Is Chiropractic Treatment Recommended for Scoliosis?

The use of chiropractic treatment in treating scoliosis has not been well-studied, thereby giving very little hard evidence in its effectiveness as a treatment option. Mild cases of scoliosis are thought to be helped to some extent by chiropractic treatment methods, namely spinal adjustments and postural counseling. More extreme cases in which the spine is curved dramatically have not been studied well enough to draw a conclusion; however, there is emerging research which suggests chiropractic treatment may be beneficial for those with severe scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a term used to describe a curvature of the spine, usually to one side. This curvature can be mild or severe, and can lead to back and neck pain, poor posture, and other uncomfortable symptoms. The use of chiropractic treatment to relieve the pain associated with the condition has proven to be beneficial for those with a mild curvature.

There are medical doctors who argue that chiropractic care, while not harmful, is not always useful to the patient. Others claim that regular adjustments with a professional chiropractor may help to alleviate pain, correct problems with posture, and prevent a host of imbalances and diseases in the body. Both claims have yet to be proven because many patients who regularly attend chiropractic appointments also engage in healthier lifestyles. This could explain any increase in health among those who visit chiropractors.

In relation to scoliosis, there is no medical reason to avoid seeing a chiropractor. A medical doctor should be visited first to obtain a correct diagnosis, followed by any approved therapies used to alleviate pain. Chiropractic care is often much less expensive than treatments offered by a general physician, so it may be in a patient's best interest to go this route first. On the other hand, chiropractic care may not be covered by the patient's medical insurance.

For some patients, chiropractic care will help alleviate the pain associated with scoliosis and other conditions. Generally, even those who do not report an improvement will not experience worsened pain from seeing a chiropractor. Each patient is encouraged to try this method of treatment to determine him or herself whether or not it is an effective means of pain relief.

Many times chiropractic care will be combined with traditional medicinal methods to achieve maximum benefits. This may mean regular visits to a chiropractic clinic along with the use of pain medications or physical therapy. In some severe cases, surgery may be attempted, although this is generally used a last resort for pain relief.