Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 5/27/2009

Question
HI there,I'm a patient suffering from scoliosis.I came to knowledge that Chiropractors help in reducing the curve angle of scoliosis. I would like to know that is it possible? And that it might not give any side effects? If not done properly how bad can it be?  

Answer
Some proprietary chiropractic techniques establish as a treatment goal the correction abnormal spinal curves, and the proponents of these techniques have published numerous reports showing that this is possible.

However, there is little evidence beyond various case reports to show that actually correcting these curves (especially in the absence of symptoms that they might be producing) offers any clear health benefit.

In the case of idiopathic scoliosis, genetic factors are presumed to be the cause.

Additionally, degeneration of the joints and discs, which leads to the abnormal displacement of the vertebrae, is thought to be the starting point of the domino effect that leads to scoliosis, according to the authors of a 2003 study on scoliosis published in the medical journal Orthopedic Clinics of North America.

According to the American Academy of Family Practitioners,of adolescents diagnosed with scoliosis, only 10 percent have curves that progress and require medical intervention. The main risk factors for curve progression are a large curve, skeletal immaturity and female gender.

Once a diagnosis of scoliosis has been made (defined a sideways, or lateral, curve of the spine that is greater than 10 degrees), the primary concerns are whether there is an underlying cause and if the curve will progress. Curves less than 30 degrees at bone maturity are unlikely to progress, whereas curves measuring from 30 to 50 degrees progress an average of 10 to 15 degrees over a lifetime.

According to studies cited by the American Academy of Family Practitioners, physical therapy, chiropractic care, biofeedback and electric stimulation have not been shown to alter the natural history of scoliosis.

The current medical onsensus is that surgery should be performed for curves greater than 40 to 45 degrees when there is growth remaining (i.e., in the adolescent).

I am not aware of any specific negative side effects associated with chiropractic spinal manipulation in individuals with scoliosis. In fact, many individuals who suffer from symptoms associated with their scoliosis find temporary relief with chiropractic manipulation.

I hope that this helps to answer your questions.