Scoliosis: The Chiropractic Approach

Scoliosis is a serious progressive and degenerative condition

, the cause of which is poorly understood. Many believe that there are multiple contributing factors like: genetics, poor posture, nutrient deficiencies, use of heavy backpacks, decreased spinal stability, etc The onset of scoliosis tends to happen during the high growth phase of adolescence and slows into adulthood, with a higher percentage in females being afflicted.

The treatment for scoliosis varies greatly with the medical approach being to monitor curves until they reach 30 degrees, with bracing between 30-45 degrees and surgery above 45 degrees. This is like waiting for the lava flow from an erupting volcano to reach you before getting out of the way and hoping you dont get burned. Bracing has limited success due to poor patient compliance and failing to address the associated cervical and lumbar spine degeneration. Surgery involves fusing and bracing the vertebra using metal rods and screws to straiten the spine. This creates a massive amount of scar tissue, has a high potential for nerve damage, often causes increased pain, and usually requires follow up surgery to repair screws and rods that have come loose or broken.

Numerous studies have shown significant promise with the combination of chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises in helping to slow or reverse the progression of scoliosis. One of the key factors in addressing scoliosis is to reestablish the proper cervical curve. This helps the spine regain up to 25% more stability and prevents further restriction and stretching of the spinal cord. When the cervical spine loses its normal curvature it acts like a pair of Chinese finger cuffs - the more you stretch the spine the more it compresses the spinal cord. This can result in long term nerve damage and promote further and more rapid progression of the scoliosis curve.

The chiropractic approach to addressing scoliosis takes time and commitment from the patient. Because the scoliosis has progressed over years, the body has come to believe this is normal and it will take time to properly correct the problem. Using a combination of specific adjustments and exercises, a chiropractor tries to reestablish a new normal for the spine and stabilize the area using therapeutic exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles. Much of this work (80%) has to be done by the patient and it is a long term commitment to ensure success. You wouldnt go to the gym and expect to get in shape after 2-3 visits would you? To get in shape you need to come up with a plan and stick with it and continually work to maintain your physique. The same approach is applied by chiropractic physicians to effectively treat scoliosis. Lets get to work!!!

by: Dr. Mark Lewis, D.C., HealthSource of Manatee East

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