Chiropractic and the Correction of Adolescent Scoliosis

I am frequently asked if chiropractic can do anything to correct childhood and adolescent scoliosis.

The short answer is "YES!"

The long answer is best shared with this awesome testimonial letter that I received from a long time patient and friend, Bert Smits (posted with his permission):

In October 2000, when our son Jason was just six years old, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He underwent ten hours of surgery to remove the tumor followed by extensive chemotherapy and radiation for the year thereafter. Jason is now thirteen and cancer free. He does however, still have many disabilities due to post surgery and the treatments that he incurred during this period.

While being examined during one of his routine follow ups, which occur about every three months, mild scoliosis was noticed initially to an extent of a 12 degree misalignment. The doctor said that nothing could be done initially, and that we should monitor his condition with a yearly follow up. Over the course of the next two years, his condition worsened, and our conventional doctors could do nothing about this except monitor its progression. We later took him to Shriners Childrens Hospital where they specialize in orthopedic conditions such as treating scoliosis and bone conditions. His x-rays were concerning, showing what now looked to me like severe bending of Jason’s spine. We were informed that his spine had a 24 degree misalignment and was told that at approximately 26 to 40 degrees of curvature, a full body back brace would need to be worn 23 hours a day, 7 days a week. We asked if there were any alternatives and was told that there was no scientific proof that there was any other remedy proven to work.

We asked our chiropractor, Dr. Reed Shiraki, to look at Jason’s x-rays. He told us that he thought he could prevent the worsening of his scoliosis, if not improve his condition with regular chiropractic care and specific daily exercises. My first thought was that it probably wouldn’t work, but that it was also the least intensive procedure, and that it couldn’t hurt. We felt it was worth a try to keep Jason out of a full body brace.

Three months later, when returning to Shriners for his follow up exam, Jason’s x-rays showed remarkable progress. I immediately saw a change in his spinal misalignment, and when his orthopedic surgeon formally measured the amount of curvature, Jason had corrected by 4 degrees to only a 20 degree misalignment, definitely making him a non-candidate for a full body brace. I can only attribute this correction to the regimen prescribed by Dr. Shiraki as Jason’s scoliosis had worsened over time until getting regular chiropractic care.

We continue to follow Dr. Shiraki’s advice and hope to continue to see progress in the correction of Jason’s scoliosis. Thank you, Dr. Reed, for continuing to help Jason. As the family struggles with his disabilities, it’s very comforting to know that what looked like another big hurdle for Jason appears to be resolving.

 Jason and Me