Can Chiropractic Help Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally and it is becoming more common, especially among children and teenagers. Recent studies have shown a significant increase in the incidence of scoliosis diagnoses, rising from 107 per 100,000 individuals in 2015 to 161 per 100,000 in 2022[1]. This rise could be attributed to better screening and awareness, but it also shows the need for effective management strategies. Scoliosis is not just a structural issue; it has a neurological foundation. Research indicates that individuals with scoliosis often have impaired balance and altered sensory integration, relying more on visual and proprioceptive information to stay upright[2]. These neurological factors can potentially lead to the development and progression of abnormal spinal curves.
Chiropractic care provides a non-invasive approach to managing scoliosis by focusing on spinal alignment and improving nervous system function. Chiropractors use gentle manual adjustments and other techniques to improve spinal misalignments, which can decrease pain and improve mobility. Studies have shown that chiropractic care, when combined with exercises and lifestyle modifications, can help manage scoliosis symptoms and potentially slow the progression of the curve[3]. By taking care of both the structural and neurological aspects of scoliosis, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to managing this condition.
An eleven year old female started care last year with a mild curve that was found by their health provider. When the mother asked what they should do about it, the response was, ‘let’s see her next year and we can assess then.’ The mom was not satisfied with a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, so sought chiropractic care, and in 4 months time, we saw significant reduction in the degree of scoliosis.
If you dentist said, “there’s a big cavity in your molar. Let’s wait til next year so we can assess it,” would that make sense? Better to work on something when you find it than to wait until it gets worse!
References
[1] The burden of scoliosis: a nationwide database study on demographics
[2] Neurophysiological, balance and motion evidence
[3] Chiropractic treatment of scoliosis; a systematic review