Proactive Scoliosis Management

Scoliosis affects approximately 3% of the population in the United States. Among those with scoliosis, about 90% experience a spinal curvature that, while not severe enough to necessitate surgery, causes pain and restricts daily activities.Traditionally, managing scoliosis has been passive, adopting a "wait & see" stance. Individuals, especially children diagnosed with scoliosis, are typically placed under observation to track any progression in their spinal curvature. In essence, no intervention is undertaken unless the curvature surpasses 25 degrees, at which point bracing is recommended. Conventional rigid braces exert pressure on the spine in an attempt to halt the progression of the curves. Dynamic braces, on the other hand, work to slow the progression of the curvature by retraining the body to maintain a corrective posture.

While both types of braces may slow progression and potentially eliminate the need for surgery, they cannot completely or permanently straighten the spine. Braces are worn 16 - 23 hours per day. In cases where scoliosis continues to advance, individuals with curves exceeding 40 degrees typically undergo spinal fusion surgery. Rather than passively observing worsening scoliosis, chiropractic treatment offers a proactive & rational strategy for limiting or reversing spinal curve progression. This is achieved through the application of spinal adjustments, along with physiotherapy & exercise methods such as Schroth. For patients already utilizing braces, our approach involves co-management, as we can enhance the effectiveness of traditional bracing, alleviate discomfort associated with bracing and reduce the likelihood of surgery.