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Scoliosis is a term that is met with many reactions – sometimes confusion or even fear. Scoliosis is a simple descriptive term. It was derived from the Greek word scoliosis, meaning crooked or bent. Today, it’s a word to describe a curvature of the spine. Scoliosis refers to a spine that is curved from the back to the front. A normal spine should be relatively straight, however with scoliosis, we see a spine that is curved from the back to front.
Scoliosis is often used as an “umbrella” term to describe a curvature of the spine. It doesn’t provide any specifics much like a “disc bulge” or “sciatica”. Our chiropractor prevents any hassles during treatment, giving our patients a complete and detailed diagnosis.
Scoliosis is commonly seen in early childhood and extends into early to late teenage years. This is sometimes picked up early with screening tests or by simply observing a child’s posture. It is also commonly not picked up and can progress without intervention and then only diagnosed in the adult years.
Structural scoliosis is when the spine has developed scoliosis due to a disorder or disease such as hemi vertebrae, true leg length discrepancy, Klippel Feil syndrome, idiopathic scoliosis, or possibly as a developmental disorder that has a genetic link such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers- Danlos syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy or neurofibromatosis. A scoliosis chiropractor can easily identify structural scoliosis with a postural exam.
Functional scoliosis is when the spine has developed scoliosis due to improper nerve and muscle function. It also can develop from having a problem in another area of the spine. Functional scoliosis is commonly seen in our population. This is due to improper muscle, nerve and joint dysfunction as a result either an acute injury or accumulative nerve and skeletal stress. Functional scoliosis can be seen through postural exam, however it can sometimes be subtler to observe.
Like with any scoliosis, it is best to have its severity and grade assessed by a reputed scoliosis chiropractor in Melbourne, through a thorough examination via nerve, muscle and orthopaedic tests, as well as X-Rays.
The first step in scoliosis therapy is to identify the type of scoliosis you have. Our network of Melbourne chiropractors adopt a unique and detailed examination, which assesses all the layers and levels of your body to identify the cause and type of scoliosis you have.
Scoliosis responds to a structured and specific treatment plan from our chiropractors and practitioners. Often spinal adjustments without proper assessment can worsen symptoms as well as the mechanism of the scoliosis.
Our practitioners are well experienced in providing specialist scoliosis care. We believe that a holistic and structured treatment protocol works best – one that considers all factors affecting your body and addresses both its causes and aggravating factors. In our experience, this is what will empower you to understand how to better look after your body, maintain your results and ultimately be able to self-manage your health.
Chiropractic adjustments primarily improve the function of nerves and joints of the spine. The effects can be seen not only in muscles, but also in the nerve function. Improving the connection between the brain, muscles and joints in the area sees a restoration of normal function. Case studies have shown that just improvement of the nerves of the spine alone has shown to reduce progression and severity of scoliosis.
A case study looking at a child with scoliosis showed significant improvement of scoliosis from 17° in the mid back and 12.5° in the lower back to 0° and 3° respectively. All the changes were seen in as little as 5 adjustments by a scoliosis chiropractor over 5 months. (1)
Another case study looked at a 14 year old girl with a scoliosis that was rapidly worsening at a rate of 1° per month. The advice was for surgical intervention. She presented with a scoliosis of 27°. Over 5 months, the progression stopped and her scoliosis improved 15% in the long term. (2)
Once the brain is reconnected to muscles and joints that haven’t been working well, the next step is to retrain the muscles and joints to function properly. As part of your treatment plan, we tailor an exercise program for you that specifically targets the muscles needing improvement. We’ve found that coupling your adjustments with a tailored exercise program produces changes seen in the short as well as the long term.
Whether you have a child who you are concerned that may have scoliosis, or you’re an adult living with scoliosis, we can help! Call us today to make an appointment with a qualified scoliosis care practitioner in Melbourne.
Chiropractic Scoliosis Care in Melbourne can help diagnose and treat your specific type of scoliosis. There are many types of scoliosis, each with a differing prognosis. It’s important to know that scoliosis is absolutely treatable, but not all cases are “curable”. Structural scoliosis requires a re-framing of our thinking from short term cure to long term management. However, the right management plan will ensure you live with very few limitations. Functional scoliosis cases have higher success rate. It’s important to discuss your long term prognosis with your chiropractor, as each person is different.
A specialist chiropractor for scoliosis will know the difference between these variations of the one condition. Structural scoliosis is a result of a disorder or disease process, while functional scoliosis is developed over time. It’s a result of compensation from another cause. In many cases, this is either due to subluxation, trauma or progressive skeletal stress.
It’s important to know that scoliosis is absolutely treatable, but not all cases are “curable”. It’s also important to understand what type of scoliosis you have. As each type has a differing prognosis, some can be improved in the short-term and others in the long-term. Some types need long term management and Scoliosis Care in Melbourne. True healing takes time, even with all the skills of a highly experienced scoliosis chiropractor.
Scoliosis is best detected early in life rather than later. This helps to monitor and manage the type of scoliosis. This is why we encourage all parents to have their child’s spine checked. Best of all, at our office, this is FREE!
Severity, progression and age are all factors to consider. As the scoliosis curvature increases, so does the amount of intervention, monitoring and practitioners employed to manage the case. But in all cases, a chiropractor for scoliosis can help to manage scoliosis.
At My Health Chiro, we endeavour to provide the best care possible. If at any point we find that your treatment plan isn’t achieving our intended goals, we will make sure we find out why. If we find at any point that we are unable to help you toward your goal, we will find someone who will. We want to make sure you get the care you need, not waste your time or money! With scoliosis, monitoring is important. Our chiropractor for scoliosis will work with your medical doctors, as well as other allied health professionals, to provide the highest levels of health care for your condition. If we find that your care is best placed elsewhere, we’ll ensure we’ll get to the person who can help.
No! You can visit a chiropractor for scoliosis without a referral. As chiropractors specialise in conditions of the spine, we will work with your GP to ensure that you are being best cared for. As chiropractors, we monitor and assess your scoliosis and provide your GP with more in depth information about your condition. We will make recommendations, based on your case, whether further action is needed.
Once the brain is reconnected to muscles and joints that haven’t been working well, the next step is to retrain the muscles and joints to function properly. As part of your treatment plan, we tailor an exercise program for you that specifically targets the muscles needing improvement.
With scoliosis, monitoring is important. Our chiropractor for scoliosis will work with your medical doctors, as well as other allied health professionals, to provide the highest levels of health care for your condition. If we find that your care is best placed elsewhere, we’ll ensure we’ll get to the person who can help!
Improving the connection between the brain, muscles and joints in the area sees a restoration of your normal nervous function. Case studies have shown that just improvement of the nerves of the spine alone has shown to reduce progression and severity of scoliosis.
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Phone: (03) 8060 1400
Email: info@myhealthchiro.com.au
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Maribyrnong, VIC 3032
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Suite 17, Level/5/111 Cecil St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
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