Understanding the Link between Neck Pain and Scoliosis

Neck pain can be debilitating, affecting your quality of life, and hindering your daily activities. One of the leading causes of neck pain is scoliosis, which affects the natural curvature of your spine. The abnormal curvature of the spine caused by scoliosis can lead to discomfort, pain, and even disability if left untreated. Fortunately, at The Scoliosis Center of Utah, we have a team of chiropractic experts that specialize in treating scoliosis with Chiropractic BioPhysics® and the ScoliBrace® system. Below, we examine the link between neck pain and scoliosis and explore how we effectively treat it.

What is scoliosis?

First, let us understand what scoliosis is and how it affects your spine. Scoliosis is a condition that causes the curvature of the spine to deviate from its normal alignment, leading to an uneven distribution of weight across it. This uneven weight distribution leads to a variety of symptoms, including neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches. The abnormal curvature of the spine can compress nerves, leading to numbness and tingling sensations in your arms and legs.

How does scoliosis cause neck pain?

One of the ways scoliosis can cause neck pain is by causing a muscle imbalance in your neck muscles. When the curvature of your spine changes, your muscles need to adapt to the new position, leading to some muscles becoming overworked and others weakening. This muscle imbalance can cause tension headaches, neck spasms, and trigger points in your neck muscles. The ScoliBrace™ system we use at our clinic can help correct the spinal alignment, restoring the balance in your muscles and reducing your neck pain.

Another factor that contributes to neck pain in scoliosis patients is nerve compression. The abnormal curvature in your spine caused by scoliosis can compress the nerves that run from your spine to your neck, leading to pain and discomfort. In addition, the spinal misalignments can cause a reduction in blood flow, which can also cause neck and shoulder pain. By using Chiropractic BioPhysics®, chiropractic expert Dr. Katalina Dean can use specific exercises and adjustments to restore proper blood flow and eliminate the nerve compression, relieving your neck pain.

Aside from these methods, expert chiropractor Dr. Katalina Dean may also use a combination of exercises and stretches to help treat neck pain and scoliosis. These exercises and stretches help to strengthen the muscles in your back and neck and improve your body’s overall flexibility. Strengthening these muscles can reduce the tension and pain in your neck and shoulders, improving your posture to prevent further spinal misalignments.

Why is it so important to treat scoliosis?

Treating scoliosis is of paramount importance due to the significant impact it can have on an individual’s overall well-being and quality of life. If left untreated, scoliosis can progress, leading to a pronounced change in posture, physical discomfort, and even severe pain. The physical changes can negatively impact self-esteem and social interactions, leading to psychological distress. Furthermore, severe cases of scoliosis can lead to more profound health concerns, including breathing difficulties and cardiac problems due to the altered shape and function of the rib cage and spine. At the Scoliosis Center of Utah, we believe in proactive scoliosis management to prevent these complications and ensure our patients lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

What ages are affected by scoliosis?

Scoliosis most commonly develops in children aged 10 to 15, a phase known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis which coincides with the period of rapid growth during puberty. However, it can also emerge in infants and young children (infantile and juvenile scoliosis) and in adults (adult scoliosis). In adults, it’s often due to aging changes in the spine or may be a continuation of scoliosis that started in adolescence. Early detection is crucial in all age groups to prevent progression and enhance treatment outcomes.

Can adults be affected by scoliosis?

Certainly, adults can indeed be affected by untreated scoliosis. If scoliosis that begins in adolescence is left untreated, it can continue to progress into adulthood. This progression can lead to chronic back pain and noticeable changes in appearance, such as uneven shoulders or an asymmetrical waist. Furthermore, severe scoliosis can even impact lung function, making it difficult to breathe.

In addition to this, adults can develop what is known as degenerative or “De Novo” scoliosis. This form of scoliosis occurs due to the wear and tear of the spine that comes with age. The degeneration can lead to a sideways curvature of the spine, often accompanied by a hunching forward of the spine. The symptoms of degenerative scoliosis can include low back pain, leg pain, and fatigue, significantly affecting an individual’s daily life.

At the Scoliosis Center of Utah, we emphasize the importance of managing scoliosis at any age. Through a combination of Chiropractic BioPhysics®, the ScoliBrace® system, and tailored exercise regimens, we aim to limit progression, alleviate pain, and improve the quality of life for our patients.

What is the benefit of treating scoliosis?

Treating scoliosis has several tangible benefits that significantly enhance the patient’s quality of life. Firstly, it can alleviate physical discomfort and pain caused by the abnormal spinal curvature. This relief allows individuals to engage more freely in everyday activities and enjoy a broader range of physical pursuits. Secondly, treatment can slow or halt the progression of the spinal curvature, reducing the risk of severe physical deformities and associated health complications such as breathing difficulties or cardiac problems. Thirdly, improving spinal alignment often results in a more balanced appearance, which can boost the patient’s self-esteem and overall mental well-being. Lastly, specialized treatment plans like those provided by the Scoliosis Center of Utah can strengthen the surrounding muscles, improving overall body strength and posture. These positive changes combined contribute to an enhanced quality of life and a more positive outlook for the patient’s future.

Scoliosis Treatment for Neck Pain in Midvale, UT – The Scoliosis Center of Utah

In conclusion, neck pain and scoliosis are closely related, and if left untreated, can lead to severe pain and disability. Understanding the root cause of your neck pain in scoliosis patients is essential in effective treatment. At The Scoliosis Center of Utah in Midvale, UT, chiropractic expert Dr. Katalina Dean uses the Chiropractic BioPhysics® technique and the ScoliBrace® system to treat scoliosis effectively and alleviate neck pain. If you’re experiencing any neck pain or scoliosis symptoms, do not hesitate to contact us today.