Treatment of Adult Degenerative Scoliosis 2.
Scoliosis is a 3-D deformity of the spine and in adults can cause considerable problems. These people should avoid activity or exercise that causes excessive twisting on the spine; some experts believe this may accelerate spinal degeneration.
When scoliosis occurs (or is discovered) after puberty, the condition is called “adult scoliosis” to distinguish it from the curves caused during growth. Adult scoliosis can be the result of untreated or unrecognized childhood scoliosis, or it can actually arise during adulthood.
Most adults with untreated curvature of the spine do just fine. That’s the finding of an extraordinary 50-year study of people with scoliosis. Complications occurring with surgery on a adult patient with scoliosis are relatively common occurring, according to published research, from 30 – 53% of the time. Chiropractic therapy and specifically Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) can be an effective conservative alternative to surgical intervention. Most cases of adult scoliosis are treated using non-surgical methods. These may include:
- Soft tissue therapies
- Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
- Back exercises for posture and strength
- In some cases, bracing may be used (only to control pain, not to correct the deformity)
The goal of scoliosis treatment is to stabilize the curve (stop it from getting bigger) and to keep the patient balanced (keep the head over the pelvis so that the patient can stand straight). One of the best methods of treating adult scoliosis is through chiropractic care. In most adults with previous scoliosis, moderate exercise is not harmful and is extremely important for maintaining healthy supportive muscles and preventing disk degeneration.
Whenever possible, the first choice of treatment for adult scoliosis is always going to be conservative. Spinal surgery will always be the last choice of treatment due to the risks involved. Conservative treatment that is commonly recommended includes: medications, exercise, and certain types of braces to support the spine.
Chiropractic Treatment in Adult Scoliosis
Chiropractors use manipulation of the muscles and vertebrae in the spinal area to help prevent scoliosis from getting worse. Chiropractic care is a holistic health care procedure which emphasizes and accentuates the natural healing prowess of the body to bring about healing, thus making it unnecessary to depend on drugs or other intrusive procedures.
Chiropractic practices can mend all sorts of joint pains and malfunction because it focuses on mending the relationship between structure and function. The main principle behind this form of healing is that there is an imbalance between the structure and function, which leads to distress and pain. Once this imbalance is set right through exercises and massage, healing occurs naturally.
Braces Treatment in Adult Scoliosis
Braces can be worn both over the torso and around the neck. According to the Mayo Clinic: “Wearing a brace won’t cure scoliosis, or reverse the curve, but it usually prevents further progression of the curve.” Bracing is normally done when the patient has bone growth remaining and is, in general, implemented to hold the curve and prevent it from progressing to the point where surgery is recommended.
Braces are sometimes prescribed for adults to relieve pain related to scoliosis. The effectiveness of the brace depends not only on brace design and orthotist skill but on patient compliance and amount of wear per day. Bracing may cause emotional and physical discomfort.
