Any San Diego chiropractor will say that the best way to treat scoliosis is to find it early. Scoliosis is the curvature of the spine, and it can get worse with age. For this reason, it is always better to find it in early childhood rather than in adulthood. There are a number of programs in place to help detect the tell-tale signs of scoliosis, including checks for it at all physicals, and nurses going to schools to test each child.
Once the condition is found and diagnosed, it will be time to start the treatments. The treatments will be far milder and much more helpful when the condition is not in advanced stages. That being said, a good chiropractor in San Diego should be able to administer treatments that will help patients in any stage of the condition. The following are some of the treatment options available:
- Finding the source of the curvature: In many cases, an MRI will be done to see if there is something physical in the body that is causing the spine to curve. This can happen as a result of a cyst, a tumor, an infection, or a collection of fluids. If the curve is secondary to another condition, then treating the initial condition can sometimes be enough to allow the spine to go back into the right place.
- Wearing a brace: In some cases, a brace will be given to help train the spine to sit in the proper alignment. Another benefit of the brace is that it can strengthen certain muscles to help hold the spine in place, and can improve the posture of the patient.
- Surgical correction: If the spine is very curved, and the deformation is causing other health issues, then surgery may be needed. This is only advised in the most serious cases.
- Stretches: For most of the more minor cases, especially in children, there will be certain stretches and exercises prescribed. These can be very helpful with frequent visits to the doctor to track the progress.