Can a Chiropractor Help with Scoliosis?

Many of my patients ask can a chiropractor help with Scoliosis, particularly if they should bring their children in for treatment when they find out they have scoliosis. We want to make sure you have all the information you need so that you can make an educated decision. After all, these are your kids, and you should do your due diligence.

The first thing you should know is that chiropractic care is definitely safe for a patient with scoliosis, even for patients with curves over 20, 30 or 40 degrees. We will change the way we approach treatment, either with manual manipulation (adjustments) or with an activator/impulse tool, depending on the severity of the curve and the age of the patient.  

The second thing you should know is that there is no medical treatment to reduce scoliosis curvatures. The objective of bracing is to stop further progression of the curve and avoiding compression of internal organs as a result side bending and lateral curvatures. 

Third, there are a few studies demonstrating reductions of the curvatures by 3 to 15 degrees in 66% of the patients. This is for young patients and older patients that are not in the growing years.

Studies about Chiropractic Patients with Scoliosis

Study number 1
Outcomes for Adult patients over a 24-month treatment with chiropractic manipulation. 

Study number 2 
Adolescent study for treatment with chiropractic 

Chiropractors definitely can and should treat patients with Scoliosis. Results are favorable and better than conventional medical treatment. Be sure to see a chiropractor familiar with treatment protocols for patients with Scoliosis. Even when patients have started medical care; bracing or physical therapy will likely benefit from treatment even though it won't cure the condition. A chiropractic patient will likely have a reduction in the curve and reduced pain and better mobility. Physical therapy is usually complimentary and will aid in the strengthening of associated muscles.