Scoliosis

Have you noticed any of the following symptoms?

• Back or neck pain
• Uneven or leaning posture
• Uneven hips
• Uneven creases in the waist
• Uneven shoulders or one shoulder blade protruding more
• Pronounced or exaggerated curvature of the spine

Scoliosis is a condition characterised by a lateral or sideways curvature of the spine. This curvature may develop into an S- or C-shaped appearance and often involves a rotational component through the spinal column.

While the exact cause of scoliosis remains unknown, it is known to affect 80-90% of otherwise healthy adolescents, a condition referred to as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). AIS is the most common form of scoliosis, typically identified in girls between the ages of 10 and 12 and in boys aged 12 to 14, coinciding with periods of rapid growth.

Other forms of scoliosis may develop due to degenerative reasons, particularly in later stages of life. Degenerative scoliosis is often a result of ageing and can lead to conditions such as spinal canal narrowing (stenosis) alongside spinal disc bulges, protrusions, or herniations.

How Do Chiropractors Diagnose and Treat Scoliosis?

Early detection of scoliosis is crucial for preventing related spinal pain, muscle imbalances, and premature degeneration of spinal structures. Although scoliosis cannot be “cured,” the Cox® Certified Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic can significantly improve and maintain musculoskeletal movement and flexibility.

Scoliosis is typically diagnosed through comprehensive physical and radiographic (X-ray) assessments. While slight curvatures are quite common, approximately 2% of curvatures in young females require close observation, especially during growth and development.

When patients visit Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic for scoliosis diagnosis, assessment, and treatment, our Cox® Certified Chiropractors conduct thorough evaluations for any deviations or changes in the spine and its function.

Our Chiropractors employ Cox® Flexion-Distraction therapy, a gentle, low-force, non-surgical spinal therapy aimed at minimising the progressive deterioration of the condition. This therapy, combined with gentle joint mobilisation and targeted soft tissue treatments, has proven effective in treating both acute and chronic spinal conditions.

The goal of managing scoliosis is not necessarily to straighten the curvature but rather to maintain mobility and flexibility within the curve, promoting a good quality of life. Management, rather than a cure, is the key focus.

At Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic, our Chiropractors utilise the latest research and clinical data to benefit our patients. Our Certified Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Decompression Chiropractors treat all spinal pain conditions using safe, gentle, non-surgical, doctor-controlled spinal decompression therapy. Cox® Flexion-Distraction is a recognised alternative to spinal surgery for patients suffering from scoliosis.

Below is a demonstration of Cox® Technic.

REFERENCES

(1)   Gudavalli, MR., Olding, K., Joachim, G., Cox, JM. Chiropractic Distraction Spinal Manipulation on Postsurgical Continued Low Back and Radicular Pain Patients: A Retrospective Case Series. J Chiropractic Med. 2016 Jun; 15(2): 121–128. Published online 2016 May 25. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2016.04.004