Scoliosis Treatment in Gilbert, AZ
Chiropractic Treatment For Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a side-to-side curvature in the spine that can look like a “C” or an “S.” Before puberty, there is a growth spurt, and scoliosis is often reported during this time. About 20% of sufferers have known causes, but the rest are unknown. Small curves don’t usually cause problems but curves that progressively worsen affect health.
Scoliosis treatment may be in a back brace for several years or surgery that takes months to recover from. Chiropractic treatment of scoliosis can help you overcome scoliosis symptoms and achieve a better quality of life.
Symptoms Of Scoliosis
Signs and symptoms of scoliosis include:
- Leaning a little when you stand
- A visible curve in the back
- Uneven shoulders, Uneven waist
- The head is off-center
- One hip is higher than the other
- One-shoulder blade appears to be bigger than the other
- Ribs stick out further on one side compared to the other side
- Back stiffness, Low back pain
- Fatigue
Causes Of Scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis has no known causes, and it makes up about 80% of all scoliosis cases in Gilbert. Congenital scoliosis is caused by spinal abnormalities that develop during the gestation period. Neuromuscular scoliosis develops when abnormal nerves and muscles fail to maintain proper spinal alignment and balance. Syndromic scoliosis is caused by muscular dystrophy, Beale’s dystrophy, Rett’s dystrophy, and other connective tissue disorders. Degenerative scoliosis is caused by degeneration of joints and spinal discs as a person advances in age. Injuries and infections of the spine also cause scoliosis.
Types Of Scoliosis
Several types of scoliosis are known. These are:
Idiopathic scoliosis has no known cause and makes up 80% of the cases. It can be broken down by age groups as follows:
- Infant: 0 to 3 years
- Juvenile: 4 to 10 years
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: 11 to 18 years (the most common)
- Adult: 18+ years
Congenital scoliosis – a birth defect
Acquired scoliosis consists of:
- Neurological or neuromuscular scoliosis
- Syndromic scoliosis
- Degenerative scoliosis
Scoliosis Treatment
Chiropractic treatment
Scoliosis treatment in Gilbert is available at Arizona’s Family Chiropractic. Our scoliosis-specific chiropractic techniques naturally restore the spine’s function and decrease stiffness and pain.
Surgery
When temporary pain relief efforts fail, surgery may be indicated as a last resort. The surgeon may use a bone graft to stimulate bone growth between two vertebrae. When new bone grows and hardens, fusion is complete. The spinal fusion will successfully straighten a crooked spine, but it won’t necessarily end pain and improve flexibility. So, scoliosis surgery comes with risks.
Physical exercise
- Exercise such as yoga, Pilates, and swimming strengthens abdominal and back muscles
- Scoliosis-specific stretches to improve muscle and joint flexibility and reduce stiffness, pain, and discomfort
Temporary Pain Relief
Depending on its severity, scoliosis may cause pain in the back and areas other than the back. Treatment for temporary pain relief include:
- Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Prescription pain medication
- Antidepressants
- Spinal braces
- Hydrotherapy and massage
- Steroid injections into the nerves and spinal joints
- Spinal decompression
Does Medical Insurance Cover Scoliosis Treatment?
Yes. Most scoliosis treatment is covered by insurance. However, each policy is different regarding what it will cover for a particular patient, doctor, and clinic. We will assist you in figuring out your insurance coverage.
Don’t wait too long to seek treatment for scoliosis because severe forms of scoliosis can cause irreversible muscle, nerve, and tissue damage. A scoliosis chiropractor, will help you find a more permanent solution.
Book An Appointment
Please use the booking tool below to book an appointment or by calling us on (480) 988-2974
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Scoliosis Be Helped?
Yes. The claim that scoliosis can only be reduced by surgery is a myth. Braces can reduce the curvature from more than 10-25° to less than 10% and sometimes eliminate it. But the effect is reversed slowly once the braces come off. Scoliosis-specific chiropractic adjustments will gradually realign the muscles, bones, and joints with lasting results.
Are Chiropractors Good For Scoliosis?
Yes. They provide the best treatment for scoliosis Gilbert. A chiropractor experienced in scoliosis will use scoliosis-specific adjustments to gently loosen up stiff muscles, realign the spine and release any pinched nerves. No surgery or drugs are needed, yet the treatment relieves the symptoms of scoliosis, and the pain goes away.
Is Gymnastics Bad For Scoliosis?
People with scoliosis and other spine deformities should exercise regularly to keep their muscles strong and flexible. Engaging in recreational gymnastics may be safe for a person with scoliosis. However, frequent participation in competitive or advanced gymnastics for many hours on end may cause the curve to worsen. So, it’s better to avoid gymnastics.
Is Scoliosis A Neurological Condition?
Some types of scoliosis are neurological conditions, i.e., they are caused by nerve disorders. Certain syndromes are caused by degeneration of the vertebrae and spinal discs. However, the majority of cases, about 80%, have no known causes.
Does Scoliosis Worsen With Age?
Not necessarily. Some types of scoliosis may be a problem during childhood and adolescence while a person is growing up. They may correct themselves once the person stops growing. Other types may be mild and never get worse. However, a type of scoliosis develops in adulthood due to trauma or degeneration and generally worsens with age.
Some types of childhood scoliosis may correct themselves once the person stops growing. Other types may be mild and never get worse. However, a type develops in adulthood due to trauma or degeneration and worsens with age.
Can Scoliosis Affect Bowel Movements?
It can, depending on its form. Abnormal curvature of the spine may skew nerve impulses to the organs and affect digestion. Also, postural changes in severe scoliosis can compress and contort internal organs, block the intestines, and cause constipation depending on their degree and location.
Doesn’t A Lack Of Calcium Cause Scoliosis?
So far, it doesn’t appear to be the case. Evidence from recent studies indicated that poor nutrition could contribute to idiopathic scoliosis. There is limited data for humans; therefore, more research is needed before any conclusion can be drawn. All the same, good nutrition can:
- Keep bones and nerves healthy and prevent the progression of the condition.
- Support scoliosis treatment by keeping you fit enough to deal with the condition.
Do Heavy Back-Packs Cause Scoliosis?
No evidence carrying a heavy backpack will cause scoliosis. However, many people develop degenerative conditions due to prolonged heavy load-bearing. Kids may end up hunching, slumping, tilting, and staggering as they walk, which may lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain. Other kids can develop nerve damage which causes tingling, numbness, and pins-and-needles sensations.
Can Scoliosis Affect Breathing?
Yes. Progressing scoliosis can worsen to the extent that the affected person’s body tilts so that the rib cage compresses the lungs. This makes breathing difficult. This is why it is wise to seek scoliosis treatment from a chiropractor.
What Organs Are Affected By Scoliosis?
As scoliosis progresses, it puts pressure on the internal organs like the digestive system, the lungs, and the heart. This may lead to poor digestion and constipation and interfere with heart and lung function. Damage to the heart and lungs may follow.
Can Scoliosis Affect Your Height?
Mild scoliosis will not affect a person’s height. However, if a huge spinal curvature is not treated in time, the affected person won’t be as tall as possible. That is why a child with symptoms of scoliosis should seek scoliosis treatment Gilbert. The best treatment is chiropractic care.