How to Relieve Scoliosis Pain

Non-surgical pain relief for scoliosis is readily available for patients in the Greenville, Spartanburg & Anderson areas. Proliferative injection, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), therapeutic exercise and medication are just a few of the treatments that we offer.

Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine or backbone. While the spine has normal curves when looking at it from the side or profile view, it should appear straight when looking from the front or back. With scoliosis, the bones of the spine twist horizontally from side to side. In most cases the cause of scoliosis is idiopathic or unknown.

Scoliosis affects 2-3% of the American population, or approximately 7 million people. There is no age, race or socio-economic factor that makes the condition more common amongst a certain group – it can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any age. However, it does have a hereditary component; people with scoliosis are more likely to have children with scoliosis. However, there is no correlation between the severity of the curve from one generation to the next. Functional, or compensatory, causes of scoliosis are the result of a problem somewhere else in the body. For example, one leg might be shorter than the other and the spine tries to “right” oneself by twisting to make up for it. The condition is usually noticed and diagnosed around 10-15 years old and can also occur in both sexes, but is eight times more likely for females to develop a curve that requires treatment.

In most cases, treatment is not necessary for scoliosis. For some children, bracing is recommended to prevent further curving of the spine (primarily because they are going through a vital time in growth). For other patients, if the curvature is severe, spinal fusion surgery might be necessary. But regardless of whether any sort of treatment is needed or not, it doesn’t mean that back pain and aches won’t be present. While scoliosis can cause back pain at any age, many people with it don’t complain until later in life. As they grow older the curve can get worse. If it becomes too severe it can affect the heart and lungs such that corrective surgery with rods is required.

Scoliosis Treatment Options

Whether surgery is performed or not, spinal pain can persist. One of the best treatments is prevention. Strengthening and stretching from an early age is important.

• Bracing is frequently tried to retard progression of the curve.
• Treatment of associated nerve irritation or injury may be determined with electrodiagnostics such as electromyography, and nerve conduction studies can help relieve pain and decrease spasm.
• Strengthening and regeneration of weakened muscles, tendons, and ligaments can provide dramatic relief. The exact location of where to treat can be ascertained through testing like Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound.
• Trigger point injections (Xylocaine into muscle groups) and Electrical Muscle Stimulators (electric devices that both strengthen and massage the muscles) can offer excellent relief.
• Proliferative injections (medication that regrows ligament) and Platelet Rich Plasma grafting (injecting a person’s own growth factors into areas of weak muscle or ligament) are more aggressive but highly effective methods for both pain control and repair of injured structures.
• Judicious use of medication, an emphasis on nutrition, acupuncture and regular exercise are also a few other useful additions to full wellness and treatment.

If spinal pain interferes with activities of daily living there are many options available to both treat the root cause and provide relief. While scoliosis is a lifelong condition if someone is willing to put energy into improving their overall wellness then a great impact on quality of life can be accomplished. If you’re looking for scoliosis pain relief or have other questions about your scoliosis pain, please call us at 1 864 235 1834.