Understanding Medical Restrictions

Many individuals mistakenly believe that they are not at risk for having adult scoliosis. There is a common understanding that the condition may be detected and treated in the teenage years. Some children do not get the recommended treatments after their risks are identified. This can lead to later issues in life. It is possible for the issue to not be detected in youth either due to lack of testing or a missed diagnosis. It is also possible for the condition to present itself in the adult years as degenerative scoliosis.

Adults who discover that they have scoliosis will likely have concerns about what it will mean for their future. They might experience worry about whether it can be treated and whether back pain will be a part of living with the condition. The following points identify a few treatment options that are available to adults.

Physical Therapy 

Some individuals respond well to physical therapy. Therapists can assist with exercises that are aimed to elongate the spine and gradually ease it into a straighter position. Repetitive therapy sessions can aid to strengthen the spine in the changed position, which improves its stability. The therapists may also encourage their clients to maintain good posture between sessions. Some individuals struggle with keeping their posture straight due to habit. Some therapy sessions may be devoted to practicing posture, which will be important to long-term results.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractors have therapeutic solutions that may benefit some individuals with scoliosis. Their treatments may involve reducing any pain reported. They can also use a variety of techniques to manipulate the spine. Individuals may also need to participate in special exercises that stretch the spine.

Back Brace

This intervention may be recommended to stop the progression of the curvature. Individuals will need to wear a prescribed back brace for a certain number of hours per day. The timeframe will depend on how advanced their condition is. This should not be viewed as life-altering because the prescribed time of wear might be comparable to a night's sleep, and individuals can use that to their advantage by wearing theirs at night.

A physician who is trained to diagnose conditions of the spine is a good resource to use for a diagnosis. The process will involve gathering medical history, diagnostic imaging, and evaluating the results. Some individuals may assume that they have scoliosis. However, there are other conditions that can also cause spinal curvature, and there are different curve formations. A medical professional can also explain the best treatment options. The treatment may require lifelong monitoring and include the services of several healthcare professionals.