According to the Scoliosis Research Society, the definition of scoliosis is the curving of the spine at an angle greater than 10 degrees on an x-ray. Thus, scoliosis is a kind of spinal deformity and shouldn’t be confused with poor posture. Usually, there are 4 common kinds of patterns of curves experienced in scoliosis which are: Thoracic - wherein the right side has ninety percent curves, lumbar - wherein the left side has seventy percent curves, thoracolumbar - wherein the right side has eighty percent curves and double major - where both right and left sides have curves. In the majority of cases, as high as eighty to eighty five percent, the cause of the deformity is unknown; this is also known as idiopathic scoliosis. Additionally, females have scoliosis more commonly than males. According to some established facts 3 to 5 children in 1000 have chances of developing spinal curves, which is a number large enough to require medical treatment. 

The Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis

The physical signs of scoliosis include:

• Uneven shoulders or a shoulder blade that protrudes further than the other when standing

• A rib hump (rib prominence) or a lower back hump (lumbar prominence) when bending forward

• One hip may appear higher than the other

The diagnosis of scoliosis requires a thorough medical history, diagnostic tests and also physical examination. Doctors may also prescribe x-ray, CT scan and MRI scan of the back to measure the degree of curvature in the spinal. Traditional treatments include observation and repetitive examinations, bracing and surgery to correct the defect. 

How Chiropractic Treatment can Help

Chiropractic treatment gives adults with scoliosis a non-drug, non-invasive chiropractic way to manage the pain that can accompany this condition. We can do so by decreasing the pressure on a patient’s nervous system and by strengthening the body’s core. Specifically, chiropractors use a combination of spinal manipulation and specific exercises. These techniques have been proven in several studies to be highly effective at treating scoliosis. In fact, a study published in 2017 showed that a patient group of 60 adult sufferers of scoliosis benefited from chiropractic treatment. The success rate among this group was 90%!

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity. However, a diagnosis of this condition is not at all bleak. There are many treatment options that are available including the non-invasive, drug-free and highly effective care that we offer at Living Well Chiropractic and Scoliosis Care Clinic.  We are certified ScoliBrace providers.  The ScoliBrace is an individually customized, non-invasive, over-corrective, brace designed to reduce your scoliosis curves and relieve your pain.  Dr. Michael Richey, at chiropractor in Thousand Oaks, can address your scoliosis and offer you back pain relief in Thousand Oaks.