The Bryan Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Bryan

Diagnosis for Surgery?

Your child receives a diagnosis of scoliosis after a routine exam. Naturally you’re concerned – what parent wouldn’t be? But does a scoliosis diagnosis always mean spinal fusion surgery is the only option?

Pregnant woman suffering with back pain.

The initial treatment of scoliosis usually focuses on preventing the curve from becoming worse. At this stage, bracing is often the first-line of traditional treatment. If the scoliosis has already progressed beyond a 45° – 50° curve in the spine, a medical doctor will generally recommend spinal fusion. This surgery involves the placement of steel rods, hooks and screws to mechanically straighten the spine; these are then covered with bone fragments that fuse together with the spine.

This surgery has risks and complications. They include bowel problems, infection, neurological complications, collapsed lung, back pain and broken rods. These are sometimes handled with medication or still more surgeries.

In recent years, chiropractic research studies have shown great promise with scoliosis, particularly in children. Post-chiropractic X-rays, when compared to pre-chiropractic X-rays, often demonstrate a sizeable reduction in the degree of curvature, after 12 weeks of chiropractic care, so surgery is no longer appropriate.

Many adults and children are becoming increasingly aware of alternatives to the traditional medical treatment of this condition and for good reason…the risks often do not outweigh the benefits!

If you or a loved one is concerned about scoliosis, or needs to be examined to determine whether scoliosis is present, please speak to us at your next visit – we are only to happy to share our knowledge and experience with you!

Search:

Dr. Bailey Asks some important questions of interest to Bryan residents - Chiropractor Bryan Dr. Bailey Asks...

What's the difference between sick care and health care?
Sick care is largely about relieving or suppressing symptoms. Health care is about improving performance. While sick care is about how you feel, health care is about how you function. Sick care is what you do to treat an obvious problem, and health care is what you do to avoid the problem and advance your well-being.
Why does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works because your nervous system, consisting of your brain, spinal cord and all the nerves of your body, controls and regulates every cell, tissue, organ and system of your body. A chiropractor locates and reduces areas of nervous system compromise (usually along the spine) so your capacity to heal is restored. Chiropractic works by helping your body work as it was designed.