Staying Ahead of the Curve – the Role Chiropractic Plays in Adult Scoliosis Prevention and Correction in the Te Puke Bay of Plenty NZ Area

Scoliosis in Te Puke Bay of Plenty NZ is a sideways curve of the spine that causes stiffness, postural deformity, and at times pain. It is called an idiopathic disease because the cause of it is unknown. Scoliosis is more common in females and begins in childhood. However, merely 2 percent of the population is affected. If it is detected early, scoliosis treatment will prevent it from worsening over time. We do see patients regularly at our Te Puke Chiropractic clinic presenting with complaints associated with scoliosis and spinal curvature changes.

What is Scoliosis in Te Puke Bay of Plenty NZ?

Scoliosis is derived from the Greek term meaning curvature. People with scoliosis have a sideways curve in their spine that makes an “S” or “C” shape. The vertebrae can rotate at the thoracic level of the spine causing this curve and resulting in a hump near the rib cage. If the curve is more than 60 degrees it is considered serious. Usually this curve makes the waist or shoulders uneven. And unlike the normal curvature of the spine, adjusting your posture will not correct the problem.

Generally, scoliosis is not progressive. In fact, the vast majority of scoliosis’ remain mild, are not progressive, and require minimal care and treatment if caught early.  This is the typical way patients present to our clinic in Te Puke Bay of Plenty NZ.

In one group of patients, however, scoliosis is often more progressive. This group is made up of young girls who have scoliosis of 25 degrees or larger, but who have not yet had their first menstrual period. Girls generally grow quite quickly during the 12 months before their first period and if they have scoliosis, the curvatures tend to progress rapidly. In girls who have already had their first periods, the rate of growth is slower, so their curves tend to progress more slowly.

In some instances, the degenerative diseases of the spine can cause scoliosis. Osteoporosis is when the bones soften and usually occurs in older people. This softening can cause the vertebrae to bend and shape the curve causing scoliosis or kyphosis (round back). If not treated properly, severe back pain, deformity, and difficulty breathing can be some symptoms that will arise.

Chiropractic Care For Scoliosis

A 2011 study revealed that specific structural Chiropractic care can significantly ease the pain and disability associated with adult scoliosis. This is one of the first studies on the effects of chiropractic and exercise on adult scoliosis, and showed promising results.

In the study, 28 patients with adult scoliosis participated in a chiropractic rehabilitation program for two years. The program included exercise and weight-bearing activities designed to correct spinal misalignment. Exercise was facilitated by a chiropractor for six months, and then patients were assigned at-home exercises for the remaining duration of the study. After six months of treatment, patients saw their disability scores cuts in half and experienced a 40% reduction in pain. The majority of patients' spines became less abnormally curved. This improved spinal alignment made it easier for patients to breathe normally - something that often becomes difficult with scoliosis.

Degenerative adult scoliosis causes the spine to become progressively more curved; eventually the spine can begin to compress nerve roots, causing pain. Gentle chiropractic adjustments and exercise can ease the compression of nerves while promoting proper spinal alignment.

For quality chiropractic care in the Bay of Plenty, specifically the Mount/Papamoa/NZ/Te Puke areas, get in touch with Te Puke Chiropractic. We are conveniently located near Mount College with plenty of off and on street parking and we can provide a full objective evaluation of your health and offer you advice and treatment to alleviate your tension headache or any other chiropractic issue you may have. Our approach is unique in that not only do we get great results for our Te Puke Bay of Plenty NZ and Papamoa area patients, we approach the spine in an objective way so that once problems improve, they don’t return. Make an appointment today or ask for more information about our treatments.

If you or someone you know is suffering from scoliosis, no matter how small or intense, feel free to call us at (07) 573 9988 for a complimentary consultation and to set up a time to have your spine and nervous system checked.

Dr. David Guest is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Mount Maunganui Chiropractic in Mount Maunganui Tauranga NZ and Te Puke Chiropractic in Te Puke Bay of Plenty NZ. Dr. Guest focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 20 years. He loves helping spines of all sizes and shapes. You can reach Dr. Guest at david@mtchiro.co.nz or (07) 573 9988.

Outcomes for adult scoliosis patients receiving chiropractic rehabilitation: a 24-month retrospective analysis. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2011;10:179-184.