Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that can be inherent at the time of birth or develop over time and be exacerbated by bad posture. While it does not always cause pain, it most certainly can be a painful condition. Adult scoliosis causes the spine to curve more and more over time. This curvature ends up pressing on and even compressing nerve roots which causes pain in the area of compression as well as radiating outwards.
Neuromuscular conditions that can play into scoliosis and affect the nerves and muscles include cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, and muscular dystrophy. None of these need to be present, however, to present with a curvature.
one shoulder blade that sticks out more than the other.
one shoulder that is higher than the other.
problems breathing because of reduced area in the chest for lungs to expand.
With chiropractic treatments, the curvature of the spine can be straightened and corrected, though not always 100%. A recent study of the combination of exercise along with chiropractic shows very promising results. 28 patients with scoliosis as adults took part in a rehabilitation program. The study was a six-month course of treatment and exercise. What was reported was that their perceived disability was cut by nearly 50%. This also included a whopping 40% reduction in reported pain levels.
With the new improved spinal alignment, many stated that they could breathe normally again. What chiropractic and exercise does is ease the compression on the nerves and gently and slowly attempts to strengthen muscle which will then hold the realignment of the spine better.
If you have scoliosis and are living with pain, please consider chiropractic along with specific exercises to help you reduce pain levels and live a more abundant life.
Give the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. a call today.