Doctors need to look at an x-ray image of your spine to make a firm diagnosis of how severe your scoliosis is. In order to plan out the appropriate treatment for you, a doctor needs to take into account how serious your curve situation already is among other factors. Another factor that needs to be considered is your age because if you’re still young and your spine is still growing, a variation of treatment choices is available for you. Your doctor will have to determine if your condition is likely to get worse and will suggest treatment options that will help better your spine curve.
If your curve measures from 25 to 50 degrees, they it is highly recommended that you seek for professional treatment. Curves that are higher than 50 degrees should undergo surgery as soon as possible to restore your normal posture.
Things that can Make Your Spine Straight
One thing’s for sure, a scoliosis curve will not straighten up on its own. Regular wearing of brace can help make it better but it will not fully straighten your back up. Surgery, a spinal fusion, is unfortunately the only sure way that will restore your normal spine condition – though not completely straight.
What If I Just Have a Slight Curve?
For children and grown-ups who only have a slight curve, which means less than 20 degrees curve, your doctor will regularly monitor your spine to ensure that it is not getting worse. You will be asked to have a check-up every 6 months and follow up x-rays annually.
Without Treatment, the Curve will Get Worse
There are two strong factors that can help predict if a scoliosis case is bound to get worse – young age and diagnosis of a large curve. Individuals who are 10 years and younger and have curves that are greater than 35 degrees are bound to suffer from serious cases if they don’t get treatment. Doctors said that once a person is fully grown, there is less chance for a curve to progress rapidly. Studies have shown that adults who have less than 30 degrees curve tend not to get worse through the years. However, those that have over 50 degrees suffer from worse cases as they incur 1 to 1 ½ degrees every year.
Will Chiropractic Treatment Help Me?
Chiropractic treatment has been very controversial for quite some time now. It is popular for treating acute short-term pain but it doesn’t seem to work as well for chronic conditions like scoliosis. Individuals who suffer from scoliosis and seek chiropractic treatment are often referred to a spinal orthopaedist or a neurosurgeon to prevent their curves from getting worse.