How to Manage Scoliosis
Do you ever look in the mirror and feel like the top of your shoulders appears slightly uneven? Or do you find that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand upright? Often, when individuals have these symptoms, it’s a sign of scoliosis. However, to confirm if it’s that or something else, Dr. Bobby Bilitsis at Prestige Health and Wellness recommends seeing a medical professional as soon as possible.
Scoliosis may present like:
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Uneven shoulders or hips
Keep reading to learn more about scoliosis, risk factors, and treatment options available in Manhattan.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is ultimately defined as a deviation of the normal vertical line of the spine. Usually, the body has a natural front-to-back curve, but the spine goes side-to-side with scoliosis, displaying either an S-shape or a C-shaped curve.
There are three types of scoliosis, which include:
- Idiopathic scoliosis: The cause of this form of scoliosis is unknown, but it’s deemed the most common.
- Congenital scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is discovered at birth and occurs when the spine doesn’t properly develop during the embryonic stage.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis: This form of scoliosis is caused by abnormalities in the nerves and muscles that support the spine.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
In mild cases, scoliosis may go completely undetected, not presenting any symptoms at all. Therefore, individuals can go undiagnosed throughout childhood and discover it later as an adult. Symptoms may present later in life when discs weaken and/or you experience bone density loss.
Some of those symptoms are:
- Back pain
- Curved spine
- Uneven shoulders and hips
- Protruding rib cage (particularly one side over the other when bending down)
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Difficulty breathing (in the case of severe scoliosis)
Common Causes and Risk Factors for Scoliosis
Studies show a 3.1% prevalence of scoliosis in children and adolescents. Although this condition can also affect adults, children are more predisposed to it, often occurring in those older than 11. When adults develop scoliosis, mainly those 40 and up, it’s likely a result of spinal degeneration. Interestingly, this condition seems to affect females more than males.
The development of scoliosis can be linked to many causes and risk factors. For example, genetics is highly correlated with scoliosis. Therefore, if one sibling has scoliosis, it’s often highly recommended that the other siblings get examined for the condition as well.
Other common causes and risk factors for scoliosis include:
- High-risk sports (e.g., swimming, ballet, rhythmic gymnastics)
- Puberty
- Weight
- Posture
Scoliosis Treatment Options in Manhattan, NYC
Here are some of the most favorable non-surgical treatment options for scoliosis.
NYC Physical Therapy for Scoliosis
Physical therapy can help relieve back pain and improve spinal mobility. Connect with a physical therapist expert at Prestige Health and Wellness to learn more about the exercises and techniques that improve posture, strengthen muscles to stop spinal curving, and improve breathing.
Occupational Therapy in Manhattan
If scoliosis is impacting your ability to complete daily activities, an occupational therapist will identify ways to help you manage your symptoms. That may mean suggesting exercises to increase strength, correcting posture, or even making environmental modifications. Our Manhattan occupational therapy for scoliosis interventions can help you maintain an independent lifestyle.
Acupuncture in NYC for Scoliosis
With acupuncture, tiny needles are placed into specific areas of the body to help restore the flow of Qi. This practice has been done for thousands of years and is meant to improve energy patterns and restore overall health. While acupuncture wouldn’t cure scoliosis, it may help with pain management.
Massage Therapy for Scoliosis
Manual therapy, like massage therapy, can help relax the spine, boost blood flow, and lengthen tight areas, which should aid with temporary muscle pain relief.
Chiropractic Care
Undergoing chiropractic treatment, which involves spinal manipulation, may ease discomfort and back pain caused by scoliosis. In a 2020 study, researchers discovered that spinal manipulation decreased pain and bettered vertical spinal alignment in those with degenerative scoliosis.
Get Scoliosis Treatment in Manhattan
While non-surgical treatments aren’t a cure for scoliosis, they can bring you the much-needed relief you deserve. Allow the compassionate and knowledgeable team at Prestige Health and Wellness to support you.
Book an appointment for scoliosis treatment in New York City, or call our office at 212-393-4673.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our locations in Manhattan NYC: