How a Broomfield Chiropractor Can Improve Scoliosis

Whether you have a very minor curvature of the spine or a severe case of scoliosis, you likely know that it can impact your daily life in a number of ways. Many people will go through life never needed care for scoliosis, but for some, major medical intervention can be the norm. If you are suffering from scoliosis and the associated symptoms, a Broomfield chiropractor is one option to help your spine stay healthy and decrease your side effects. Routine chiropractic care can even help you avoid more invasive medical care down the line. Keep reading to find out how gentle chiropractic adjustments can help improve your scoliosis.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis refers to a sideways curvature of the spine. While this may sound rare, about 3 percent of the population (or 7 million people) have some degree of this condition. Cases can range from a very mild curvature to severe instances. In any scenario, patients with scoliosis often experience a diminished quality of life and may be rendered unable to participate in sports or physical activity. Pain is one reason for this, but respiratory function can also be impacted and the physical changes to the spine may limit movement.

Scoliosis usually begins to appear in early puberty, when adolescents go through growth spurts that highlight the physical change. While some cases are linked to cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, there is no known cause in other cases of scoliosis. Many people with no other conditions have scoliosis, seemingly due to hereditary factors.

Much like there is no known cause, there is no single cure for scoliosis or a singular method scoliosis treatment. However, there are several methods that can provide relief from symptoms and prevent scoliosis from worsening over time.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is often first diagnosed in schools, which may perform annual tests for scoliosis in vulnerable adolescents. If this isn’t the case, you may notice physical signs like uneven shoulders, waist, hips, or a twist to the spine. Signs can be very subtle at first, but any slight change should be seen by a Broomfield chiropractor for evaluation.

The first step in diagnosis will be a full medical history and discussion of symptoms, as well as a physical examination of the spine and different postures. This is often enough for a preliminary diagnosis, but usually, an x-ray will be performed to better assess the severity of the curve.

Minor cases may require no treatment besides ongoing monitoring, but most cases require some sort of corrective care like a back brace or physical therapy. Spinal surgery may be ordered in the most severe cases, allowing the spine to be fused and rendering it unable to move.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

There is no medical intervention that can fix or cure scoliosis, including the care of a chiropractor. But routine adjustments help with general alignment of the spine and posture even in patients without scoliosis- in those who do suffer from it, these benefits can decrease pain and improve quality of life. Many people who use a brace along with regular chiropractic care report they are able to function without scoliosis-related pain.

In scoliosis patients, the spine is permanently in an unnatural position and therefore has some level of misalignment at all times. Like all misalignment, this can lead to muscle strain in surrounding areas like the back, neck, shoulders, and hips. By reducing this strain, blood can flow better to the damaged muscles, decreasing inflammation and pain.

Many people choose chiropractors to address their back pain or scoliosis because it is a natural and non-invasive treatment option. While it may be used in conjunction with other methods, the adjustments do not require medication or invasive treatment to provide pain relief.

Additionally, chiropractic care does not focus only on scoliosis treatment. The adjustments aimed at spinal alignment will also have benefits for non-related conditions and pain, as well as improving overall wellness and functioning in the body.

Chiropractic Care in Broomfield

Whether you have been diagnosed with scoliosis, suspect the condition, or have noticed symptoms in your child, Fox Integrated Healthcare offers individualized treatment plans to address your condition. When you schedule your first consultation, you’ll be given a full exam and have a discussion about your next steps. To get started, contact us today.