February 5, 2020

Scoliosis & Chiropractic Treatment Facts to Know Before a Meeting – What to Know

Although scoliosis is not curable, it is still treatable, and its symptoms can be reduced. Similar to diabetes, scoliosis is a medical condition that requires ongoing care because it’s a battle that is faced by patients for the rest of their lives. Nevertheless, finding the best treatment will help them live a more comfortable life. 

Chiropractic treatment is one of the many treatments available for adults who are suffering from scoliosis. However, it’s crucial to know that not all chiropractors are equipped to help treat this condition because many of them do not have proper training and adequate equipment to treat it. Most of the time, they address surface issues without identifying the root cause. As a result, the discomfort and pain will keep on coming back. 

Understanding scoliosis 

Know that scoliosis affects two to three percent of the entire population in the USA. This condition typically refers to having a spinal curve that measures 10 degrees and more on X-ray, which is called the Cobb angle. A Scoliosis spine sometimes looks like the letter “C” or the letter “S.” Some of the spinal bones may have rotated sideways, making the person’s shoulders and waist look uneven. If the angle is over 40 to 50 degrees, however, the individual may require surgery to lessen the degree and alleviate the accompanying pain. 

For most patients, the cause of scoliosis remains unknown. However, it is often associated with muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or birth defects. It can also develop when a person is 10 to 12 years old, while other instances even manifest in infants. In most cases, the situation does not require correction because the body will do so naturally. If the patient has a structural curve, however, the condition may become permanent, and it could also mean that the patient has an underlying medical condition.  

How chiropractor treatments help

 It’s been said that traditional chiropractors try to look for stuck joints, believing that it’s the cause of the pain and discomfort that patients with scoliosis feel. These traditional professionals will then work to relieve the joints to a more natural position. However, know that joint mobility is not the underlying problem. It is commonly the location of the joints that are putting pressure on the spinal joints, aggravating the surrounding nerves, and making the pain of the condition unbearable. 

A chiropractor will reposition the spinal joints first to act as an overhaul that needs a more holistic approach. The patient may have to train their mind to use different muscles and joints so that the body will be accustomed to the treatment. Aside from that, the chiropractor will recommend a special diet that addresses low bone density. They will also suggest supplements that suppress the production of cytokines, which is a component that aids the progression of Scoliosis. 

Conclusion

Scoliosis is a medical condition that affects the spine, and it is a condition that affects over nine million people in the United States alone. With chiropractic treatment, it is one of the many treatments available to alleviate the pain and misery that scoliosis causes. 

If you’re in New York and are looking for scoliosis chiropractors for your spinal condition, visit Scoli-Fit NYC today! We are experts in alternative scoliosis treatment that can help both children and adults. 

January 29, 2020

What You Should Know about Scoliosis & Chiropractic Care – Our Guide

Scoliosis is a common medical condition in which someone’s spine has a sideways curve. A spine that does not experience scoliosis will look straight when viewed from behind. In a spine with scoliosis, however, the joints bend into a C-shape (a single curve) or an S-shape (a double curve). 

Commonly affecting young females around 10 to 15 years old, scoliosis is mild but can become a severe health threat if left unaddressed. Advanced scoliosis curvatures can even contribute to chronic back pain, lung and heart tissue compression, and various nerve disorders. In addition, pronounced scoliosis can create a negative self-image affected individuals.

What causes scoliosis?

There are various types of scoliosis, but its most common form is called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (‘scoliosis of unknown origin’). In some people, scoliosis curves can be traced to structural abnormalities, such as incorrectly formed vertebrae or disc derangements. 

Other times, these curves can be linked to imbalances in spinal musculature, nervous system disorders, or leg-length differences. If the lateral curve occurs in your mid-spine, your rib position shifts concerning their connections with this spinal area. 

How do you know if you have scoliosis?

Aside from the curve, chiropractors commonly look for abnormal protrusion of the ribs and conduct a test to see a person’s capacity to perform a range of motions. During this test, an individual bends forward to touch their toes, and the chiropractor observes the ribs on either side of the spine. 

If one side of the ribs sits higher than the other, the chiropractor will suspect scoliosis. This same test may be used to determine the specific causes of this condition, and the severity of the curvature. However, because not all chiropractors can diagnose scoliosis, it is important to find a professional who will be there throughout the assessment.

Can scoliosis be cured?

For mild cases, the patient is usually only monitored for progression. Know that mild curvature does not cause back pain any more than the normal spine. However, if the curve shows signs of rapid progression, or increases beyond 30 degrees, treatment is then highly recommended. With proper monitoring and treatment, scoliosis should not hinder anyone from having a healthy, normal lifestyle. Nevertheless, if you suspect that you have scoliosis, the first step is to visit your chiropractor immediately.

Because of the dangerous nature of a scoliosis curve, parents are advised to watch for signs that their child’s spine is starting to bend. The symptoms include uneven hips or shoulders, or the body leaning to one side. Scoliosis damage may be minimized if treated early, so be sure to have your child’s spine checked regularly to prevent the incidence of abnormal spinal curves. 

Know that chiropractic adjustments can significantly reduce the angle of the scoliosis curve. Visiting a chiropractor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis will help prevent the onset of severe spinal deformities.

If you are looking for a scoliosis chiropractor in the NYC area, contact us at ScolioFit NYC today. Our doctors specialize in scoliosis and kyphosis treatments and can customize a program to a patient’s specific needs. Book an appointment with us today so that we can help you manage your spine problems.

January 22, 2020

Our Chiropractor’s Guide to Fixing Scoliosis – What to Know

Scoliosis is a common problem faced by many people across the globe. It is a medical condition in which a person’s spine has a sideways curve—usually “S” or “C”—over three dimensions. The degree of curve is sometimes stable for some, but it can increase over time for some people. Mild scoliosis doesn’t pose any concerning problems, but severe cases can impact the individual’s quality of life. For this reason, constant monitoring and treatment of scoliosis are important.

It is where chiropractic healthcare comes into the picture. Chiropractic healthcare entails taking diagnoses and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. As it particularly deals with the spine, chiropractic care appears to be a viable solution in diagnosing and treating scoliosis.

The question is: Can a chiropractor fix scoliosis then? We’ll answer this in the following section. 

What to know about fixing scoliosis

First off, we need to understand that scoliosis is treatable, but it isn’t curable. It is like diabetes, where the condition requires ongoing and long-term care. It’s actually a condition that has to be dealt with for the rest of your life. That’s where a chiropractor comes in to play a major role.

For this reason, finding the right chiropractor for the correct diagnosis and ongoing treatment of your scoliosis becomes imperative. Know that you can live a normal life with the right approach to managing your scoliosis. You can improve the quality of your life significantly without bracing or surgery, as long as you stay committed to the plan you’ve developed with your doctor.

Not all chiropractors can address scoliosis

It’s worth knowing that not all chiropractors can deal with scoliosis. That’s why, as mentioned above, you have to choose the right chiropractor who can deal with the following:

• Diagnoses: There’s an idea in the medical field that says, “you can’t be a better clinician than you are a diagnostician.” This means that you can’t treat something you can’t adequately diagnose. The truth is, most chiropractors aren’t trained or equipped to diagnose issues related to scoliosis effectively. It can be rather hard for them to provide the proper treatments if they can’t fully diagnose your condition. Hence, look for a chiropractor who can have an effective diagnosis. He or she should be able to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you and likely to deliver results. 
• Treatment: When the treatment plan has been set in place, you can see your chiropractor on a regular basis. Know, however, that treating scoliosis with a traditional chiropractic approach can aggravate the situation. That said, your chiropractor should be acquainted with the modern approach to chiropractic treatments that work best with scoliosis. First off, the joints of the spine need to be repositioned. Second, your brain needs to be retrained to use the muscles and spinal joints differently than it’s become accustomed to. All of these should be considered in order for scoliosis to be treated effectively. On a more specific and practical note, your chiropractor should regularly perform scoliosis massages, stretches, and exercises along with scoliosis-specific adjustments.

Going back to the main question, can a chiropractor fix scoliosis? The answer is yes, but you have to be selective in choosing the right chiropractor for the proper diagnosis and long-term treatment of your scoliosis. After all, chiropractic healthcare should help—and not harm you—in the long run. Ultimately, your chiropractor should be able to improve the quality of your life substantially.

If you’re looking for a scoliosis chiropractor in NYC, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

January 8, 2020

3 Exercises You Can Utilize to Help Address Scoliosis – What to Know

Scoliosis, the curving of the spine, can cause a myriad of problems to anyone that has it. From pain to discomfort, these issues can be a cause of trouble trying to get through the day. Even so, there are various methods that can help a person deal with scoliosis.

Scoliosis exercise is one of the best ways to help relieve any pain and discomfort the individual is experiencing. These kinds of exercises aim to stretch the spinal muscles and improve flexibility to ease the spine from any pressure. In other words, exercising can address pain and discomfort due to scoliosis.

With that said, here are three exercises you can utilize to help address scoliosis:

1. Yoga

Many people have been hooked to yoga for various health reasons. Some yoga practitioners use it to care for scoliosis. They do so by modifying certain poses and stretches to realign and stretch the spine, as well as fix posture. 

It is also vital that anyone participating in yoga to alleviate scoliosis take up exercises that help strengthen the leg and abdomen to relieve pain and discomfort. In doing so, the task of realigning the spine and reducing the curvature becomes much more comfortable and painless.

2. Swimming

Swimming is one of the most common methods of exercising when it comes to scoliosis treatment. That’s because while swimming, the waters in the pool take a lot of pressure away from the spine. It also helps change the center of gravity experienced by the individual, helping to relieve muscle tension along with tightness almost instantaneously.

When it comes to swimming in the body of water, this exercise will only be effective if the person can do so with proper form. Otherwise, the issue of scoliosis can become more apparent. For those who aren’t confident in their ability to swim in the right form, let alone swim, simple water aerobics can prove beneficial.

3. Stretches

Simple stretching exercises can all work in reducing the pain and discomfort one experiences when dealing with scoliosis. It helps add to the flexibility, reduces the tension in the muscles, and, as an added benefit, isn’t hard to do.

While participating in different stretching exercises, it is also vital that one always ensures that there is minimal rotation in the posterior. Only that way can the spine begin to align and balance properly. Exercises such as the chair twist also help in realigning the spine. 

To do the chair twist, sit on the chair with feet planted on the floor. With the ankles and knees together, place the hands behind the chair and breathe in slowly to stretch the spine. While slowly breathing out, rotate the trunk, pulling on the chair to rotate further. Hold this position for several inhales and exhales before repeating with the other turn.

By doing such a routine like the above one several times each day, the pain experienced from scoliosis can be relieved.

There are plenty of exercises to help alleviate any pain and discomfort experienced due to scoliosis. However, keep in mind that these stretches and exercises should not be considered a treatment. Instead, it should be thought of as a therapy added in conjunction with conventional medical treatments.

If you are looking for a scoliosis chiropractor in NYC, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

December 25, 2019

The Benefits of Swimming for People with Scoliosis – What to Know

Scoliosis is a kind of medical condition wherein a person’s spine curves sideways either in a C-shape or S-shape. About three percent of people suffer from this, mostly those between the age of ten and 20. 

Scoliosis may range from mild cases causing a few minor problems to severe cases that potentially require bracing,  surgery, or breathing difficulties. Scoliosis should not be confused with bad posture, although it is one of the most visible side effects of this condition. 

People who have scoliosis need to seek medical treatment as soon as possible since this condition worsens with age. Through early diagnosis and intervention, the chances of correcting the spine or at least lessening the curvature are higher.

Exercise as a Treatment for Scoliosis

One of the many misconceptions surrounding scoliosis is that a person suffering from this condition should not exercise. Yes, exercising can be a pain for those with such conditions, but given the right kind of exercise, it can actually strengthen the muscles around the spine. That said, it can be an excellent treatment option for scoliosis. 

Olympians, like Usain Bolt, and professional athletes, like Jessica Ashwood, both succeeded in sports while managing their scoliosis. While having this condition may pose extra considerations and challenges, it should not limit what a person can do. You need to check with your physical therapist or orthopedist to determine if your case will allow you to play certain kinds of sports.

Swimming with Scoliosis

Swimming has long been recommended as a preferred exercise for people suffering from scoliosis. For centuries, water was considered one of the best therapeutic options. Most therapies recommend swimming for patients with back problems because there is less pressure on the spine as water gives buoyancy. Water also provides resistance, which works out your muscles the same way as weights and gym machines provide without adding extreme pressure on your spine. 

Another reason swimming is good for scoliosis is that it generally strengthens the core muscles on the whole back. So, even if swimming will not ideally target the muscles around the spine’s curvature, it will help strengthen the back and minimize the pain caused by muscle imbalance. Continued swimming will ultimately boost muscle flexibility and endurance, helping people with scoliosis in their regular physical activities even off the water.

Swimming Eases Breathing Difficulties

For people with severe scoliosis, swimming can be a challenge. In general, scoliosis changes the shape of the torso and may put pressure on the lungs, resulting in difficulty in breathing. At first, swimming may prove to be incredibly difficult for those with severe cases since it could lower their stamina while swimming. However, over time, it will strengthen their lungs and help them with proper breathing techniques, which are beneficial when managing breathing difficulties.

Check with your Therapist for the Best Possible Treatment

Despite the fact that swimming is good for people with scoliosis, the shape of your spine remains the same. Treatments may be needed to help prevent the worsening of the condition of further curvature of the spine. Keep in mind that if you have back problems related to your condition, swimming may or may not alleviate the discomfort. Talk with your physical therapist or doctor to learn about how swimming can benefit you.

If you are looking to know more about the benefits of swimming for people with scoliosis, get in touch with our scoliosis chiropractor in NYC today to see how we can help.