Effective Strategies For Managing Scoliosis Pain
Scoliosis is characterised by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. While it affects the majority of the population to a minor degree, 2-3% of the population receive this diagnosis when their “Cobb angle” exceeds 10 degrees. As the angle increases, so does the severity of the scoliosis, leading to various challenges including pain and dysfunction that can significantly affect the quality of life.
The Role Of Physiotherapy And Chiropractic Care In Scoliosis Management
While there may not be a conservative cure for scoliosis, there are ways to effectively manage pain and improve function, with physiotherapy and chiropractic care playing a crucial role in the process. The role of care is to help identify which factors are causing the pain/dysfunction, including things such as muscle imbalances, joint dysfunction, nerve compression, spinal misalignment or even psychological distress.
Hence the role of physiotherapy and chiropractic therapy is to offer a holistic approach to managing scoliosis by addressing its underlying causes and symptoms. Once identified, the progression of care would be to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to the individual’s unique needs.
Common Treatment Modalities For Scoliosis
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue manipulation and joint mobilisations in order to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Targeted exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine to provide stability and support, while reducing the strain on the spine and alleviating pain. These exercises usually include specific stretches to improve flexibility in immobile regions, targeted at reducing asymmetry, and specific strengthening exercises to enhance core stability.
- Postural Training: Correcting postural abnormalities is essential in managing scoliosis, and educating patients on proper mechanics and ergonomics to minimise strain on the spine is very helpful during daily activities.
- Additional Modalities: When necessary, utilising modalities such as electrical stimulation, low-level laser therapy, cupping, dry needling, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy can help reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms associated with scoliosis.
- Education & Self-Management: Empowering individuals with knowledge about their condition and self-management strategies is very important. While physiotherapy and chiropractic can help improve functional outcomes, it is imperative that patients are educated about their lifestyle adjustments, ergonomic principles, and home exercises to manage and maintain their spinal health between therapy sessions and ongoing in life.
- Bracing: In some cases, orthotic devices such as braces may be recommended to provide external support and prevent further progression of the spinal curvature, thus reducing pain and discomfort, usually guided by a spinal specialist.
Long-Term Benefits Of Physiotherapy And Chiropractic Care
The benefits of physiotherapy and chiropractic therapy for scoliosis include pain relief, improved function, progression prevention of further deterioration (especially effective with early identification), and enhanced overall well-being and self-control over one’s health and lifestyle.
Secure The Treatment You Need With Spinal & Sports Care!
If you live in Castle Hill, Parramatta, Wetherill Park or its surrounding areas and suffer from scoliosis pain, then you should reach out to our team at Spinal & Sports Care. We have fully qualified Chiropractors and Physiotherapists who are able to help treat your abnormal curvature of the spine.
To learn more about scoliosis pain treatment options, please do not hesitate to call our team (02) 9683 1110. Alternatively, you can book an appointment to visit your local clinic by using the online booking form.