The best sources of scoliosis help can vary depending on the type of scoliosis support that one is looking for. For instance, a doctor or a physical therapist may be able to prescribe therapies to treat the pain from scoliosis, to increase flexibility, or even offer bracing or surgical solutions to correct the curve. If one is looking for emotional support for scoliosis, visiting a support center or joining a support group, either in person or online, can be a good way to find scoliosis help.
Generally, people looking for scoliosis help will begin by visiting a doctor. He or she will be able to take x-rays and determine the extent of the curvature; in some cases it may be evident from outside the body, while more minor cases may not be noticeable unless one is looking very closely. Once the extent of the curvature has been determined, the doctor will be able to tell if it is affecting the rest of the body at all, and what types of treatment will be necessary. For example, scoliosis can lead to pain in the hips and back, because one is unable to maintain proper posture and alignment from the shoulders to the hips.
Bracing and physical therapy are some of the most common treatments for scoliosis. If the curvature is caught early, in early adolescence for example, bracing and therapy can be effective at reducing the curve. It is best to visit a scoliosis specialist for scoliosis help; this will typically be an orthopedic doctor who has extensive experience working with the spine. He or she will then be able to recommend a physical therapist who is also experienced in working with scoliosis, which is a very common condition in both men and women.
Scoliosis help might need to go beyond medical treatment, however. Some people find that they are embarrassed or self-conscious of their scoliosis and the way it affects their appearance. In this case, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist if it is particularly difficult to deal with, or it might be beneficial to visit a support group. Support groups are occasionally found in local communities, but it is very easy to find sources of scoliosis help online; there are many websites and forums dedicated solely to back issues, and people with scoliosis can go there and discuss their feelings with other people who are experiencing the same thing.