Can Chiropractors Fix Scoliosis?: Therapy Approaches & Realistic Expectations

Scoliosis, a condition marked by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, affects countless individuals, significantly impacting their daily lives and activities. This condition typically leads to discomfort and pain and, in severe cases, might also affect lung and heart function. 

If you or someone you know is grappling with this condition, you’re likely exploring every potential solution to manage or maybe even alleviate symptoms. Commonly pursued treatments include surgical interventions for severe cases, bracing for moderate conditions, and chiropractic care as a supportive therapy. 

So, is it worth leveraging chiropractic care to manage the symptoms of scoliosis effectively? Can chiropractic care realistically “fix” these issues for you?

Understanding Scoliosis

Scoliosis is defined as a spinal disorder where the spine curves sideways, often resembling an “S” or “C” shape. This deviation from a normally straight spine can vary in severity and is noticeable in posture changes and physical discomfort. 

Scoliosis commonly emerges during the growth spurt just before puberty, making early detection crucial. And according to data by HealthHub, it affects children of all backgrounds, though it is more prevalent in girls than boys, with a notable increase in cases as children grow older. For instance, in Singapore, the incidence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis notably rises from 1.4% in 11- to 12-year-olds to 2.2% in 13- to 14-year-olds.

What Are the Four Types of Scoliosis?

• • Idiopathic Scoliosis: The most prevalent form, idiopathic scoliosis, arises without a known cause and often during adolescence. Although it tends to run in families, specific genes linked to its development have not been conclusively identified. This type can manifest in three age categories: infantile (below three years), juvenile (three to ten years), and adolescent (over ten years).

• • Congenital Scoliosis: This type stems from spinal deformities present at birth, often linked with other anomalies in the body’s organs. These structural defects in the spine are detectable at birth or early childhood.

• • Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Associated with neurological or muscular conditions, this type of scoliosis arises from a lack of muscular support for the spine. Common underlying causes include cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, which affect the body’s ability to maintain proper spine alignment.

• • Degenerative Scoliosis: Unlike the types that present in childhood, degenerative scoliosis occurs in adulthood and results from the wear and tear of spinal discs and joints. This type is often seen in older adults and is linked to the broader process of ageing and degeneration.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis?

While scoliosis may not always produce overt symptoms, certain physical manifestations can indicate its presence:

• • Physical Signs: Uneven shoulders, protruding shoulder blades, asymmetrical waist and hips, along with a noticeable lean to one side, are common signs. You might also observe that the head is not aligned directly above the pelvis.

• • Symptoms: Though less common, symptoms can include back pain, core muscle weakness, and, in severe cases, leg pain or numbness. Over time, progressive conditions may lead to a visible loss in height or changes in walking due to uneven leg lengths.

Traditional Medical Approaches

Before delving into the potential of chiropractic care for scoliosis, it’s crucial to understand the conventional medical interventions typically employed to manage this condition.

These approaches focus on limiting the progression of the curvature and improving the patient’s quality of life.

• • Surgical Interventions: Surgery is often recommended for individuals with severe scoliosis—typically for curves exceeding 40 degrees in growing children and over 50 degrees in adults. Surgical options like spinal fusion utilise rods, screws, and bone grafts to correct and stabilise the spine. While surgery aims to prevent further curve progression, improve aesthetics, and address discomfort, it not only requires management of financial costs but also requires careful post-operative management to ensure successful long-term outcomes.

• • Orthotic Bracing: Bracing is primarily used to prevent the worsening of spinal curves rather than reducing existing curvature. Thoraco-lumbar-sacral orthosis (TLSO) is a common type of brace used in managing scoliosis, particularly in children whose bones are still growing. Although effective in mitigating the risk of further curve progression, bracing demands high compliance from patients, which can be challenging, especially for young individuals. This is because braces must be worn nearly full-time to be effective, and patient adherence is crucial for successful outcomes. Furthermore, when bracing is unable to control the curvature adequately, surgical intervention may become necessary.

Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis

Chiropractic care can potentially be supportive in managing scoliosis by addressing spinal alignment and managing discomfort associated with the condition. Unlike the aforementioned conventional medical treatments that may involve surgery or bracing, chiropractic approaches focus on less invasive therapy to manage symptoms.

1. 1. Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractors may address scoliosis through various spinal therapies, which might involve manipulations of the vertebrae to support spinal function and mobility. These adjustments aim not only to address the degree of spinal curvature but also to manage pain and muscle tension related to scoliosis. Depending on the patient’s specific condition and the curvature’s severity, chiropractors may employ various techniques to cater to the unique needs of each patient.

1. 1. Postural Management: Managing scoliosis might also involve addressing postural imbalances that may contribute to the condition’s progression. This can include:
      • • Ergonomic Recommendations: Suggesting changes in a patient’s daily environment, such as adjustments to workplace ergonomics or home setups, to support better posture throughout the day.
      • • Therapeutic Exercise Guidance: Providing recommendations for specific therapeutic exercises aimed at strengthening the body’s core and back muscles. These activities focus on enhancing overall body balance and reducing physical stress on the spine.
      • • Soft Tissue Therapy: Chiropractors may also incorporate soft tissue therapies to address muscle tension. These therapies involve techniques that are designed to manage tight muscles and support tissue elasticity. Each therapy session is customised to the individual’s specific needs, helping to ensure that the approach helps manage the symptoms associated with scoliosis.

It’s crucial to recognise that while chiropractic methods are designed to manage the symptoms of scoliosis, they do not cure the condition. Instead, they serve as part of a broader approach to managing spinal health, often in conjunction with other therapeutic measures to support function and comfort.

Can Chiropractors “Fix” Scoliosis?

Now, to address a crucial question: Can chiropractors truly “fix” scoliosis? 

It’s vital to understand that scoliosis is treatable but not curable. This is because the nature of scoliosis demands ongoing management rather than a one-time solution. Therefore, viewing scoliosis through a long-term management lens helps set realistic expectations for treatment outcomes.

So, to answer the question of whether chiropractors can fix scoliosis, chiropractors cannot “fix” scoliosis in the sense of permanently correcting the spinal curvature. Scoliosis involves complex changes in spinal alignment and posture that cannot be fully reversed by any form of chiropractic manipulation. Chiropractic care instead focuses on managing symptoms through tailored therapeutic techniques. 

Chiropractic Techniques for Scoliosis

As mentioned, chiropractic care for scoliosis involves a series of techniques aimed at managing any discomfort and supporting spinal alignment:

• • Spinal Adjustments and Mobilisations: These involve the manipulation of the vertebrae to support spinal alignment and address pressure on the nervous system.

• • Soft Tissue Therapies: Techniques such as massage and myofascial release help manage muscle tension and pain, which are commonly associated with scoliosis.

• • Rehabilitation Exercises and Stretches: Custom exercises and stretches are designed to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, which are critical in managing scoliosis.

Benefits and Limitations of Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis

Chiropractic care might be able to help individuals with scoliosis, primarily focusing on supporting mobility and managing discomfort. The non-invasive nature of chiropractic methods makes it an alternative option for many seeking other management strategies.

Potential Advantages:

• • Physical discomfort being addressed.

• • Management of muscle tension and imbalances.

Limitations and Considerations:

• • Severity of Curvature: The effectiveness of chiropractic care can vary greatly depending on the severity of the spinal curvature.

• • Patient Age: Younger patients in their growth phases may experience different outcomes compared to adults.

• • Therapy Adherence: The success of chiropractic management often depends on consistent adherence to prescribed therapy plans, including regular sessions and follow-up care.

Choosing a Chiropractor

Selecting the right chiropractor is crucial, especially when managing a condition as complex as scoliosis. Here are key considerations to guide your choice:

• • Qualifications and Certifications: Ensure the chiropractor in Singapore has training in scoliosis management. These qualifications indicate a deeper understanding of and capability for handling scoliosis cases.

Asking the right questions can also help you gauge whether the chiropractor’s expertise and approach align with your needs and expectations.

Consultation Questions:

• • How much experience do you have with scoliosis patients?

• • What techniques do you use to manage scoliosis?

• • Do you collaborate with other healthcare providers to manage scoliosis?

• • What is your approach to monitoring progress?

Patient Education and Support

Understanding the nature of scoliosis empowers individuals to engage actively in their therapy plans. This is mainly due to the fact that continuous care and regular check-ups are essential to monitor progress and adjust therapies as needed, ensuring sustained support for spinal health.

And for those considering chiropractic care for scoliosis, finding a skilled chiropractor in Singapore who understands the nuances of spinal health is crucial. Just know that whether you’re beginning chiropractic therapy or looking to support ongoing care, there is help in Singapore to guide you. 

For more insights, read our blogs on “Who Should Avoid a Chiropractor and Who Can Consider It?” and “What to Expect During Your First Chiropractic Care Session” to learn more about tailoring your chiropractic journey to your needs.