Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment for scoliosis pain?

by Cleve Nitzsche Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Painkillers. Painkilling tablets may help relieve the pain that can be associated with scoliosis. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are usually the first treatment recommended. These are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription.

Procedures

What is the best painkiller for scoliosis? Painkillers. Painkilling tablets may help relieve the pain that can be associated with scoliosis. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are usually the first treatment recommended. These are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription.

Self-care

What's the Treatment for Scoliosis?

  • Observation. Mild curves, like those found in 90% of scoliosis cases, typically don’t require treatment. ...
  • Back Brace. If your child’s curve measures between 20 and 40 degrees, their doctor might recommend that they wear a back brace to help stop its progress as they grow.
  • Surgery. ...

Nutrition

How to Relieve Back Pain from Scoliosis

  • Method 1 Method 1 of 4: Finding Immediate Relief Download Article. Take over-the-counter pain relievers. ...
  • Method 2 Method 2 of 4: Relieving Back Pain with Physical Therapy Download Article. ...
  • Method 3 Method 3 of 4: Seeking Alternative Professional Treatments Download Article. ...
  • Method 4 Method 4 of 4: Correcting Scoliosis for Pain Relief Download Article. ...

What is the best painkiller for scoliosis?

Three exercises for scoliosis

  • Step down and one-arm reach. With whichever leg appears longer when you lie on your back, step onto a small box or step. ...
  • Upward and downward dog. In a prone plank position with your arms stretched out straight, push your hips back and up as far as possible.
  • Split stance with arm reach. ...

What is the best medicine for scoliosis?

How to relieve scoliosis pain?

What are the best exercises for scoliosis?

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How do I get my scoliosis to stop hurting?

How is scoliosis pain treated?hydrotherapy and massage.exercise that strengthens your stomach and back muscles, such as Pilates, yoga, swimming, and stretching, which can also help relieve back pain.certain types of braces to support the spine.

Why is scoliosis so painful?

Much of the pain of adult scoliosis is caused by the discs in the spine. These shock absorber-like body parts can press up against nerves, or if they are ruptured, they can cause the vertebra to rub together and pain becomes prevalent.

What do the doctor prescribe for scoliosis?

Scoliosis medications Scoliosis is not treated by medications. It is largely a mechanical problem treated with braces, exercise, and, in extreme cases, surgery. Nine out of ten scoliosis patients will simply be observed to monitor curve progress.

What is the best thing to do if you have scoliosis?

Mild scoliosis is often managed simply with exercise, medical observation, scoliosis-specific physical therapy, and chiropractic treatment from a chiropractic scoliosis specialist. For some people with scoliosis, yoga or pilates is also recommended to decrease their pain level and increase flexibility.

Does scoliosis pain get worse with age?

Scoliosis is a progressive condition – it does tend to get worse as you age.

What is scoliosis pain like?

Pain related to degenerative scoliosis can range from a dull back ache to shooting pain in the legs, known as sciatica. Again, symptoms like pain can vary greatly, depending on factors such as the patient's age and severity of the condition.

What is the best muscle relaxant for scoliosis?

Common muscle relaxants include Flexeril, Soma, Baclofen, Robaxin, and Tizanidine. Nerve membrane stabilizers are another class of medications often used to treat the numbness, tingling, shooting, stabbing, or radiating pain associated with scoliosis.

Can a chiropractor treat scoliosis?

A chiropractor for scoliosis can develop a non-invasive, drug-free scoliosis treatment plan that addresses multiple symptoms. While chiropractors are unable to straighten your spine completely, studies have shown a marked improvement in spine curvature, pain, and disability rating among those with scoliosis.

What should I avoid if I have scoliosis?

Foods Scoliosis Patients Must AvoidFast food or other highly processed varieties of “junk” food.Soda pop (even the “diet” varieties)Foods containing corn syrup in any form (high fructose, crystallized, etc.)Artificial sweeteners like Equal, Splenda, Saccharin, Nutrasweet and others.Soy milk and other soy products.More items...

What can worsen scoliosis?

Repeated extension of your thoracic spine with backbends, gymnastics, high jumps, dance maneuvers (especially in ballet) and certain yoga positions causes vertebrae to rotate further into the scoliosis curve. The force often causes rapid scoliosis progression.

How do they fix scoliosis in adults?

How is adult scoliosis treated? The majority of cases of adult scoliosis can be managed non-operatively through regular observation by a doctor, over-the-counter pain medications, and core-strengthening exercises to strengthen your abdomen and back and to improve flexibility. If you smoke, it's important that you quit.

Is walking good for scoliosis?

Running and walking are also great for scoliosis patients, as is hiking. Sprinting (Usain Bolt's specialty) is probably better for the spine than long-distance running. Cross-country skiing is also a wonderful physical activity for adolescents with scoliosis.

What are the three types of treatment for scoliosis?

Your scoliosis treatment will fall into one of three categories: Observation. Nonsurgical options, such as a brace. Surgery.

How to get rid of scoliosis as you get older?

While exercise doesn’t have a direct effect on scoliosis, it’s important to stay fit and maintain a healthy weight at every age. Activities like running, walking, and soccer can help keep your bones strong. That’s especially important if you have to deal with scoliosis as you get older.

How long does it take for a child to go back to school after scoliosis surgery?

Because growth in this area of the spine has been stopped, the curve shouldn’t change anymore. The operation will require a bone graft and can take from 4 to 8 hours. Your child's surgeon will help you decide when your child should go back to school after surgery. Treatments for Degenerative Scoliosis.

How to relieve pain in back of legs?

Over-the-counter medication and using a brace for short periods of time might help to relieve your pain. If your legs bother you, an epidural or nerve block injection can offer temporary relief. You may be disabled by pain in your back or legs from degenerative scoliosis. This can reduce the quality of your life.

What happens when your curves are between 45 and 50 degrees?

When curves are between 45 and 50 degrees, they’re usually expected to get worse and may even affect how the lungs work. In cases like this, your doctor may recommend spinal fusion surgery, which has been shown to stop the increase of curves.

What to do after spinal surgery?

After spinal surgery, you’ll need plenty of time to recover, many follow-up visits to your doctor, and physical therapy. Before your operation, talk with your family and friends about the kind of support you’ll need as you get better.

What doctor can help with curved spine?

Do Other Treatments Work? After your scoliosis diagnosis, you’ll be referred to an orthopedic doctor, who will work with you to determine the best way to treat your curved spine. How your condition is managed depends on your age, the type of scoliosis you have, the measurement of your back’s curve, and your other medical conditions.

What are the conditions that cause scoliosis pain?

Conditions that cause pain when combined with scoliosis include: Disc degeneration in the upper (cervical), middle (thoracic), or lower (lumbar) spine; also known as spondylosis.

Why does scoliosis cause pain?

Scoliosis pain and trigger points. The most common type of pain in adults with scoliosis is due to their posture shifting forward. This change in balance causes development of painful nodules called trigger points to form along the back. These trigger points are very responsive to the specific exercises shown below.

What is the narrowing of the spine called?

This narrowing is referred to as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis often causes pain in scoliosis patients. The narrowing of the space within the spine puts pressure on the nerves, which can lead to sciatica, pain, numbness, or tingling running from the buttocks and down the backs of the legs.

What causes sciatic nerve pain?

Sciatic nerve pain: This type of pain is caused by misalignment of the spine combined with early degenerative joint disease (arthritis), and can lead to leg pain. These two conditions cause a narrowing of the joints of the spine that the nerves pass through. This narrowing is referred to as spinal stenosis.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of scoliosis and can appear in multiple areas of the body. The pain areas are the head, neck (cervical), shoulders, upper back (thoracic), lower back (lumbar), hips, and sciatic nerves.

Where do trigger points from scoliosis occur?

Trigger Points from scoliosis occur over the top of the back of the pelvis and extend up to the middle back.

Can osteoporosis cause lumbar dislocation?

If the osteoporosis is severe, it can even lead to fractures and associated dislocations of the spine. Lower back (lumbar) pain: Lower back pain is one of the biggest complaints from adult and adolescent scoliosis patients, even those with milder scoliosis.

What is the pain of scoliosis?

What Kind of Pain Does Scoliosis Cause? Scoliosis is a spine condition that occurs when the spine curves or twists to the side. This can pull the ribcage out of position and put strain on the muscles of the back, causing pain and discomfort. Scoliosis isn’t a rare condition.

Why does scoliosis cause pain?

Typically, the pain you experience with adult onset scoliosis is the result of pressure on your spinal disks, pressure on facet joints, and muscle pain. But scoliosis can cause pain for other reasons. The curvature of the spine can stretch or irritate nerves. It can also strain joints, causing them to become inflamed.

How do you know if you have scoliosis?

Other signs of scoliosis include: abnormal posture. uneven hips. a shoulder blade that’s higher than the other. a head that isn’t centered on the body. hips that sit at an angle. a spine that is visibly not straight. Scoliosis is more likely to cause pain in adults. Scoliosis can result in:

What does a doctor do when you have a curve in your spine?

While you’re in this position, the doctor examines your back and ribs to see if they’re uneven. If your doctor notices a significant spinal curve, they may order an X-ray. This will allow them to precisely measure how curved your spine is. They may also use a scoliometer to see if your spine has rotated.

What is the best treatment for chronic pain?

One type of counseling is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT won’t change the amount of pain you feel, but it can help you find ways to cope with it.

What are some ways to help with back pain?

Complementary therapies. Options in this category include: hydrotherapy and massage. exercise that strengthens your stomach and back muscles, such as Pilates, yoga, swimming, and stretching, which can also help relieve back pain. certain types of braces to support the spine.

Does chiropractic help with scoliosis?

Chiropractic treatment may be considered to help decrease pain and increase flexibility. Note that this kind of treatment won’t cure scoliosis but can help alleviate symptoms of pain. Though research is limited, an older study. Trusted Source.

How do you fix scoliosis?

Surgery to correct scoliosis involves placing one or two metal rods stabilized by hooks and screws along the spine in an effort to prevent further curvature. The surgeon uses pins and bone grafts to keep the rod in place next to the spine. This is called “fusion surgery.” The spinal bones are fused together, destroying the joints of the spine.

What are the main concerns of a scoliosis patient?

Adult scoliosis has two main concerns that don’t apply to a majority of adolescent sufferers. They are: Pain. Disability.

How many degrees does scoliosis progression take?

Research shows that the curve progression in an adult will vary between 0.5 to 3.0 degrees per year, depending on the shape of the curve, overall curve size, and the age of the scoliosis onset. It was previously thought that progression only happens for people with more extreme curves of more than 30 or 40 degrees.

How many degrees per year does scoliosis progress?

The research on scoliosis tells us that a typical adult will have progression of their curve, and that the progression will vary from 0.5 to 3.0 degrees per year. I have great news for you: Your condition is treatable. There is hope.

What braces are ill fitting?

Scoliosis bra ces like the Boston Brace, Milwaukee Brace, Providence Brace, Charleston Brace, or the many TLSO braces that are available at hospitals around the world, are ill fitting and seek to lock the scoliosis into its distortion. This is similar to what a cast does to a broken arm – lock it in place.

What are the consequences of scoliosis?

Another terrible consequence of untreated scoliosis is disability. You lose your freedom to do the things that you love to do and can become less and less independent. Some severe scoliosis sufferers cannot even stand or walk because their condition is so degenerative.

Can scoliosis cause back pain in teens?

Though it is rare for scoliosis to cause pain in adolescence, pain is a common symptom of scoliosis in adults. The patients in my office receiving adult scoliosis treatment all say the same thing. They were told they had scoliosis as children and teens and advised to “watch and wait.” Then around middle age, quite often sooner, they begin to experience back pain, hip pain, or other symptoms only to discover that scoliosis is the underlying culprit.

Scoliosis Pain

A majority of the population experiences back pain in one form or another. It is a very common problem and those with scoliosis are often the recipients of back pain. Some people with scoliosis don’t have pain or it is not a major issue. However, for those with Scoliosis pain, it can affect the quality of their lives and their families.

Causes of Pain

There are many reasons why a person’s scoliosis causes so much pain. The actual site of the pain depends on the type of scoliosis the person has. The curve of the spine can irritate, and stretch nerves, muscles, tendons, and organs. Then posture becomes affected and other parts of the body do not function correctly.

Diagnosis

Pain management has undergone huge research in the past decade – especially for those with Scoliosis. We have participated in research studies and worked to understand its genesis and how it can change one’s life.

Scoliosis in Adults

Although scoliosis is not common in adolescents, adults also suffer from it. While there are instances where adults develop scoliosis, most of the cases were not diagnosed and aged with the condition remaining untreated into adulthood.

Types of Pain Caused by Scoliosis

Pain is one of the major symptoms of scoliosis and it can come from different areas of the body. It is important to know how the symptoms of scoliosis occur in the body to understand the appropriate treatment to provide.

Scoliosis Pain Management Treatment

Depending on the type of pain, there are treatments called complementary therapies that might help, in addition to pain medication. These include things like hydrotherapy and massage and are usually done alongside medical treatments.

Medical Treatments for Scoliosis Pain

The treatment administered for scoliosis pain depends on the type of scoliosis the patient has. The treatment options include the following:

How to treat scoliosis in a therapist?

Exercise. Exercise in general is a good idea for any condition. However, there are scoliosis-specific exercises developed by physical therapists. Patients learn these exercises in physical therapy, and many of them are supposed to be performed at home several times a week.

When is scoliosis diagnosed?

Instead, children are screened by their pediatrician for scoliosis near the beginning of puberty, starting at the age of 10. Neuromuscular scoliosis, adult scoliosis, and syndrome scoliosis are typically diagnosed by the specialist treating the underlying condition.

How does scoliosis affect life?

Complications from severe scoliosis include back pain, sciatica, nerve damage, spondylosis (arthritis of the spine), osteoporosis, and breathing problems. The most extreme cases of scoliosis can reduce life expectancy.

What causes neuromuscular scoliosis in children?

Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, polio, and paralysis.

What is the condition that causes a curve in the spine?

Congenital scoliosis is a curve in the spine due to a birth defect, such as spina bifida. Syndrome-related scoliosis is due to particular syndromes such as Marfan syndrome (a condition that affects connective tissue such as cartilage) or neurofibromatosis (noncancerous tumors of the nerves or spinal cord).

What are the risk factors for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

Risk factors for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis include being female, athletic, or having another family member with the condition. Degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis are risk factors for adult scoliosis. Other types of scoliosis are caused by neuromuscular conditions or well-known syndromes.

What causes scoliosis to curvature?

Degenerative scoliosis, a common adult-onset scoliosis, is caused by degeneration of the cartilage discs that separate and cushion the vertebrae. However, many cases of adult scoliosis are thought to be due to undiagnosed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karthikeya T M
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The condition can be treated by braces, surgery or spinal fusion techniques.
Procedures

Spinal fusion: Bones are fused by preventing their movement and fixing them with metal rods, hooks or screws.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Visit your doctor regularly
  • Take your medicines, if any, as indicated by the doctor
  • Wear the braces as suggested by the doctor
  • Take part in sports
  • Remain socially active
  • Exercise regularly
  • Join a support group

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in calcium like milk
  • Foods rich in vitamin D like eggs, fish and cereals
  • Foods rich in vitamin E like walnuts, hazelnuts, olive oil, mayonnaise and sunflower seeds

Foods to avoid:

  • Fried Foods
  • Foods containing excess salt like pickles
  • Foods that contain preservatives like packaged meat
  • Alcoholic and carbonated beverages

Specialist to consult

Neurologist
Specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system, which includes the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves.
Orthopedic surgeon
Specializes in the surgery of bone and joint disorders.

Coping and Support

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The doctor will initially take a detailed medical history and may ask questions about recent growth. During the physical exam, your doctor may have your child stand and then bend forward from the waist, with arms hanging loosely, to see if one side of the rib cage is more prominent than the other. Your doctor may also perform a …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Scoliosis treatments vary, depending on the severity of the curve. Children who have very mild curves usually don't need any treatment at all, although they may need regular checkups to see if the curve is worsening as they grow. Bracing or surgery may be needed if the spinal curve is moderate or severe. Factors to be considered include: 1. Maturity.If a child's bones have stoppe…
See more on mayoclinic.org

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