Managing Scoliosis Without Surgery

In Singapore, scoliosis screenings are part of the annual school-based health screening program for both boys and girls in all primary and secondary schools. Singapore’s scoliosis screenings cover all female students in Primary 4, 5, and 6, as well as Secondary 1 and 2. Male students, on the other hand, are routinely screened for scoliosis in Primary 6 and Secondary 2. The need for such screenings is highlighted by the significant increase in the prevalence rates of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, particularly among 10- to 11-year-old and 12- to 13-year-old female students.[1]
The key to managing scoliosis lies in early intervention, as the condition significantly progresses, treatment options diminish. Early detection and immediate treatment initiation are imperative to mitigate the condition’s escalation and potentially circumvent surgery.
Chiropractic care is instrumental, both in the early intervention and treatment strategy. Through regular assessments and chiropractic treatments, it’s possible to stabilise scoliosis, thereby preventing its deterioration. Proactive chiropractic intervention can be a game-changer, especially when initiated before the condition requires surgical resolution. Here at Kissun Chiropractic, we have helped patients at various stages of scoliosis.
In this blog, we’re putting the spotlight on chiropractic care in managing scoliosis of the spine without the need for surgery. With appropriate chiropractic treatment, some surgeries can be avoided with great results. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help ensure people living with scoliosis are at their optimal level of health and function.
Find out more about Dr Richard Kissun
Defining Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an intricate and three-dimensional spinal condition that triggers a lateral curvature of the spine. In other words, instead of a straight line down the middle of the back, a spine with scoliosis curves, sometimes resembling a letter C or S.
The severity of the curvature and its physical implications can vary significantly from person to person. For some, the condition may be virtually unnoticeable, identifiable only through physical examination or x-rays. For others, scoliosis may lead to profound changes in posture, uneven shoulder or hip height, and in severe cases, even pain or difficulty breathing.
Scoliosis of the spine can be caused by various factors. The most common, idiopathic scoliosis (80% of cases), has unknown origins and usually emerges in adolescence. Congenital scoliosis originates from birth due to abnormal spinal development, while neuromuscular scoliosis is associated with nerve and muscle disorders. Degenerative scoliosis, common in adults, arises from unaddressed spinal misalignment leading to bone and disc degeneration.
While extreme cases might need surgery, many patients with less severe scoliosis effectively manage their condition using non-surgical methods. More people are acknowledging the benefits of natural therapies to pain instead of surgery and pharmaceutical drugs. The most notable of these non-invasive treatments is chiropractic. In fact, recent research shows that after receiving chiropractic treatment, a group of adults with scoliosis felt less pain, observed a reduction in spine curvature, and experienced less disability right after the chiropractic adjustment.[2A]
Scoliosis Treatment Singapore — everything you need to know
Common Non-Invasive Scoliosis Treatments
Managing scoliosis of the spine requires a highly personalised approach, factoring in the spinal curvature, patient’s age, and the progression of the condition. Non-surgical approaches include conventional methods as follows:
PHYSICAL THERAPY comprises exercises that can strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve postural control, and potentially reduce the curvature. The Schroth method, a form of physical therapy developed specifically for scoliosis, has shown promise in studies.[2]
BRACING is another option for managing scoliosis, typically in growing adolescents with curvatures of between 20 and 40 degrees.[4] Braces, however, need to be worn for extended periods (usually 16-23 hours daily), which could pose challenges and could be extremely uncomfortable.
PAIN MEDICATION Is generally used to alleviate acute pain flares or chronic discomfort associated with scoliosis. The most common pain medications include over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES such as massage, yoga, acupuncture, and pilates have been explored as complementary treatment options. These therapies aim to enhance body awareness, improve posture, increase flexibility, and reduce pain.
Note that though these alternative approaches can help ease some discomfort, they don’t fix spinal curvature in scoliosis.
Read more: All You Need to Know About Chiropractic in Singapore
Why Chiropractic Is Effective For Scoliosis
Chiropractic care is well-established in Singapore as a significant non-surgical treatment focusing on the body’s self-healing abilities and the interplay between the spine’s structure and the body’s function. Studies show that chiropractic is effective for scoliosis, having proven to improve spine curvature, reduce pain, and increase flexibility and range of motion.[3] When treating scoliosis, a chiropractor can develop a non-invasive, drug- and surgery-free treatment plan plan that addresses multiple symptoms.
Scoliosis-specific chiropractic is precise and gentle, aiming to gradually correct the spine’s curvature through regular adjustments that serve to realign the muscles, bones, and joints. Moreover, chiropractic care is holistic, which means it looks at how the entire body functions as a whole.
Chiropractic care for scoliosis may involve a series of precise spinal adjustments, postural advice, and specific exercises depending on the patient’s specific needs. These typically result in reduced inflammation, muscle tension, vertebral misalignment, and nerve irritation, in turn, improving the body’s function and alleviating most symptoms.
Another significant benefit of chiropractic is the enhancement of a person’s overall mobility. Chiropractic does not only promote joint and spinal flexibility, it also increases the range of motion and improves daily functionality. Chiropractors guide patients towards postural improvement with tailored exercise programs and postural recommendations that reinforce and stabilise the body.
For many people living with scoliosis, chiropractic care is a complementary part of a comprehensive scoliosis treatment plan, which might include physical therapy or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. In a testimonial on our website, Chan, a private investor, shared: “A full spinal x-ray revealed scoliosis in the upper and middle spine. Furthermore the shoulder and pelvic bones were not level, leading to persistent backaches. A lower lumbar had slipped out of position causing severe pain. The Doctor repositioned the lumbar and provided immediate relief. Subsequent treatment involved repositioning and straightening the spine. The backaches are no longer a problem. What strikes me most is the Doctor’s level of understanding of my problems as I described the symptoms, even without the help of an x-ray. The x-rays confirmed the Doctor’s diagnosis and the treatment was short and precise but very effective. In three words: caring professional service. If one has persistent backaches which may be related to spinal problems, it is well worth taking the time to seek a consultation with the Doctors at Kissun Chiropractic. You will be assured of help from very knowledgeable caring professionals.”
Carried out by a licensed and experienced practitioner, chiropractic treatment is a safe, effective, and natural treatment for individuals with scoliosis. Techniques employed include spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises.
Read more: Chiropractic Success Stories
Conclusion
Chiropractic care plays a critical role in the non-surgical management of scoliosis, leveraging the body’s self-healing abilities through spinal adjustments and exercises to help alleviate symptoms, improve physical function, and potentially slow the progression of spinal curvature.
Kissun Chiropractic is a trusted and leading Chiropractic clinic in Singapore, offering affordable and effective treatments for all ages in the community. Their chiropractors are certified and registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Further, they have established many years of experience treating patients with back pain effectively in Singapore. They are also experienced in treating common and complex neuromusculoskeletal conditions such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, sciatica, pregnancy aches and pains, sports injuries, performing ergonomic assessments, and postural checks.
Patients’ conditions are managed through natural, safe, non-invasive, drug and surgery-free treatments, relying on the bodies’ inherent recuperative functions. Treatment plans are customised to patients’ specific needs and preferences.
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Source:
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- ANNALS Academy of Medicine, Singapore. Prevalence of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis among Female School Children in Singapore. https://annals.edu.sg/prevalence-of-adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis-among-female-school-children-in-singapore/
- National Library of Medicine. Application of the Schroth Method in the Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9779560/
- Outcomes for adult scoliosis patients receiving chiropractic rehabilitation: a 24-month retrospective analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3259989/
- National Library of Medicine. Effects of bracing in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24047455/