Scoliosis is the number one spinal deformity affecting children and adolescents. Given this, it’s important that parents and caregivers are aware of appropriate assessment procedures, signs and available scoliosis management options. The good news is that natural treatment such as exercise, lifestyle alterations and manual therapies are sufficient when it comes to managing this problem.
Scoliosis is the term used to describe the characteristic S-shaped curve that may present in an individuals spinal column. Scoliosis management is far more advanced than in previous years, where majority of advice provided by medical doctors was “wait and watch to see what happens.” While this advice is appropriate for certain circumstances it has been shown that better patient outcomes arise when a proactive approach to care is taken by the family. The typical assessment for Scoliosis involves obtaining spinal radiographs which demonstrate the deformity and progression can be monitored by applying various measurements and angles overtime. For sufferers and their families to make the most informed clinical decision you need to be armed with the as much information as possible.
Medical doctors have typically advised patients to wait to see if there problem worsens. If progression was noted, then spinal surgery or bracing was indicated. It is important to recognize that spinal surgery is permanent. While this approach can prevent Scoliosis progression it may leave an individual with permanent and irreversible functional limitations in movement. Compare that approach to a natural, non-invasive approach that uses lifestyle advice, manual therapy (such as Chiropractic and Physiotherapy) as well as specific exercise rehabilitation you can see why it is important to consider all available options.
My firm belief and I have seen it time and time again in practice is that the best opportunity to achieve long-term structural changes is when the spinal deformity has not had the opportunity to progress. This means consider Chiropractic, exercise and dietary approaches at the early stages. A manual therapy approach would involve:
Diet and your nutritional intake greatly influences the health of your body and should not be overlooked no matter what problem you’re suffering. Generally speaking, an anti-inflammatory diet is recommend. Foods to consider include:
Appropriate supplements include: