Chiropractor for Scoliosis Treatment in Carrollton, TX
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. In a healthy spine, the vertebrae are aligned vertically, but in people with scoliosis, the spine may curve to the side in a "C" or "S" shape. This curvature can occur in any part of the spine - cervical (neck), thoracic (upper/mid back), or lumbar (lower back) — but it most commonly affects the thoracic and lumbar regions.
Causes of Scoliosos
Scoliosis can develop for various reasons, which can be categorized into three types:
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Idiopathic Scoliosis: This is the most common form and has no known cause. It often develops in children and adolescents, typically between the ages of 10 and 18, during their growth spurts.
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Congenital Scoliosis: This type is present at birth and occurs due to abnormalities in the formation of the vertebrae during fetal development.
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Neuromuscular Scoliosis: This type occurs due to problems with the muscles or nerves, such as in conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida.
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Degenerative Scoliosis: This form typically affects older adults and is caused by degeneration of the spine's discs and joints over time, often due to arthritis or other age-related conditions.
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
Scoliosis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays, which help determine the degree of curvature. A curvature of more than 10 degrees is usually considered scoliosis.
Try this Exercise for Back Pain or Scoliosis
This modified version of a Pallof press is one of our favorite go-to exercises for back pain, hip pain, or even upper and lower extremity injuries. It helps to target rotational stability through the core, which is where a lot of us tend to struggle and lack strength. Having a properly functioning core system is crucial for injury prevention and injury recovery. This is typically where we start with this exercise and make modifications to make it more or less challenging depending on the person. We usually recommend starting with 3 sets of 8 reps with an 8-second hold a good starting point before progressing to a harder variation.
What are common symptoms of scoliosis?
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Visible curve in the spine: The most obvious sign is an asymmetrical posture or a visible curve in the back.
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Uneven shoulders or hips: One shoulder or hip may appear higher than the other.
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Back pain: Not all people with scoliosis experience pain, but low back pain, or mid/upper back pain can be a symptom, especially in adults or if the curvature is severe.
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Breathing difficulties: In severe cases, the curvature of the spine can affect lung function, making breathing more difficult.
How can a chiropractor help with scoliosis?
Chiropractors can play a supportive role in managing scoliosis, although they do not typically "cure" the condition. Their focus is on improving spinal alignment, enhancing mobility, and alleviating pain, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate scoliosis. Chiropractic care is often used in conjunction with other treatments, like bracing or physical therapy, but can also be a standalone approach for symptom management.
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Spinal Adjustments and Manipulations:
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Chiropractors use spinal adjustments (also called spinal manipulations) to help improve spinal alignment and mobility. In people with scoliosis, where the spine has a lateral (sideways) curve, these adjustments can sometimes help to restore function to the joints and reduce muscle tension. The goal is not to correct the curvature itself, but to alleviate associated pain, stiffness, and discomfort.
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While a chiropractor can't "straighten" a spine with scoliosis, the adjustments can help relieve pressure on the nerves and soft tissues that may be affected by the abnormal curve.
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Pain Relief:
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Many people with scoliosis experience back pain, especially as they age or if the curve progresses. Chiropractic care can provide relief from discomfort by addressing muscular imbalances, joint dysfunction, and nerve irritation, all of which may be aggravated by scoliosis.
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Chiropractors may use manual therapies (like soft tissue work or myofascial release) to reduce muscle spasms and tightness, which is often present in people with scoliosis.
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Improving Posture:
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Chiropractors can help individuals with scoliosis improve their posture by offering exercises and stretches designed to strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight ones. This can help compensate for the asymmetries caused by the curvature of the spine.
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Customized Exercise Programs:
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Chiropractors often provide exercise therapy to strengthen the core muscles, which can help support the spine and reduce strain on the back. Strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine can help improve posture and reduce discomfort.
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They may also recommend stretching exercises to improve flexibility, particularly for areas like the hip flexors, hamstrings, and lower back muscles, which can become tight as a result of scoliosis.
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Enhancing Range of Motion:
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Scoliosis can limit the range of motion in the spine due to the curvature and resulting joint stiffness. Chiropractors may use various techniques to help improve flexibility and mobility, enabling the spine to move more freely and reduce feelings of tightness or restriction.
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Supporting Overall Spine Health:
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Chiropractic care can help promote spinal health by providing preventative measures against future deterioration. For adults with degenerative scoliosis or older individuals with arthritis-related scoliosis, chiropractic treatments can assist in maintaining spinal flexibility and mitigating age-related changes.
Chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises, can be effective in treating scoliosis-related back pain.
TESTIMONIALS
Joe G.
If you are looking for an excellent Chiropractor, as well as a specialist in Sports Medicine, physical therapy, dry needling, cupping, flexibility and so much more - this is the place to go. Dr. Ackerman is so knowledgeable and really cares about his patients. Great place and always a great experience.
MEET THE DOCTOR
Dr. Konner Ackerman, DC, CCSP®, MS, ATC
Dr. Konner Ackerman is the owner of Elevation Spine and Sports Medicine. He previously won the 2021 Addison Reader’s Award for Favorite Chiropractor for his previous clinic. He is motivated to assist his patients with a sports medicine approach to chiropractic care for the spine and extremities. He utilizes his skills to help individuals of all ages and activity levels to decrease pain and improve daily activities that a patient may be struggling with. He believes in an evidence-informed, holistic and wellness approach to patient care. He begins with a detailed medical history and exam and follows up with explaining an individualized treatment program to help each patient improve.
Dr. Konner Ackerman graduated from the University of Western States in Portland, Oregon with honors of Magna Cum Laude where he earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic, Master of Science in Sports Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Major in Athletic Training. He was also a competitive gymnast of fifteen years, which included competing for the University of Michigan where he won two Big Ten Conference Team Championships and two NCAA Team Championships.
He has experience covering PBA tournaments where he worked with national team members at the Olympic Training Center. He also has experience working with a variety of sports at the elite and collegiate level as well as both a chiropractor and athletic trainer. This includes football, lacrosse, soccer, gymnastics and softball. He is also a member of the National Athletic Training Association (NATA).
