Chiropractic and Scoliosis

My niece has been having her scoliosis curve treated by a chiropractor for several years. The chiropractors seem to have done a good job at keeping her curve in check. However, I have unable to find any long-term studies done on chiropractic and the treatment of scoliosis. I’d like to share the facts I have found out about this topic, though.

It is highly recommended that a child with scoliosis see an orthopedist, even if they are going to visit a chiropractor. There is anecdotal evidence, such as my niece’s, indicating chiropractic can be effective in treating scoliosis, but there is no reliable long-term scientific study available, which gives one pause.

When a chiropractor does treat scoliosis, they usually do so with a combination of techniques. These include exercise, spinal manipulation, shoe lifts, stretching, massage, electro stimulation and sometimes limited traction, or “weighting.” There is usually a lot of postural therapy done. Home exercise programs seem to be crucial. Commonly used are isometric and Pilates methods of exercise.

I’m interested in hearing from those who have had chiropractic treatment for their scoliosis. I have asked my niece to send a brief summary of her treatment. But she is a busy young lady!