Scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, is a fairly common syndrome that can cause serious pain and discomfort to its sufferers. Whenever the spine is out of proper alignment, it puts additional pressure on the delicate vertebrae and spinal discs, causing pain and stiffness. The degree of the curve can range from mild to severe, and in the worst cases it can cause physical deformity including incorrect posture and misaligned shoulders.
The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be treated. A good chiropractor can offer several care options to alleviate symptoms of scoliosis.
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Scoliosis
The first step to determining any treatment plan is to make a firm diagnosis. A good chiropractor will perform a physical exam including X-ray imaging to properly diagnose the condition. Your chiropractor will likely have you bend over from the waist in order to evaluate the degree of the curvature of your spine. He or she will also check the length of each of your legs, since scoliosis can cause your hips to become uneven.
Once the diagnosis has been made, the next step is to come up with a treatment plan. Chiropractic care is an ideal option for treating scoliosis, since its primary focus is on the health of the spine and central nervous system. Common treatments include adjusting and decompressing the spine to relieve pressure. In some cases, your chiropractor may recommend wearing an orthopedic brace under your clothing to prevent the curvature from getting any worse. At home, you can try using warm compresses to relieve pain.
Because chiropractors specialize in spinal care, they are an excellent resource for the management of scoliosis. If you have scoliosis, consider consulting a chiropractor for evaluation and treatment. You may be amazed at the results!