One of the most frequent questions our chiropractors get asked is: “can chiropractors treat scoliosis?”. If you do have diagnosed scoliosis, chiropractic care is a great drug-free, non-invasive natural form of therapy to treat pain. It can also help strengthen the surrounding muscles.

However, a huge common misconception is people think the natural curvature of their spine is actually scoliosis. Before you rush to the chiropractor to fix your “scoliosis”, first be sure to recognize the natural curvature of your spine. It’s actually pretty helpful and important!

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is defined as the abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It affects between 2-3% of the population and is typically diagnosed in adolescents. Scoliosis is often present in people diagnosed with cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Cases can range from mild to severe and can often be debilitating. Scoliosis can form as a result of genetics, other neuromuscular conditions or over time as a person ages. 

How to know if you have scoliosis?

There are generally two types of scoliosis: structural scoliosis and nonstructural scoliosis. Structural scoliosis, which is the most common, involves spinal rotation in addition to the side-to-side curvature of the spine. 

The second type of scoliosis is nonstructural. This results from a temporary cause and only involves the side-to-side curvature of the spine. 

Symptoms include: 

• Uneven shoulders

• One shoulder blade that is more prominent than the other

• Uneven waist

• One hip higher than the other

• Prominence on one side of the back 

Scoliosis is diagnosed through physical examinations, X-Rays, CT scan, MRI and/or other spinal imaging. 

Can going to a chiropractor help with scoliosis?

If you have diagnosed and confirmed scoliosis, going to the chiropractor is a great natural, drug-free way to relieve pain. It can also help strengthen your spine. Although there is no “cure”, chiropractic treatments and rehabilitative exercises can be used to greatly reduce pain, symptoms and help slow the progression.

Can a chiropractor help with scoliosis pain?

A chiropractor can help relieve the pain associated with scoliosis. Treatments such as manual adjustments can help realign the neck, back and shoulders. They can also help relieve pressure on the spine. In addition, dry needling and soft tissue work can work to reduce pain points and stress so on the muscles caused by the unnatural curvature of the spine.

Misalignments can not only cause pain but can cause the surrounding muscles and tendons to compensate for what is out of place. This can cause additional knots or trigger points to form that can cause additional pain.

In addition, rehabilitative and strengthening exercises can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine and the core. These can help brace the spine and improve posture and flexibility.

Can I have a curve in my spine without it being scoliosis?

One of the biggest misconceptions we see though is people thinking they have scoliosis when they’re spine just has a natural curvature to it. Did you know? There are actually four natural curves to your spine: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. These curves are actually extremely important in helping absorb, reduce and distribute the stress on your spine from every day activities.

Scoliosis is defined by being a sideways curve of the spine. It must be 10 degrees or greater and is considered significant at 25 to 30 degrees. Many types if minimal scoliosis is diagnosed (especially in adolescents), a physician might prescribe a “wait and see” plan to see how the spine continues to grow and progress.

Be proactive with chiropractic treatment for scoliosis pain

If you have been diagnosed with mild scoliosis and further treatment such as bracing or surgery isn’t warranted, this is a great time to start working with a trained chiropractor to help reduce the stress on the spine and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

Get Treated at Kaizo Health  

Our goal at Kaizo Health is to always get you back to feeling 100%. Our doctors provide treatment to help you be pain-free. We also have a dedicated team that will work with you and your insurance. We want to make sure you get the most from your benefits. You should experience relief for as little cost to you as possible. If you are ready to experience relief from the pain, make an appointment to see us now.       

Kaizo Health offers locations in Rockville, MD; Landover, MD; Fort Washington, MD; and Fairfax, VA. Our doctors an evidence-based approach by combining chiropractic care and individualized rehabilitative exercises. We provide the treatment and resources you need to recover your health. We are here to help! If you’d like more information, check out our blog. You can also take our free virtual self-assessment on app here.