Scoliosis Treatment – Naples, FL
Gentle, Effective Care for Curved Spines
Stand up straight. For some people that is easier said than done. Ideally, your spine should run straight down the middle of your back. However, if you have scoliosis, then your spine curves to the side. This curvature can happen at any point along your spine, but is more likely to occur in the area of your chest and is called thoracic scoliosis or in your lower back—lumbar scoliosis. A curve greater than 10 degrees from center means you have scoliosis. Scoliosis is a complex and dynamic spinal condition that requires extensive training to properly treat and diagnose. Dr. Chad has dedicated much time to obtaining advanced scoliosis training through Chiropractic Biophysics. He has the state-of-the-art equipment used for rehabilitation, and has a highly educated and trained staff to work with patients. Learn more about available options for scoliosis treatment in Naples, FL on this page, or contact the Wills Chiropractic team to get started today.
Why Choose Wills Chiropractic for Scoliosis Treatment?
- Non-Invasive Treatments Available
- Children, Teens, and Adults Welcome
- 2 Decades of Chiropractic Experience
What Makes Scoliosis Painful?
In and of itself, scoliosis is not painful. In fact, many people with mild scoliosis are not bothered by the condition. However, if your scoliosis places pressure on any of the joints, nerves or discs in your spine, then you may feel discomfort. And while chiropractic therapy is not a cure for scoliosis, there are many treatment options Dr. Wills, your chiropractor in Naples, can use to eliminate discomfort and limitations of movement in order to improve your ability to live life to the fullest.
How Does Dr. Wills Diagnose Scoliosis?
Dr. Wills has the chiropractic education, training, and experience necessary to diagnose symptoms related to scoliosis. This knowledge is essential in helping Dr. Wills find the underlying causes of your pain or discomfort. In addition, he is able to pinpoint problems that could be related to scoliosis, such as weakening of surrounding muscles and ligaments. With an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Wills is able to develop a plan that will treat your specific symptoms.
How Does Dr. Wills Treat Scoliosis in Naples?
Scoliosis treatment is not a cookie cutter approach, meaning each case depends on the type of scoliosis and severity of the scoliosis. Furthermore, most people are unaware that there are various treatment modalities for treating scoliosis. Not all modalities are required for each person. We view scoliosis treatment as a partnership between the doctor and the patient and our desire is for you to thoroughly understand your condition and all the treatment options that are available to you. Typically, a chiropractic treatment plan will include spinal adjustments meant to increase mobility. In a patient with scoliosis, however, the problem is not always mobility. Therefore, adjustments may not only be inappropriate, but may put undue pressure on your joints thereby worsening the symptoms of scoliosis.
In lieu of adjustments, Dr. Wills combines other treatments tailored to your particular scoliosis symptoms. These may include:
- Scoliosis massage. This type of massage goes beyond relaxation. Scoliosis massage reaches deep into the muscles that are affected by the curve of your spine. Typically, the muscles that run along the inside of the curve are loose and flexible. Conversely, muscles along the outside of the curve tend to be tighter. Dr. Wills knows how to carefully massage your muscles while not pulling on your spine, which could increase the curve.
- Scoliosis specific chiropractic treatment. This treatment entails the use of special techniques to help stabilize the curve. In fact, the goal can be to gradually correct the spine. Therefore, scoliosis specific adjustments are precise and gentle. Children, teens, and adults with scoliosis can all be helped to live life more fully with these treatments.
- Stretches and exercises. In addition to treatments in the office, Dr. Wills may also recommend specific stretches and exercises for you to do at home. These are designed to help improve balance and posture.
Scoliosis FAQs
Do you have questions about scoliosis in Naples that aren’t answered here? Feel free to contact our team and ask. We can schedule an appointment with Dr. Wills for you.
When in Life Can Scoliosis Occur?
Scoliosis can afflict patients at any age. It is most often diagnosed in late childhood/early teenage years, but it may manifest before or well after this age range. In children or teens, there seems to be a strong genetic component, and it seems to affect more girls more commonly than boys. For adults, scoliosis can develop as a result of undiagnosed problems from earlier in life or because of degeneration of the discs and joints in the back.
What If I Do Nothing about Scoliosis?
Unfortunately, scoliosis is often a progressive condition. As a child grows and develops, and as a person ages, scoliosis can get worse. The sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the better. Even if you or your child is not currently in pain as a result of scoliosis, it’s important to address it as early as possible to prevent it from getting more severe, when it could impair breathing and cardiovascular functions as well as make movements uncomfortable or difficult. Patients with severe scoliosis can also experience a disfigured appearance, potentially hindering their self-confidence and social interactions.
What Should I Avoid If I Have Scoliosis?
Certain motions or actions can put pressure on or compress the spine, exacerbating scoliosis. Some of these activities include the following:
- High-contact sports like football, which could trigger pain or mobility issues.
- Bending forward to text.
- Swimming, which can exert pressure on the thoracic spine and make curvature worse.
- Lifting heavy objects, naturally compressing the spine.
- Gymnastics, diving, and even certain dancing moves that could involve torso extension.
What Are Some of the Exercises and Stretches I Can Do?
As part of your treatment, Dr. Wills can explain which stretches and exercises you should do to help alleviate your scoliosis pain and stop spinal curvature from getting worse. One example is hanging from a bar for as long as you can. This decompresses your spine and can reduce your pain. Exercises that build your core muscles can also help with keeping your scoliosis under control. Again, Dr. Wills will go through which ones are most beneficial and make sure you use proper form to perform the exercises properly.
Please Reach Out to Us!
If you have been diagnosed with scoliosis (or hyperkyphosis) or would like a second opinion regarding your diagnosis or treatment recommendations please call us and we will be happy to discuss your options for care.