Scoliosis is a spinal condition affecting as much as 5% of the child population, and as much as 30% of the elderly population. With scoliosis, the spine is curved or even “S” shaped, instead of being a straight line when looking at it from the front or back. It is most commonly detected in adolescents between the ages of 10 and 13, although it can occur at any age, and often affects girls over boys. There can be a family history but often the cause is unknown. Scoliosis can lead to permanent deformity, pain, and disability, but it can be treated at any age. The earlier the scoliosis is detected and treated, the better outcome the patient can expect.
Unfortunately, the most common course of action when scoliosis is diagnosed is a “wait-and-see” approach. The spine curves are monitored, and when it inevitably gets worse the patient is referred for surgery, which is invasive and involves risk.
Surgery is necessary in some severe scoliosis deformities, but it carries with it significant risk of injury (even death), as well as possible loss of function/mobility and residual pain throughout life. Surgery also comes with a large financial cost, often even when insurance covers.
One important thing to understand for patients with scoliosis or the parents of patients with scoliosis is that it is a PROGRESSIVE condition, meaning it tends to gets worse over time. It is most likely to worsen during puberty and in late adulthood.
Early detection and proper conservative treatment is the best course of action to slow the progression of scoliosis, or even correct the condition without surgery.
If your scoliosis was not treated early, we can still help improve the shape of your spine and lessen your pain and discomfort. We offer spinal and postural correction for children and adults of all ages with different types of scoliosis.
We offer corrective chiropractic care for:
Our treatments are minimally invasive and have been proven to be effective. They include scoliosis spinal orthotics, customized exercise programs, mirror-image postural adjusting/spinal manipulation and spinal traction therapy. All treatments are customized and based on digital spinal x-rays, 3D body posture scans and examination findings – all done in-house.
If you don’t live on Oahu, we can still help you treat your scoliosis! We offer video/call-in consultation appointments for neighbor island patients.. If we determine a neighbor-island patient is a good candidate for scoliosis care, it will require a couple visits to Oahu, but then the patient has the tools they need to prevent their scoliosis from worsening, and potentially correct it! Most follow up appointments can then be held over telehealth calls.
At Foundation Spine and Posture, we’re especially equipped to treat patients with scoliosis. Both Dr. Kate and Dr. Paul have successfully treated scoliosis patients with scientific and research-based Chiropractic BioPhysics® technique, using gentle mirror-image adjustments, exercises, therapeutic spinal traction and scoliosis bracing. If you or your child suffers from scoliosis, contact us today for a complimentary consultation.