Scoliosis, teenager, chiropractor???

[AnySecondNow]

Hi, can anyone tell me their experience of chiropractors and scoliosis? Or, traditional routes (physio, surgery) vs chiropractors?

There seems to be mixed messages regarding whether they are complete quacks or miracle workers?!

Yep, I can! I'm 45 and have had progressive scoliosis since 13. I currently have severe scoliosis abd see a chiropractor once a month. I initially started seeing a chiropractor due to bad headaches caused by neck (scoliosis) issues, About 17 years ago. Without regular chiropractic sessions and a deep tissue massage once a month I think I would seize up. The Chiro stops my muscles from completely tensing as a reaction to pain from my scoliosis. It keeps the headaches at bay too. Ideally I would have paid attention to the Physio I saw after diagnosis and done the exercises I was given religiously to help keep the muscles around my spine strong, but who wants to do those everyday at the age of 13!!

However, and sadly what the chiropractor can't do, and neither can a physio, is straighten the spine and cure the scoliosis! If that's what your after, surgery is the only option.

Feel free to ask any questions, more than happy to help.

How big is the scoliosis?

Thoracic curve is now 80 depress and lumbar is 60. What has the spinal consultant suggested in your case? Whilst mine was only mild at the start and slow progressing, I so wish I had had a fusion when I was young. I hate my back so much, the bane of my life 😞

Haven't seen specialist yet. Only a chiropractor who said they could fix it! (Doctor is very dubious and says that he wouldn't let a chiropractor touch a teenager!)

A chiropractor cannot fix scoliosis, only a spinal surgeon can do that.

I had adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It can sometimes be halted or slowed by bracing, but only fixed by surgery.

Can chiropractors do any good?

What are you wanting a chiropractor to do?

Well, they made it sound that, for £100 a week, they could manipulate the spine back in to place (without surgery)

Frankly, I think that's quackery. A spine with scoliosis is not 'out of place', it has grown abnormally.

Complete and utter fucking quackery. Please don't go down this route.

I had a spinal fusion due to severe scoliosis nearly 8 years ago at the age of 44, 3 thoracic and 5 lumbar vertebrae. I'm in constant pain unless I'm lying flat, and am unable to sit comfortably at all. The surgeon said my spine was ready to snap without it so it was the lesser of two evils

I saw a chiropractor regularly in my 20s and 30s, but they won't be able to cure it - no way

Chiropractor's can't insert steel rods to straighten your spine.

Do you not think if that was the case then spinal surgeons would refer everyone to a chiropractor instead of putting someone through surgery unnecessarily?

You need to see a spinal surgeon first step without a shadow of a doubt.

YoHoHo - let's not speak to people like their stupid.

My daughter had a metal rod put in her spine to correct it and and physiotherapy after. A chiropractor has never been mentioned in her care. I don't know if different cases need different things?

I'm not.

I don't want anyone to be fooled into parting with £100 every week.

A chiropractor (or osteopath or physio) cannot correct a scoliosis. A decent one should give some interventions (stretches, strengthening, postural advice) to try to relieve symptoms. Joint mobilisations or massage can also give short term relief, but they are not going to change the position of the bones. If your DC adheres to the program it may be possible to avoid surgery. But you should still get a surgical assessment to monitor possible progression.

My daughter has incredibly severe scoliosis, not once has her spinal surgeon mentioned a chiropractor in the 13 years we've been with him.

I'd wait and speak to your consultant and see what degree of scoliosis you have. They're best placed to help you.

It really depends on how severe it is and how good the practitioner is. I know more about osteopaths and the good ones are very good. DD is 10 and is bring monitored but she is prepuberty when the biggest changes take place and many with a scoliotic tendancy at this age do not go one to develop into a state that requires surgery. Personally, I would research every avenue and try alternatives if time was on my side. DD also does yoga under the supervision of a very experienced yoga teacher who works with a surgeon here in Switzerland where complimentary therapy is often prescribed alongside conventional medicine and reimbursed by health insurance. It is not unusual here to have physio, pilates, osteopathy prescribed during the monitoring phase prior to any decision to operate.