Conditions

Scoliosis

Non-surgical Scoliosis Care in Chilliwack

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that affects around 2-3% of the population. It involves a side to side (lateral) and twisting (rotational) deviation from the spines normal alignment. The vast majority of scoliosis is idiopathic, meaning there is no specific cause, and usually develops during teenage years.

The best approach for scoliosis varies by each person. Variables such as curve angle, age when first detected, and risk of future progression determines whether or not someone is suited for non-surgical care vs surgical care. It is generally recommended that if you have a curve above 10 degrees before 10 years old that you see a specialist for a consult, and if you have a curve above 20 degrees after 10 that you also seek a consult.

In the Chiropractic setting, we focus primarily on treatment of mild-moderate scoliotic curves, and ideally we start management early on in their progression. We also treat severe cases, but typically only if they have had a surgical consult first and are deemed non-surgical or have very low risk of progressing. Our treatment goals include symptom relief, improving spinal flexibility and posture, and reducing the scoliosis curve angle as well as risk of angle progression. Treatment is a combination of hands-on therapy techniques for quicker short-term relief, and scoliosis “curve correction” exercises that have been shown to reduce the scoliosis curvature and reduce risk of scoliosis curve progression in mild-moderate cases. Read below to understand how we assess a spine with scoliosis and what treatment options we can provide.

Scoliosis Assessment

  • In the clinic we take rotational curve measurements to track and monitor for scoliosis curve progression.

    This type of curve measurement is different than an x-ray measurement, but like an x-ray measurement it helps us to monitor for changes in the curve angle as someone ages and grows.

    For teens with a mild scoliosis and/or lower risk of progression x-rays are not usually recommended by most family doctors, so physical exam curve measurements are the main curve tracking method.

  • Scoliosis usually causes excessive rotation, side to side tilting, and possibly front and back curve changes to the spine.

    Everyone’s curve is a bit different in location and curve angle, but there are some common scoliosis curve patterns we look for.

    A scoliosis posture assessment with a curve measurement helps us to figure out how to treat your curve hands-on, and informs how to do a scoliosis curve correction protocol that will work for you.

  • Scoliosis also leads to a reduction in spinal flexibility and range of motion. This usually depends on the curve location and size. Most often people will be limited in twisting and tilting to the side.

    In assessment we check to see how your flexibility compares to what would be normal for your age and curve angle, and see if there are any deficits in certain planes of movement.

    Treatment works to improve this flexibility, and your flexibility findings also let us know what exercises you might benefit from most.

  • Growth is the “fuel” that drives scoliosis curve progression. Most teens stop growing between 16-19, though this varies.

    By periodically checking height, we can estimate an individuals growth rate and see if they are nearing completion of growth. Usually growth halves every year after puberty until it stops.

    By tracking height and estimating growth rate, we can then help gauge an individuals risk for progression.

  • There are a few other spinal functions that may be effected by scoliosis. When present, these functional changes can lead to worse symptoms of scoliosis. When treated, these functional changes can lead to a reduction of scoliosis symptoms and improved spinal function.

    Spinal function checks include:

    1. Spinal strength testing

    2. Spinal motor control testing

    3. Balance & movement control

Scoliosis Treatment

  • Spinal joint manipulations, aka adjustments, are techniques used by chiropractors to loosen up and reduce pressure in stiff and painful spinal joints.

    Manipulations involve a stretch with a controlled impulse, where sometimes a pop is felt or heard during the technique.

    Mobilizations are a lighter form of manipulation, and involve a more gentle back and forth stretching and movement of the joint.

    Both techniques can be helpful to reduce spinal pain in scoliosis, and the best technique is usually chosen based on exam findings and patient preference. Individuals who are very sore and stiff often do better with mobilizations than manipulations.

  • Muscle therapies include various soft tissue “release” techniques that all have the effect of reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow to the muscle. This leads to a reduction of any muscle-related pain coming from tight or overstretched muscles in scoliosis.

    Techniques used include myofascial release, instrument assisted therapies (muscle scraping), and cupping.

    Usually these techniques are chosen based on assessment findings and patient preference. They are usually used in combination with spinal joint techniques for maximum benefit and pain relief.

  • Curve correction exercises work by identifying and correcting the posture that individuals with scoliosis are most often adopting as a result of their curve.

    The idea is that our spine functions best when joints, muscles, and discs are as close to a “neutral” position as possible. By identifying specific curves, twists, and tilts we can then go about teaching people how to correct their position and adopt a more neutral position.

    SEAS (scientific exercise approach to scoliosis) is one approach that works by identifying curve angles, then teaching people how to correct them first in static positions such as sitting and standing, and then during movement.

    It’s an effective treatment to help reduce pain, improve flexibility, improve posture, and reduce the scoliosis curve angle. It’s also been shown to reduce the risk of scoliosis progression.

  • Scoliosis leads to reduced flexibility and strength in certain areas of the spine. This is a problem since reduced flexibility and strength also leads to a higher risk of spine pain.

    In addition to hands-on treatments for relief and curve correction exercises, spinal flexibility and strengthening exercises are a great addition to scoliosis treatment. They work by allowing individuals to help keep pain at bay themselves and by the reducing the risk of future pain flares and episodes.

    These exercises also have the added benefit of improving daily function and quality of life, whether it be in daily movements and postures or with specific sports. In sum, they reduce the negative effect that a scoliosis has on daily function.

The Benefits of Conservative Scoliosis Care

The three main treatment benefits of conservative scoliosis care are to reduce discomfort, improve daily function, and reduce the risk of curve progression.

For changing scoliosis spinal curvature

  • The protocol Dr. van de Wall uses, SEAS (scientific exercises approach to scoliosis), is a more affordable yet effective approach to treating scoliosis in teens compared to some more intensive and costly programs. It has shown reductions in pain, scoliosis angle, and reduced the need to wear a brace in research.

For symptoms such as pain, stiffness, discomfort

For daily function, disability, and quality of life

Other Conditions Treated