Question
My sister-in-law has found a chiropractor for her son's scoliosis (32 degree S curve), and the chiropractor has shown x rays of children's backs straightening.  Online I see that there is no research that shows this to work.  However, the chiropractor shows many x rays.  Do you know if this is a scam?
Thank you~

Answer
Lauren:

Thanks for writing!

As you may or may not have noticed, I am a chiropractor. But, I am not answering his from a position of prejudice but from a position of my clinical experience and understanding of spinal mechanics.

I have seen a scoliosis improve in a patient of mine when I was not even trying to straighten it, just to get her more functional. So I know it can be done.

There are chiropractors who specialize in straightening scoliosis. I understand the mechanics of what they do and can see that is has a good deal of common sense in it and a good chance of success.

I have studied at least three chiropractic authors on scoliosis and there are some things in common in their procedures. First, the entire spine has to be adjusted and second, exercises and or muscle work has to be part of the program. If these two things are present, there is a good chance of success.

The conservative approach is much less invasive and should always be tried first. If you would take a look at a full spine X-ray of a child who has had the steel rods put in their back to straighten a scoliosis, you would be able to feel their pain just by looking at the xray.

Your sister-in-law has made a wise choice. Support her in this.

Does this answer your question?

Dr. Rozeboom