Gainesville Chiropractor for Scoliosis Treatment
Dr. Tucker Provides Gentle Chiropractic for Scoliosis Sufferers
It may sound odd. It may be difficult to spell. But scoliosis is a very common back and spine problem that causes pain and mobility issues for millions of people of all ages. With chiropractic treatment in Gainesville, FL, scoliosis sufferers are able to work, attend school, and participate in recreational activities with a fuller range of motion and little to no pain. And as any good Gainesville chiropractor knows, the best way to insure a successful outcome with scoliosis is to begin by educating oneself about this condition.
WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?
Scoliosis refers to abnormal curvature of the spine. This condition is often first seen in childhood, but can present so mildly that sufferers and their parents may not be aware of it. As children grow, clothes no longer fitting comfortably or one shoulder noticeably higher than the other can be signs of childhood scoliosis.
In its earliest stages, scoliosis causes few issues and little pain. But in more advanced cases, scoliosis can cause twisting of back vertebrae and squeezing of heart and abdominal muscles, causing chest pain and breathing problems. Infants, children and teens suffering from scoliosis most frequently must contend with mobility issues. Adult sufferers often face back pain, nerve damage, and bowel and bladder problems.
There are two types of scoliosis, non-structural and structural. Structural scoliosis refers to a condition related directly to the vertebrae, such as spina bifida, in which the spinal canal doesn’t completely close. Non-structural scoliosis refers to curvature being caused by events unrelated directly to the vertebrae, such as cerebral palsy. Genetics may also have a hand in scoliosis. Growth can affect the severity of scoliosis, therefore, if it’s detected in childhood or in the teen years, a course of treatment is recommended at that time.
TREATMENT TECHNIQUES FOR SCOLIOSIS
Because of the various types of scoliosis and levels of severity, there are multiple methods for treatment. At one time, the most popular course of treatment was to enclose teenage sufferers in stiff braces, complete with the dreaded “steel rod”. While these braces have improved, and can be helpful if worn following a doctor’s instructions, this method plus other techniques like casting and surgery are most effective with child and teen sufferers with more extreme forms of scoliosis. These techniques have been less effective with adult scoliosis sufferers. Physical therapy can offer some relief by exercising muscles and teaching sufferers how to compensate for lack of mobility. And as chiropractors in Gainesville, FL, know, the latest in chiropractic therapies can be very helpful in scoliosis treatment.
CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT IS AN OPTION FOR SCOLIOSIS
As you consider Gainesville chiropractic treatment, make sure that you’re obtaining the right kind of therapy. While manual manipulation can be an effective form of therapy for some back conditions, there’s a new and better form of chiropractic treatment for scoliosis.
The Activator Method allows chiropractors to release pulses of energy into targeted muscle and vertebrae groups, allowing for more flexibility and a wider range of movement in joints. This is a pain-free, non-invasive technique that does not require narcotics and is suitable for all ages. Positive results in using the Activator Method for scoliosis have been supported by clinical studies, and it has been endorsed by the National Institute of Health. But like all chiropractic treatment methods, multiple visits are required, and it is important that patients keep all appointments until treatment is completed.
Scoliosis sufferers can learn more about the Activator Method and whether it’s right for them by contacting Dr. Charles Tucker, a chiropractor Gainesville residents rely on.