Scoliosis and Chiropractic Care

A scoliosis is a lateral curve (curved when looking at the spine from front to back) of the spine. The most well-known example of this is the Hunchback of Notre Dame. The chiropractor will perform a thorough examination of the spine to see whether the scoliosis is a ‘functional’ one or a ‘non-functional’. The chiropractor may even need to refer you for an x-ray. Although with some cases it is easy to see why the spine is curved that way (e.g. badly developed vertebra) in most cases the reason for the curve is ‘idiopathic’ (the cause is unknown).

The curvature of the spine tends to develop the most (get worse) during the teenage years and once growing is finished it is difficult to correct the situation. If left alone the curve tends to get worse as you get older. However, it is not all bad news. Chiropractic can help. We encourage parents to have their children checked for a scoliosis as if we can treat it early we can limit the severity of the curve that develops. If you are older and have finished growing we can still help by reducing the rate of progression (so your spine doesn’t get worse). Most scoliosis patients don’t notice the problem under chiropractic care because the curvature is kept minimal and they can move and function easily.

There is good research to suggest that nutritional supplementation may help too.  Call us to find out how we can help.