What Happens if You Let Scoliosis Go Untreated?

What is scoliosis and what are the symptoms of the condition?

Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that results in an abnormal curvature of the back. Although scoliosis can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in adolescence.

If left untreated, scoliosis can lead to significant back pain and nerve disorders, as well as digestive distress, constriction of the body’s organs, and migraine headaches. In severe cases, surgery may even be advised by doctors and surgeons to correct the spinal curve.

However, scoliosis can usually be effectively treated using the advanced, non-invasive techniques that The Scoliosis Center of Utah is pleased to offer. With early diagnosis and treatment, scoliosis need not cause any long-term problems.

Scoliosis is often diagnosed around middle-school age or during a routine physical examination, during which time a medical professional may identify that the body’s structure appears to be lop-sided, or the spine curved when the back is bent.

In severe cases, scoliosis can be very apparent, causing one leg to seem shorter than the other, the hips to be at unequal heights, the shoulders to be not parallel to the hips (or one another), and other postural concerns like forward-head posture and slumped shoulders.

For those who suffer from scoliosis, the symptoms can range. Symptoms are completely dependent on the individual and may be more severe for some than others.

Scoliosis symptoms may include stiffness in the back and body, deformed posture, pinched nerves, nerve interference (which can cause numbness and tingling in the extremities), digestive distress, migraine headaches, inflammation, and fatigue. Because the spine houses the central nervous system, nervous-system-related symptoms may occur.

In serious cases of scoliosis, the internal organs can also be strained and constricted, which can make digestion, breathing, and heart functions more erratic and inefficient than normal.

How can scoliosis be treated, and what are the risks associated with not treating it?

Treatment for scoliosis may include chiropractic care, physical therapy, surgery, or the use of a brace. In severe cases, scoliosis can be disabling. If you or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, it is important to talk to a health professional about the best treatment options.

If left untreated, scoliosis can lead to back and neck pain, poor posture, stress on the spine, and structural stiffness. In severe cases, it can also cause deformity. Untreated scoliosis can also lead to challenges in later life, exacerbating natural wear-and-tear degeneration in the spine and making arthritis and osteoporosis more severe.

Treatment

Common medical treatment for scoliosis usually involves wearing a back brace or undergoing surgery. In some cases, physical therapy may also be recommended. Early intervention is important in preventing the progression of scoliosis. If you suspect that you or your child may have scoliosis, it is important to see a wellness professional for a diagnosis.

At the Scoliosis Center of Utah, we diverge from standard medical treatment and instead aim for fully customized, non-invasive, natural treatment that utilizes the body’s own healing capabilities to produce long-term corrective results. We use two revolutionary methods for treatment: Chiropractic BioPhysics® and the ScoliBrace® system. Both of these treatments are gentle, provide long-term results, and often produce a much more effective result than standard medical treatments.

While standard medical care only offers invasive surgery or braces that pause, not reverse, the progress of scoliosis, at the Scoliosis Center of Utah our treatment strategy is much different. The Chiropractic BioPhysics® technique, in tandem with the ScoliBrace® system (when necessary), can be a very effective way of moving the spine back into optimal alignment without requiring surgery.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® uses mirror-image adjustments and carefully calculated spinal traction to mobilize the bones and joints of the spine back into their correct alignment. This takes place over a series of weeks and months, and can often greatly improve or correct scoliosis completely.

The ScoliBrace® system is a customized 3D brace that actually overcorrects the curvature of the spine, rather than simply pausing scoliosis from worsening as in the case of standard medical braces. The ScoliBrace® can be used to supplement and enhance the effectiveness of Chiropractic BioPhysics®, and in severe cases, the two can offer transformational corrective results.

What are some of the long-term effects of untreated scoliosis on a person’s health and quality of life?

Untreated scoliosis can affect many aspects of a person’s health. This can range from affecting the function of the digestive system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system, as well as causing stiffness in the body, weakness and pain in the back, poor posture, and overall misalignment and imbalance across the global body structure.

Additionally, as the bones and joints age, scoliosis can contribute to accelerated degeneration and wear and tear in the spine. This can increase the likelihood and severity of slipped disks, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

How can you tell if you or your child has scoliosis, and where can you go for help if needed?

If you suspect that you or your child are living with scoliosis, book your appointment at the Scoliosis Center of Utah now. Each initial appointment is used to make a complete diagnostic evaluation of the spine, including a physical assessment, advanced digital analysis, and x-rays.

Age, lifestyle factors, physical activity, and occupation are all part of the bigger picture used to construct an individualized treatment plan crafted specifically for you. Treatment plans vary in duration and regularity, and you may be given tools and exercises to help supplement your care.

To discover how The Scoliosis Center of Utah can help you begin living your most aligned life, book your appointment today.