Chiropractic Treatment in Singapore
Scoliosis
Singaporeans who are experiencing pain or discomfort in the back or chest areas and difficulty breathing due to scoliosis may find the relief they need in chiropractic care.
Scoliosis is a common condition in which the spine starts to develop with a curvature in an S or C shape. Mild cases of a few degrees may result in poor posture while more severe instances could result in chronic pain and reduced lung capacity as abnormal growth of the spine can put pressure on the heart and lungs. Extreme cases could limit sufferers' mobility and the capability for physical activity.
Seeking out chiropractic treatment means placing an emphasis on the alignment of the spine. Professional care can have a significant impact on the quality of life for those with scoliosis. Studies have determined individuals who seek out care for their condition could live as much as 14 years longer than those who elect not to have the spine placed into proper alignment and correct a problem that will only continue to get worse with age.
THREE FORMS OF SCOLIOSIS
Multiple attributes may contribute to the development of this condition. These include genetics, subluxations, and a lack of exercise at a young age.
This form of the condition develops between birth and three years of age. Although symptoms can go undetected, infants with this form of scoliosis should be seen by a chiropractic professional.
This form of the condition develops at age ten until the skeletal structure of the individual becomes fully developed. This is the most common form of Idiopathic Scoliosis.
This form of the condition usually develops in children between the ages of three to ten years old. The average age where symptoms of a severe lateral curvature of the spine are detected is around seven years. Corrective surgery may be necessary in about 30% of these cases.
Understanding the Effects of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition that will only continue to develop if not addressed in a timely manner. Chiropractic treatments can reduce the effects of scoliosis, particularly when administered at an early age. As the spine develops and matures it gets more difficult to correct the natural growth of the curvature. The usual treatment for scoliosis has often been a heavy, unwieldy back brace or invasive surgeries to correct issues that can be addressed through chiropractic techniques.
This is a complicated skeletal disease that medical experts continue to study as so little information is known about scoliosis. There is no known cure at this time and becoming more aware of the symptoms and addressing the issue early can have significant benefits later in life. While identifying the causes of scoliosis remains a challenge, the treatment options offered through chiropractic care have been proven to be effective.
Chiropractic Treatment Options
You do have a choice when it comes to treating your scoliosis through a Singapore chiropractor. It starts with measuring the extent of the curvature of the spine through X-ray imaging. From there, your chiropractic provider can ascertain which treatment is best suited for the severity of the condition.
Chiropractic treatment from scoliosis relies upon adjustments on the spine performed by hand or with standard adjustment tools for the purpose of realigning the vertebra, joints, and muscles. Traditional treatment can be effective as well as scoliosis-specific care that is tailored primarily for the patient and the extent of his or her condition.
General Chiropractic Care
Receiving traditional chiropractic care as a general alternative incorporates the similar type of treatment anyone would receive from his or her chiropractor. However, this level of care is best-suited for targeting the symptoms of pain or discomfort associated with the condition and not affecting the severity of the patient's Cobb Angle which measures the curvature of the spine.
General treatment is ideal for patients who are above the age of 13 with a curvature of less than 20 degrees. This form of care is helpful for reducing pain but it won't have much of an impact on straightening the spine and affecting the Cobb Angle. In order to have that level of efficacy, your chiropractor must first stabilize the spine before making further adjustments to mobilize and correct the vertebra.
Specialized Chiropractic Care for Treating Scoliosis
Due to the particular nature of this condition, chiropractic care intended for treating a scoliotic spine is done with far gentler methods that rely on careful precision. The goal is to slowly realign the spine to restore its natural curvature which is a gradual and deliberate process that emphasizes the bones in the neck first. The neck is not twisted or turned during the course of treatment because scoliotic joints are less stable and this increases the potential for injury during a chiropractic session.
Your chiropractor will work to realign the placement of the head and neck on the spine followed by the back and the hips. Focusing treatment at these regions can bring about results that help to correct the curvature and improve quality of life.
You may be instructed to perform certain exercises for one to two hours a day to continue treatment outside of our office. These will help to align the spine properly and relieve pressure on the nerves while reducing the severity in the Cobb Angle of your spine. Your chiropractic professional will instruct you on how to do these exercises for maximum benefit.