Your spine is a complex network of bones, muscles, and joints. It is the armor that protects your body’s central computer – the central nervous system comprised of your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Your spinal cord connects to the brain, which controls all movement and reflexes. If your spine curves to one side or the other, it may cause pain or problems like frequent headaches or muscle spasms.
Scoliosis occurs due to an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. The condition is the most common spinal deformity in children and adolescents. Scoliosis is also more common in girls than boys. 3% of the American population suffers from scoliosis. Most cases of scoliosis do not require surgery and can be treated with conservative, non-invasive chiropractic care. Our center provides the CLEAR Approach, a unique treatment protocol proven to help 95% of scoliosis patients improve their condition without surgery.
Severe scoliosis cases can lead to shortness of breath, life-long pain, breathing problems, and heart issues. Long-term scoliosis cases may also reduce lung capacity and result in issues like osteoporosis and scoliosis kyphosis. If left untreated, it can also cause damage to the back, shoulders, ribs, or vertebrae. Some of the complications are reversible with timely treatment. Others may become permanent with age. Surgery and other treatments are available for severe cases but can cause more harm than good in most cases.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Chiropractic care promotes overall health and well-being by focusing on the spine and core muscles. It is also a safe, natural alternative to surgery and invasive procedures. Chiropractors are trained to perform a series of treatments that help correct and treat symptoms related to the spine and back.
How Our Scoliosis Care Plan Works
1. Get To The Root Cause Of The Problem
We’re not interested in temporary solutions, we want to address the underlying issue for long-term relief. We’ll take the time to listen to your story and conduct a thorough exam to get to the root cause of the problem.
2. Receive A Plan Based On Your Goals And Our Findings
No two people experience the same issue in the same way. That’s why we use your health goals and our exam findings as the guideposts to design an action plan that is unique to you.
3. Live Your Best Life
Having control over your health will unleash your full potential. You’ll no longer be held back from doing what you need, want, and love to do. Without physical limitations or emotional worry, you can be the blessing to your friends and family.
Common Causes of Scoliosis in Wheaton, IL
Weak Muscles or Ligaments
The most common cause of Scoliosis is the presence of weak muscles or ligaments that do not provide sufficient support to the spine. In such cases, combined with weak vertebrae, this can eventually lead to the spine curving to one side. However, genetic factors and a family history of scoliosis may also increase its occurrence. Despite these predisposing conditions, most cases of Scoliosis occur in people who have not been diagnosed with a spinal abnormality or have no noticeable signs. According to the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, 80% of cases have no identifiable cause. These cases are usually diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 14. The average age of onset is about 11 years old.
How to Identify Scoliosis in Yourself or Others
Observing the spine in a standing position makes Scoliosis easy to identify. Typically, your spine should be straight and in line with the head and feet. If a person has scoliosis, the spine will bend to one side. Depending on its severity, the curve may be visible from the front or back. A lateral view of the spine may reveal a slight deviation from a straight line. In most cases, curves of more than 10-15° are considered abnormal and warrant medical attention.
The signs and symptoms of Scoliosis are usually mild initially and do not require treatment. However, if the condition worsens, it can cause severe pain and muscle spasms around the spine. Common Scoliosis symptoms include back pain and neck pain, frequent headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and poor posture. These symptoms are often present in more than one part of the body. Early detection is essential to avoid complications and ensure proper treatment.
How We Treat Scoliosis in Wheaton, IL
Chiropractic care is one of the most common treatments for scoliosis. A chiropractor can identify the underlying cause of scoliosis and prescribe the best treatment options based on each patient’s needs. CLEAR Treatment sessions last approximately two hours and consist of three phases, informally termed “Mix, Fix, and Set.”
Each treatment session is unique, customized to the patient’s needs, and involves exercises, therapies, and adjustments to improve comfort and spinal health.
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
A CLEAR Scoliosis treatment commences with a thorough physical examination and a set of X-rays, which are then used to create an individualized treatment plan for each patient. A thorough hands-on examination is the best way to diagnose Scoliosis. We will take a detailed health history to understand how scoliosis affects your life. The examination is not restricted to the spine but also looks into the joints, muscles, bones, and other areas, including your ears, jawline, and hands. After the exam, your doctor will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and explain the best treatment options. Your doctor will assess spinal curvature, alignment, flexibility, strength, and general health.
Phase 1: “Mix”
The MIX phase is the first step in treatment, preparing the body for subsequent treatment. The initial phase aims to prepare the body for the treatment by incorporating warm-up exercises, massages, and other therapies designed to relax the muscles and spine.
Patients with poor posture, especially scoliosis patients, often have tight, deep muscles and ligaments, making it essential to help them relax. This is done to facilitate specific chiropractic adjustments later and to help the patient feel more relaxed. The MIX phase for scoliosis patients consists of several steps.
- The Active Rehabilitation Chair is specially designed to create movement in the hips and lower back, increase blood flow, and loosen up tight muscles and ligaments. Scoliosis patients use it for side-bending exercises to increase flexibility and strengthen ligaments.
- Cervical Traction – A simple tool designed to reduce forward head posture and improve cervical curve. When the neck loses its natural curve, the nerves that run through the spinal cord to every part of the body can be affected. Cervical Traction is an effective method for maintaining the optimal level of function for your spine and nerves.
- Vibrating Traction Therapy – The vibration creates a pumping effect in the intervertebral discs, which helps in drawing water and nutrients to maintain disc health. It also breaks up scar tissue and removes waste, leading to improved spinal motion range and reduced spatial neglect symptoms.
- Core Muscle Stimulator – A percussive device releases muscle guarding that affects your stance, posture, and gait. The spinal column is the core of the human body, where various tissues work together. The CMS stimulates muscles and soft tissues, while most devices only relax muscles.
- Motorized Flexion-Distraction Table – The flexion distraction table is used to induce motion into the spine to help rehabilitate the discs.
Phase 2: “Fix”
During the second phase of chiropractic treatment, hands-free specialized adjustments are made to the patient’s head, back, hips, and other areas using advanced mechanical instruments. These adjustments are gentle, precise, and aim to provide correction without any manual twisting or rotation of the patient’s head.
Phase 3: “Set”
The third phase comprises of targeted exercises that affect posture, balance, and coordination. These exercises stimulate particular muscle groups along the spine and specific regions of the brain to alter the way the brain and body collaborate to attain a harmonized, more natural position.
Some of Our Patients Scoliosis Treatment Success Stories
Check Out Our Location Near You
2150 Manchester Rd. Ste. 100, Wheaton, IL 60187
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I sleep with scoliosis?
Sleeping on your back is an excellent way to reduce pressure on the spine and allow for good spinal alignment. Try to sleep on your back supported by pillows for the optimal position. Sleeping in a fetal position or leaning on uncomfortable pillows and chairs can cause stress on the lower back. Get a comfortable mattress with enough support for your shoulders to be at the same level as your hips. Remove all tight clothing or belts that can pull on the spine, especially when sleeping or sitting for extended periods.
What foods help scoliosis?
To maintain good health, patients should consume a diet rich in leafy greens, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These foods contain phytonutrients that promote overall health and reduce the risk of diseases. We also recommend avoiding processed foods high in sodium and refined sugars, like cookies, chips, and doughnuts.
What sports should I avoid with scoliosis?
Patients need extra care while dealing with sports and physical activities. They should avoid high-impact activities that can cause excessive pressure on the spine and aggravate the symptoms of Scoliosis. Activities like running, jumping, high-impact aerobics, or sports like gymnastics, football, and rugby can worsen the symptoms. Other dangerous activities include water skiing, martial arts, horseback riding, bike riding, and long-distance running.
What does scoliosis pain feel like?
In mild cases of Scoliosis, you may feel stiffness in the back and even pain. But if it is severe, you will experience intense pain in the lower back and hips that can become unbearable. This pain indicates that the spine is out of alignment and should be checked by your doctor as soon as possible. It can lead to complications like muscle strain, nerve damage, muscle fatigue, and even nerve-root impingement.
Is walking good for scoliosis?
Walking is one of the best ways to improve scoliosis. It helps improve the range of motion and strength of the lower back and hips. An excellent daily walking routine can easily be incorporated into your schedule and requires little effort to maintain. Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine. You can start with simple walking and slowly progress to a comfortable level. Walking on uneven surfaces and uphill can also help improve your spinal curvature.
Can a chiropractor straighten your spine?
Yes, a chiropractor can effectively reduce spinal curvature and restore alignment. We are trained to identify and correct abnormal spinal curvature. Through chiropractic adjustments, either manual or assisted with special tools, we can relieve pressure on the vertebrae to relieve pain, improve nerve function, and increase spinal mobility. Chiropractic care is painless, non-invasive, natural, and does not require surgery.