PreventiCare Publishing

1. © Copyright, 2014, PreventiCare® Publishing
Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis

2. What Is Scoliosis?
When viewed from the front, a
normal spine appears straight.
When viewed from the side, it
has two S-shaped curves.
In scoliosis, the spine curves to the side in one or more
places when viewed from the front.

3. Who Gets Scoliosis?
• Scoliosis affects girls twice as
often as it affects boys.
• Scoliosis typically emerges in
adolescence.
• Scoliosis runs in families.

4. What Causes Scoliosis?
• Doctors often don’t know the
cause of scoliosis.
• When a cause can’t be identified,
scoliosis is called idiopathic.
• Scoliosis can also stem from:
– A degenerative joint condition
– A disease that affects the
neuromuscular system
– A leg-length discrepancy
– A birth defect

5. How Is Scoliosis Detected?
Early detection of scoliosis is vital,
During the high-risk growth years (10 to 14),
youngsters should be regularly screened by a
doctor of chiropractic.
to stop or slow a progressing curve.

6. In-School Screenings
• Many states have in-school
scoliosis screenings.
• However, these screening have
a high rate of inaccuracy.
• Nothing can replace a screening
by a doctor of chiropractic --
who is trained to provide accurate
and thorough screening for this
condition.

7. How Is Scoliosis Treated?
Chiropractors undergo in-depth training in spinal health.
They should be your first line of defense against scoliosis.
For minor scoliosis,
chiropractors will
For severe scoliosis,
chiropractors will
closely monitor
the curve,
closely monitor the curve.
possibly partner with
an orthopedic
specialist,
explore
treatment
options,
which traditionally
include bracing or
surgery.
Exciting new research
shows that alternative
treatments, including
chiropractic, may eliminate
the need for surgery in
some cases.

8. Spinal Manipulation for Scoliosis
One case study concludes:
“in at least some severe and progressive cases of scoliosis,
chiropractic treatment including spinal manipulation may
decrease the need for surgery.”
The study followed a 15-year-old girl with a 46-degree curve.
After 4 years of
rehabilitation
and brace
treatment
After 18 months of
chiropractic care
Curve continuing to
progress,
surgery
recommended
Curve decreased 16
degrees

9. Spinal Manipulation Plus Additional Therapies
for Scoliosis
One study looked at spinal manipulation plus
positional traction and neuromuscular re-education for scoliosis.
four to six weeks of
treatment
19
subjects
Average 17-degree
reduction in curves

10. Specific Exercises & Physical Therapy for Scoliosis
Targeted exercises may be an additional nonsurgical
option for scoliosis.
A 2008 review found that:
“… all studies confirmed the efficacy
of exercises in reducing the
progression rate [of scoliosis].”

11. Pick Up a Copy of the “Chiropractic Care
for Scoliosis” OHU
• For more on this topic, please pick up a copy of the
corresponding OHU handout.
• Share the OHU handout with friends, family, co-
workers, etc. Just let us know how many you need.
• Look to the OHU for citations to research on this topic.