CLEAR educates chiropractic professionals and does research on innovative scoliosis treatment without surgery. CLEAR is an acronym standing for Chiropractic Leadership, Educational Advancement, and Research. Contact: Ashley Brewer | Executive Director | 866.663.7030 | https://clear-institute.org/ | [email protected] Author: Ashley Brewer
Full Answer
Is it time to find a chiropractor for scoliosis treatment?
Once you’ve reframed your thinking around what it means to be “fixed” when it comes to treating scoliosis, it’s time to find the right chiropractor for you. Scoliosis is a unique condition that requires a unique approach.
How can I treat my scoliosis?
To treat scoliosis, you need to be your own advocate. What matters to you? What makes the most sense for your lifestyle? What are you looking to achieve? Maybe rather than focusing solely on improving the Cobb angle, you’d rather address lifestyle issues or specific symptoms of your scoliosis.
How common is scoliosis in the US?
Nationwide, about 3% of the U.S. population has some form of scoliosis – some who are born with it, and some who get scoliosis as they age. About 90% of scoliosis patients have a spinal curvature that is not severe enough to require surgery, yet is extremely painful because of how it affects the body’s anatomy.
What is scoliosis and what causes it?
Most people think of scoliosis as a sideways curve of the spine, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. A spine should have three curves: the cervical lordosis that points forward in the neck, the thoracic kyphosis that points backward in the middle of the back and the lumbar lordosis that points forward in the low back.
Can scoliosis be treated by chiropractor?
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 type of doctor would you go to for treatment of scoliosis?
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.
Can you live a normal life with mild scoliosis?
Living with scoliosis Most people with scoliosis are able to live normal lives and can do most activities, including exercise and sports. The condition does not usually cause significant pain or any other health problems, and tends to stay the same after you stop growing – see a GP if it gets any worse.
What is the most effective treatment for scoliosis?
Surgery. Severe scoliosis typically progresses with time, so your doctor might suggest scoliosis surgery to help straighten the curve and prevent it from getting worse.
What are the 4 types of scoliosis?
There are four types of scoliosis: congenital, idiopathic, neuromuscular, and degenerative2. In congenital scoliosis, the misalignment occurs as a result of deformed vertebrae or ribs present at birth. A variety of developmental factors can cause this deformity2. About 80% of cases are considered idiopathic1.
Which leg is longer with scoliosis?
There are two different types of limb length discrepancy (LLD), which are as follows: Functional Leg Length Discrepancy – Functional LLD is caused by scoliosis. A curved spine may cause the pelvis to become uneven, making one leg appear to be longer than the other (even though both legs are actually the same length).
What should I avoid if I have scoliosis?
Dietary tips for people with scoliosis: Avoid foods that contain lots of chemicals and additives – these can cause excessive inflammation. Avoid overly salty foods – eating too much salt can cause you to lose calcium through your urine. Avoid sugary drinks and soda – they inhibit the body's ability to absorb calcium.
How should you sleep with scoliosis?
If you have scoliosis, consider the following tips:Don't sleep on your stomach. ... Sleep on your back and/or side. ... Use a medium firm mattress. ... Sleep with pillows, even if you wear a brace. ... Take care of your brace (if applicable).
What does an orthopedic doctor do for scoliosis?
An orthopedic Spine, Neck, and Back specialist will likely recommend treating adolescent scoliosis with a back brace. Most braces are plastic and constructed to conform to your child's body. The brace should be worn until your child's bones complete their development.
Does a rheumatologist treat scoliosis?
For example, they may both treat RA, osteoporosis, and certain injuries. But orthopedists treat many causes of back pain that rheumatologists don't, including: Scoliosis.
Can a neurologist treat scoliosis?
In need of treatment? There are a few different ways that a neurosurgeon can treat those who have been diagnosed with scoliosis, making it necessary for scoliosis patients to undergo a thorough evaluation. The results of this evaluation will allow a neurosurgeon to make the appropriate treatment suggestions.
What is the treatment for 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.
How many people have scoliosis?
The American Chiropractic Association estimates up to seven million Americans suffer from scoliosis. As the degree of curvature increases, the excess curvature can cause other health problems. Increasing spinal curvature can result in breathing difficulty and reduced lung capacity.
What percentage of the population has scoliosis?
One of those educational tidbits is learning what chiropractors do for those who have scoliosis. Nationwide, about 3% of the U.S. population has some form of scoliosis – some who are born with it, and some who get scoliosis as they age.
What are some interesting facts about scoliosis?
Other important facts to know: 1 Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity 2 According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), about 80% of scoliosis cases have no identifiable cause 3 It’s possible to have scoliosis as an infant, although it often begins between the ages of 10 and 15 4 Females are more likely to suffer from progressive scoliosis.
Can scoliosis be noticed?
In milder cases, scoliosis may not be easily noticed by the person or their family. Detecting scoliosis early in children is especially important because some forms of scoliosis keep progressing. Doctors of chiropractic have a detailed knowledge of musculoskeletal issues, conditions, and disorders.
When does scoliosis start in infants?
It’s possible to have scoliosis as an infant, although it often begins between the ages of 10 and 15
Can a chiropractor help with scoliosis?
Those who are becoming a doctor of chiropractic will be healthcare practitioners who can identify scoliosis and recommend care that can help relieve or reduce scoliosis pain. Many adults with scoliosis find non-drug, non-invasive chiropractic treatments can help reduce their pain by decreasing the pressure on their nervous system and strengthening their body’s core.
Why do chiropractors have CLEAR certification?
Many of our doctors made the decision to become CLEAR certified because of a personal experience with scoliosis; oftentimes a close friend or loved one . They understand what it is like to live with scoliosis, and have a deep passion (and compassion) to serve the scoliosis community. They have dedicated many years towards developing their understanding of scoliosis, and actively participate in research and ongoing efforts that help CLEAR improve the level of service provided by all CLEAR Certified Doctors. This is what being a CLEAR scoliosis chiropractor means; caring about people living with scoliosis, and providing them with true hope and healing.
How to become CLEAR certified?
Before achieving CLEAR certification, each CLEAR chiropractor is required to complete hundreds of hours of advanced training in scoliosis through seminars, internships, and mentoring programs. They must submit case studies for independent evaluation and peer review, as well as continually undergo ongoing education and hands-on training to stay up-to-date with the most recent advances in scoliosis rehabilitation. Becoming a scoliosis chiropractor does not happen over a weekend course. CLEAR holds very high standards for its doctors to ensure that every patient of a CLEAR Certified Doctor receives the best possible care. If you know a chiropractor who might be interested in learning more about how to help people with scoliosis, please visit Why Become CLEAR Certified? for more information and resources.
Does scoliosis affect the heart?
While scoliosis is a disease of the spine, it can also affect the heart, lungs, posture, physical functioning, and balance. CLEAR trains its doctors in therapies that improve not only the appearance of the spine on an x-ray, but also your health-related quality of life.
What is the most likely place to be displaced by a chiropractor?
Of all the moving parts of the human body, among the most delicate and the most likely to fall into displacement are the numerous joints of the spinal column, and it is for this reason that the chiropractor is usually thought of specifically in terms of conditions of the spine and is not always considered when an abnormality is experienced in other parts of the body. However, the spinal column with its infinite network of branching nerves can serve as a vehicle by which pain is radiated to various parts of the body. Consequently, there are situations in which a pain in the arm, neck, hand, foot, leg or elsewhere may be properly and successfully treated by a chiropractor.
How many bones are there in chiropractic?
Simply stated the science of chiropractic is based on the following principles:#N#There are two hundred and nine bones and numerous adjacent structures, such as muscle, tendon and ligamentous tissue, within the human body, most of which are capable of movement, particularly where two bones come together to form a joint, and each bone has a particular position and its own predetermined range of motion.
What is the function of a chiropractor?
It is the function of a chiropractor, after taking the patient’s case history, to diagnose by way of physical examination, X-ray and palpation or probing by hand, a possible subluxation or a misalignment as a cause of nerve interference, and to eliminate that condition by corrective manipulative adjustment.
How to correct a subluxation?
A subluxation usually can be corrected by means of adjustment or realignment whereby the disjointed member is restored to its proper position, thereby alleviating or eliminating the pressure or irritation to the nerve that is the source of discomfort. It is also a basic tenet of chiropractic that the elimination of nerve interference and the restoration of the body to its normal and natural function in a significant number of cases enables the inherent recuperative powers of the body to operate without interference or impediment and restore the afflicted area to good health.
Why do chiropractors use X-rays?
Because of the emphasis on the spine and its position, most chiropractors use X-rays to aid in locating the source of patients’ difficulties . In addition, most chiropractors use supplementary measures such as water, light, ultrasound, electric and heat therapy, and prescribe diet, supports, exercise, and rest.
How many accredited schools offer a DC degree?
Today, there are fifteen accredited institutions and programs in the US offering the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. Following is an explanation of the nature, practice, and basic theories of chiropractic as defined by the Council of Chiropractic Education, and the Massachusetts Chiropractic Society.
Where did chiropractic originate?
In 1898 David Daniel Palmer, the originator of chiropractic, set up the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa . Today, there are fifteen accredited institutions and programs in the US offering the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) ...
What is a scoliosis chiropractor?
Scoliosis-specific chiropractors, however, can help patients by crafting a treatment plan that prioritizes the spine’s overall health and function, while working towards impacting the condition’s underlying structural nature.
How to manage scoliosis progression?
In doing so, we can work towards managing a patient’s progression by reducing their curvature through a combination of precise chiropractic adjustments and specialized equipment and scoliosis-specific exercises and therapies.
What does it mean when you have scoliosis?
Being diagnosed with scoliosis means the spine has an abnormal sideways curvature of a certain degree along with rotation. While the spine has natural and healthy curves that give it added strength, flexibility, and enable its even distribution of mechanical stress, when one or more of these healthy curves are lost, its overall health and function is disrupted.
How many measurements does a chiropractor take for scoliosis?
In addition, CLEAR scoliosis chiropractors take 77 different measurements via X-ray to assess a condition, which is much more than the traditional general chiropractor or medical doctor is looking at.
What age can scoliosis develop?
While the most prevalent form is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 18, scoliosis can develop at any age.
Why is it important to address scoliosis?
When a spinal condition like scoliosis disrupts the spine’s biomechanics, its overall health and function is adversely affected and can cause numerous effects throughout the body; this is why it’s important to address any and all scoliosis-related symptoms by treating the whole patient , and not just the most-affected area of the spine.
Why is the spine important?
It enables us to stand upright, balance, engage in flexible movement, and provides the body with structure. It also works with the brain to form the central nervous system and facilitate communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
How to treat scoliosis?
Your muscles need to be relaxed. Your brain needs to be retrained to use the muscles and spinal joints differently than it’s become accustomed to. In order for scoliosis to be effectively treated, all of these things need to be happening together. In practice, this usually means scoliosis massages, stretches and exercises along with scoliosis-specific adjustments.
Why does scoliosis develop?
Some theories of scoliosis believe it develops to relieve tension being placed on the nerves of the spine. While the jury is still out on nerve tension as a root cause of scoliosis, we believe it’s a major player not only in the shape of the spine, but also your quality of life.
What is SMI in scoliosis?
Sensorimotor Integration. Sensorimotor integration (or “SMI”) is a fancy name for how well your brain is able to communicate with your body. Miscommunication between the brain and body can lead to all sorts of issues, including scoliosis. Fixing scoliosis requires us to retrain the brain to use the body, especially the spine, ...
Is scoliosis a cure?
It’s important to understand from the outset that scoliosis is absolutely treatable. But it isn’t technically “curable.”. Scoliosis is sometimes compared to diabetes since it’s a condition that requires ongoing care. It’s important to reframe your thinking from the short term to the long term here.
Can you search for a CLEAR certified chiropractor?
If you’re looking for a CLEAR-certified chiropractor in your area, you can do a quick search based on your location. Finally, if you have any questions for us about chiropractic care and scoliosis, please let us know in the comments below. We’d be happy to help.
Can you live a normal life with scoliosis?
That said, if you find the right approach to managing your scoliosis, you can live a wonderful life with few limitations. As long as you stay dedicated to the plan you develop with your doctor, you can drastically improve the quality of your life without bracing or surgery.
Can chiropractors treat scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a unique condition that requires a unique approach. Unfortunately, many chiropractors try to treat scoliosis as they would any other spinal condition. But with scoliosis, that simply won’t work.
Our Approach
We know that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to scoliosis treatment, and the same applies to learning.
Designed by – and for – Clinicians
All courses and training is developed by the leading authority on scoliosis, Dr Jeb McAviney and his experienced clinical and educational team.
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What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
If you suffer some scoliosis then you are more than likely familiar with the neck, shoulder, and hip pain, the headaches, and the tingling sensations you get in your limbs from the curvature putting pressure on other areas of your body.
When is scoliosis awareness month?
June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month, whereby the medical community openly shares its goals of educating the public, providing early detection, and generating more awareness about scoliosis and its prevalence within our communities.
What is the primary focus of a chiropractor?
Most modern-day chiropractors have additional training in supportive musculoskeletal therapies, however, traditionally their primary focus is on spinal alignment.
Can chiropractic adjustments help with scoliosis?
Scoliosis Chiropractic Adjustments. Chiropractors may not be able to “fix” scoliosis, however routine adjustments can help restore spinal alignment in a way that improves posture, decreases pain associated with muscle strain, and allows blood to flow more freely throughout the body.
Is scoliosis a congenital disease?
Some sufferers are born with congenital scoliosis as a result from embryological malformation or one or more vertebrae, others are a result of neuromuscular scoliosis which may be associated with a neurological or muscular disease, ...
Can traction therapy help with scoliosis?
By manipulating the spine’s misalignments with manual adjustments and/or traction therapy patients with scoliosis can experience a combination of short and long-term relief. It’s a non-drug, non-invasive option that has been noted to make the effects of sco liosis more manageable over time.
When was scoliosis treatment published?
“Scoliosis treatment using a combination of manipulative and rehabilitative therapy” was published on September 14th, 2004. Currently it is listed as the Most-Highly Accessed Article of All-Time in its publishing journal, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, with over 46,000 hits. The runner-up has just over 30,000 hits.
What is lateral deviation in scoliosis?
Scoliosis is classically defined as the presence of a lateral deviation of the spine that measures greater than 10 degrees using Cobb’s method, combined with an Adam’s Forward Bending test that is positive for rotation. To fit the definition of a true structural scoliosis, the lateral deviation should not correct spontaneously on lateral bending A-P x-rays. If it does, it is defined as a functional or postural scoliosis. This is also the criteria for determining which curve is primary and which is compensatory; a primary curve will not correct on lateral bending. It is important to note that, while scoliosis is characterized as a deviation from midline in the frontal plane, it truly is a three-dimensional disorder. A paper published in Spine in 2007 by Pomerat et al states that axial rotation of the vertebra occurs either prior to or during the onset of scoliosis, but that scoliosis cannot occur unless this rotation is present (Lovett sign). Morningstar & Stitzel found that 88% of patients with severe scoliosis had a kyphotic cervical curve. The degree of lumbar lordosis demonstrates a significant correlation with the progression of the scoliotic curvature in cases of adult scoliosis.
What is the angle of a lumbar lordosis?
In cases where there is a loss of the lumbar lordosis, a retrolisthesis of L5, or a decrease in the sacral slope (Ferguson’s angle below 23 to 33 degrees), a bilateral thenar contact or mechanical adjusting instrument with a double-prong stylus may be applied to the lumbar region with the patient in a prone position. A drop piece can aid in manual adjusting.
Does chiropractic care cover scoliosis?
It must be recognized that there is an inherent liability in treating a patient with scoliosis with chiropractic care when standards of care are not performed. The current medical Gold Standard for the radiographic assessment of scoliosis is Cobb Angle. If a patient who has been identified as having scoliosis is under the supervision of an orthopedic surgeon, the orthopedist will take regular full spine x-rays to monitor progression of the scoliosis. If a previously non-progressive, stable scoliosis suddenly begins to progress after a patient initiates chiropractic care, the orthopedic surgeon will have recorded evidence of the progression of the Cobb Angle. Not measuring Cobb Angle does not insulate the chiropractic healthcare provider from the assumed liability in this regard.
Is scoliosis a complex disease?
Scoliosis is perhaps one of the most complex spinal disorders that a doctor can choose to work with, and the history behind scoliosis is similarly inherently complex & fascinating. In all likelihood, scoliosis has existed ever since humans began walking upright. It is unique to bipedal erect hominids; namely, humans. The only other mammals known to develop scoliosis (outside of a laboratory) are koalas (and in their cases, it’s a very distinct & different entity from human scoliosis).
