Understanding Scoliosis and the Specialized Chiropractic Approach
Scoliosis is a complex, three-dimensional spinal condition that requires a highly specialized and proactive treatment approach. For residents in the Twin Cities seeking non-surgical options, Minneapolis Chiropractic Center provides advanced, evidence-based care focused on structural correction and long-term spinal health.
As a progressive condition, scoliosis treatment is ongoing, but it can be highly treatable. While surgical intervention was a dominant choice for years, an evidence-based, nonsurgical alternative—involving scoliosis-specific chiropractic treatment—has emerged as a powerful option for managing and reducing spinal curvature.
At Minneapolis Chiropractic Center, we know how to respond effectively with treatment, and this is crucial because it can shape a patient’s long-term spinal health and quality of life.
Understanding Scoliosis: A Three-Dimensional Spinal Condition
Scoliosis is defined by a complex structural abnormality. It causes the spine to bend unnaturally to the side and twist; this rotational component is what makes scoliosis a 3-dimensional condition (1)
Key facts about scoliosis progression:
- Progressive Nature: As a progressive condition, the nature of scoliosis is to become more severe. This means the spine’s unnatural spinal curvature is likely to increase in size, and the condition’s effects will become more noticeable (1).
- Pain and Compression: For patients, especially adults with scoliosis, pain is common and can increase alongside compression on nerves and discs (2). In younger patients, while most don’t have pain, it can exist in adolescents (3).
- Severity Levels: Scoliosis can be diagnosed as mild, moderate, or severe (5). Crucially, mild scoliosis is unlikely to stay mild without proactive treatment (4, 5).
- Types of Scoliosis: There are many types, from idiopathic scoliosis (the most prevalent, especially in adolescents) to neuromuscular and degenerative scoliosis. Each type has unique treatment needs.
Because scoliosis is a structural spinal condition, treatment must be designed to impact the underlying structural abnormality—addressing not just the side bend, but also the rotation and translation (5).
The Role of Chiropractic Care at Minneapolis Chiropractic Center
Most people see chiropractors for general back pain or to maintain range of motion. However, scoliosis requires a level of specialization far beyond general chiropractic care.
At Minneapolis Chiropractic Center, we integrate highly specialized chiropractic treatment, such as Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP), into a comprehensive, proactive rehabilitation plan.
Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP): Specialized Scoliosis Treatment in Minneapolis
CBP is the pinnacle of corrective chiropractic treatment because it is highly specialized, evidence-based, and has a sound scientific foundation (7, 8). This technique complements additional scoliosis-specific treatment disciplines like corrective bracing and exercise.
CBP techniques utilized for MN Scoliosis patients focus on:
- Structural Correction: CBP relies on a series of techniques and manual adjustments to significantly improve spinal alignment and reduce the curve size (7, 8).
- Postural Restoration: CBP focuses on postural correction so the spine is held in a healthier position, restoring the body’s alignment and reducing uneven forces (5).
- Spinal Decompression: Targeted adjustments and traction help stretch the spine, taking pressure off compressed nerves, discs, and muscles (7, 8).
- Flexibility and Responsiveness: Chiropractic adjustments can help increase the spine’s flexibility, making it more responsive to additional corrective treatment and providing pain relief (7, 8).
While general chiropractic care may help manage symptoms like pain, scoliosis-specific chiropractic care, like CBP, is focused on achieving structural improvement and lasting results.
ScoliBalance® and ScoliBrace®: The Holistic Approach
Effective chiropractic treatment for scoliosis is most effective when integrated into a complete, multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. At Minneapolis Chiropractic Center, we offer integrated treatment plans that may include the internationally recognized ScoliBalance® and ScoliBrace® programs.
ScoliBalance®: Scoliosis-Specific Exercise Rehabilitation
The ScoliBalance® program, designed by specialists in scoliosis management, is a complete, SOSORT-guideline-compliant approach for children, adolescents, and adults (5, 9).
- Customized Exercise: ScoliBalance® combines the best of scoliosis-specific chiropractic concepts with established exercise methods (like Schroth and SEAS) (9).
- Mirror Image® Exercise: Patients are taught Mirror Image® exercise—specific movements and postures that help retrain the brain and muscles to actively counteract the scoliotic curve, improving posture and alignment (9).
When combined with specialized chiropractic care, exercise rehabilitation improves the spine’s position, supports the correction, and stabilizes the spine by improving surrounding muscle balance and strength.
ScoliBrace®: Advanced 3D Corrective Bracing
For larger curves, the ScoliBalance® program is used in conjunction with the prescription of the ScoliBrace® (9).
- Custom 3D Technology: The ScoliBrace® is an evidence-based, custom 3-dimensional scoliosis brace that addresses the specifics of a patient’s posture, curve type, and severity (4).
- Overcorrective Approach: Unlike traditional braces that only hold the curve in place, the ScoliBrace® uses an overcorrective approach (harnessing the principles of spinal coupling and Mirror Image® from CBP) to gently guide the spine toward a straighter, more balanced position (7, 8).
- Preserving Movement: The ScoliBrace® is designed to be integrated with exercise rehabilitation, helping to preserve the spine’s flexibility and strength (9).
By combining CBP-based chiropractic care, ScoliBalance® exercises, and 3D ScoliBrace® technology, Minneapolis Chiropractic Center impacts scoliosis on multiple structural and neurological levels, working to improve alignment and potentially help patients avoid surgical intervention (10).
Conclusion: Start Your Proactive MN Scoliosis Treatment Today
When it comes to scoliosis, understanding its progressive nature is the first step toward effective management. Early diagnosis and proactive, non-surgical treatment are directly linked to the best potential long-term outcomes.
Scoliosis that’s left untreated will likely continue to progress, potentially leading to complications and chronic pain that may have been entirely avoidable.
At Minneapolis Chiropractic Center, we believe in a modern, integrative approach. We offer a holistic program that combines the most advanced techniques in Chiropractic BioPhysics®, scoliosis-specific exercise, and custom 3D corrective bracing. When managed by chiropractors well-trained and certified in these scoliosis-specific methods, a comprehensive, non-surgical plan can preserve the spine’s natural strength and flexibility.Don’t wait to see if your curve will progress. If you or a loved one in the Twin Cities area is living with scoliosis, our team is ready to help you explore your non-surgical options.