longer be any further progression of scoliosis, but it also means the lateral curvature cannot be corrected. So the claim that a chiropractor can correct scoliosis in an adult is false, however, it is not only the structural curve that matters.
The reason we experience pain and discomfort is due to the lack of symmetrical spinal joint motion and associated muscle tightness, both of which can be improved through chiropractic care. So in summary, scoliosis in a child can be corrected while with adults the function of the spine and how you feel is what changes.
Can You Fix Bad Scoliosis Without Surgery?
Surgery is reserved for extreme cases of scoliosis that have a curve greater than 40 degrees, all others are managed conservatively.
Why Should I Receive Chiropractic Care as an Adult if It Can’t Be Corrected?
If we allow our body to develop imbalances and do not correct the movement of spinal joints as well as the tension and strength of our muscles, we will develop more and more pain as we age. Degenerative scoliosis is where our body degenerates abnormally due to all the imbalanced stress on our spine.
Chiropractic care can also help you with a wide range of common conditions including chronic pain, neck pain, impaired range of motion and joint pain relief.
Key Takeaways
Now that you’ve learned about scoliosis, it’s time to take action. Seeking out chiropractic care is the number one thing you can do to feel less pain and keep your body healthy and functional for longer. The chiropractors at Body Science Therapy in Mississauga specialize in correcting scoliosis in adolescents and improving the pain and function of adults living with scoliosis. Book your appointment today and let’s work together towards a healthier, happier you.
