Do you have Scoliosis? How a Chiropractor can help

Do you find your body always leaning to one side? Do you have uneven shoulders, or one side of your shoulder/hip sticking out? You might have a condition called scoliosis of your spine.

Learn what scoliosis is, the types, symptoms and how a chiropractor can help!

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side. These curves may occur for var­i­ous rea­sons. It can affect people of any age. There are two types of scoliosis: Structural scoliosis and functional scoliosis

1. Structural scoliosis - Potential causes of this type of scoliosis are unknown (up to 85%), congenital, neuromuscular, and neoplastic/infectious. Unfortunately, Chiropractors are unable to fix this type of spinal alignment, but they may help with the resulting symptoms of structural scoliosis by reducing spinal muscle tightness and increasing joints mobility.

2. Functional scoliosis - This type of scoliosis is not caused by the changed shape of the spinal bones, it is a postural adaptation to an imbalance in one's base of support. The spine can be curved to the other side temporarily due to the hip misalignment. It can also happen to people who do an asymmetrical activity over years. (eg. factory line workers who operate machine on one side) Most of the time, it is caused by poor postural habits (eg. leaning on one side when sitting). This is the type of scoliosis that chiropractors can help with.

Common symptoms of spinal scoliosis.

Most people can have no symptoms with scoliosis. But in some cases, the curve can begin to affect body movements, posture and perhaps cause pain. Here are some common symptoms below:

1. Rib deformity

2. Shoulder height asymmetry

3. torso lean

4. Low back pain

5. Upper back and mid back pain

6. Respiratory compromise

7. Emotional distress

How can a Chiropractor help?

1. Soft tissue release - Applying sustained pressure to break down adhesions between the muscle tissues, from superficial to deep layers of your muscles, with a combination of other techniques in order to free up tight muscles.

2. Mobilisation - Involves moving the joints within their normal range of motion. This gentle technique helps increase the joint space, allows muscles to further relax, and gets rid of joint stiffness.

3. Adjustment - A chiropractic adjustment (also known as manipulation) of the spine is the application of a small controlled force in a specific direction into a joint. This technique can help restore motion to the joint as a result of the decompress of the nerve and improvement of the blood circulation.

4. Exercise Therapy - stretch and strengthen - To help your body hold itself in the properly aligned position, personalised rehabilitation exercises and stretches are very important.

Why a Chiropractor?

It is important to conduct a thorough history, posture analysis and physical/functional examination for analysing scoliosis, since it has various types. Therefore it is beneficial to also bring your spinal X-rays results (2D or 3D) to a Chiropractor appointment. This is an area of their specialty. From that, a Chiropractor can determine the best treatment approach and rehabilitation plan for you.

Are you based in Sydney?

If so, we'd love to help! Click the button below to learn more about how our Chiropractor can help you. We have appointments available with chiropractors in Chatswood, North Sydney and Sydney CBD near Wynyard station.

SCOLIOSIS REHAB