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Christies Beach : 08 8326 8000 116 Beach Road Christies Beach SA 5165

Gawler : 08 8522 3233 18 Adelaide Road Gawler SA 5118

Unley : 08 8357 8399 28 Unley Rd Unley SA 5061

Scoliosis

What is scoliosis (in brief)?
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine... Typically we see two forms of scoliosis ... functional ... & structural. As chiropractors we are able to successfully treat and "straighten the spine" of most people with functional scoliosis but structural scoliosis is a more permanent spinal condition.

Do, or might, I have it?
In general, idiopathic ("unknown cause") scoliosis will present in childhood or early adult years and it has been arbitrarily classified on an age basis. No-one really knows what causes this condition although the development of scoliosis has been attributed to a number of factors.

Why would I want to treat it?
Over time misaligned vertebrae will compress the discs, bones and joints of the spine unevenly. Often this will further increase muscle tension and discomfort which in turn places an additional load on the nervous system. When the nervous system is compromised the body does not function as well and this can lead to a whole myriad of health problems.

How can chiropractic benefit my condition?
The sooner a scoliotic condition is identified the greater the likelihood that chiropractic treatment can benefit the patient. Indeed in some children their curve may even reduce. However once the patient has reached skeletal maturity - that is when the bones stop growing - and has already developed changes to bone and disc shape then no amount of adjustments, exercises or traction is going to change this. If the Chiropractor suspects a structural scoliosis they will in most cases refer off for X-rays of the spine to assess skeletal maturity and to monitor the progression of the curve.

Importantly though on a broader scale, Chiropractic has been proven to increase the ability of the patient's brain and nervous system to generate their normal postural curves and stabilise their spine under gravity. This can improve the overall function of the nervous system and have the added benefits of improved digestion, vascular regulation, respiration, sleep, cognition, mood etc.

The purpose of Chiropractic treatment in structural scoliosis is not straightening the curve but ensuring that all the vertebrae continue to move and function as best as what they can.

If you suspect that you, or a member of your family, may have a curvature of the spine or would benefit from an assessment, call the BIH Centre most convenient to you for a COMPLIMENTARY ASSESSMENT and discussion of treatment options.