Scoliosis, Chiropractic and Active Release Technique

There are nearly 7 million people in the United States with scoliosis, and in the vast majority of those cases the cause is unknown.  Approximately half a million visits are made to Chiropractors for evaluation and treatment of scoliosis every year.

Scoliosis is more common in girls than boys, and often develops between 10 and 16 years of age.  It is passed from parents to children, especially on the maternal side. Scoliosis can be a painful condition depending on the severity of the spinal curve, or may cause no pain at all.

A combination of Chiropractic Active Release Technique can be a helpful intervention for people with scoliosis.  Chiropractic can help improve joint motion in the spine, which can decrease pain and improve ranges of motion. 

Active Release can help break up scar tissue and adhesions in stiff and weak muscle.  This can help reduce daily pain and allow you to be more active.

 

What Causes Scoliosis?

In more than 80% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown.  This is referred to as idiopathic scoliosis.  There is likely a genetic component to most cases of scoliosis since it appears to be passed from parents to children.  Other cases of scoliosis can be caused by tumors, trauma, neuromuscular conditions, and disease.  Regardless of the cause, scoliosis is typically either functional scoliosis or structural scoliosis.

 

Functional Scoliosis

This means the scoliosis is due to a problem that does NOT involve the spine.  The curve is likely compensating for something, such as poor posture, muscle spasm, or having legs that are different lengths.  The spine still moves properly, and if the underlying cause if fixed the curve usually goes away.  This type of scoliosis responds very well to Chiropractic care.

 

Structural Scoliosis

With this type of scoliosis, the spine is NOT flexible and does not move properly.  Unfortunately, this type of scoliosis does not respond well to Chiropractic or other conservative care, and some people with structural scoliosis end up having surgery.  It’s important to know, there is no evidence that functional scoliosis leads to structural scoliosis.

 

Chiropractic and Active Release Treatment for Scoliosis

Chiropractic treatment of scoliosis generally involves a comprehensive approach aimed at improving spinal joint motion, increasing flexibility and decreasing pain.  Scoliosis can cause increased stress and strain on the joints of the spine, especially where the curves occur. 

Chiropractic adjustments can help to improve joint flexibility and spinal ranges of motion.  Chiropractic treatment can also help with the back pain and headaches that often accompany scoliosis.  Active Release Technique can help to improve flexibility by improving the function of stiff and weak muscles. 

Physical rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise and stretching can improve flexibility of the muscles and ligaments of the spine, and decrease muscle stiffness. And in some cases, custom foot orthotics and heels lifts can correct uneven leg length and reduce scoliotic curves in the spine. 

To learn more about how Chiropractic and Active Release can help your scoliosis pain, please consider scheduling a consultation with Bellevue Chiropractor Dr. Keith McGahey.  His Chiropractic clinic, Eastside Chiropractic Group, is located in Downtown Bellevue near Overlake Hospital. Open Saturdays, same day appointments are available, and consultations are ALWAYS FREE!  Call (425) 455-2711.