Dr. Burgoon has completed over 200 hours of post-graduate study on scoliosis.  At Towers Chiropractic we work with many individuals who have been diagnosed with scoliosis. When curvature of the spine is less than 30 degrees at the initial examination, significant decreases in the curvature of the spine is possible with treatment. The symptoms related to the scoliosis usually decrease significantly within the first two to three weeks of care. For patients who choose treatment in order to decrease the curvature, a 15 to 20% decrease in the curvature after 90- 120 days of treatment is not unusual. We base the percent decrease of curvature on x-rays taken both before and after the treatment period. Our treatment includes chiropractic adjustments, a graduated exercise program and a nutritional program.

Proactive Treatment of Scoliosis

We do not have a “wait and see” attitude -we are proactive when it comes to scoliosis. The more time the body has to adapt and compensate for abnormal spinal function the more difficult it is to correct the problems. We have treated people with scoliosis ranging in age from 12 to 92 years of age. Obviously the goals and expectations differ with the age of the patient. However, regardless of the age we are constantly amazed at the healing capacity of the body. It is not uncommon to see patients who have had scoliosis for greater than 40 years with varying pain patterns be pain-free in a couple of months.

Want to know more about scoliosis?

• Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of greater than 10 degrees as viewed on an anterior to posterior x-ray.
• The bones that make up the spine and the ribs are distorted in three dimensions in the x,y,z planes.
• Scoliosis is a multifaceted disease process causing psychological, osseous, neurological, digestive, and hormonal imbalances.
• According to the International Scoliosis Society “one out of every nine females have some signs of scoliosis”.
• Scoliosis can be caused by spinal deformities, trauma, and unknown causes (Idiopathic).. The most common form of scoliosis is called idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. This begins most often during adolescence in young females. The most common early changes indicating this type of scoliosis are postural distortions and growing pains.

Remember that the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the human body. Distortion of the spine, the structure protecting the nervous system, can affect body functions extensively.

To schedule a consultation, call Towers Family Chiropractic in Roanoke, Va. at (540)343-6636. To save time print and fill out the New Patient Forms and mail them to our office or bring them with you for your appointment.

Suggested Reading on Scoliosis

• Idiopathic Scoliosis: Natural History. Spine, 11, 1986, Whenstein.
• Correction of Spinal Curvatures by Transcutaneous Electrical Muscle Stimulation. Spine, 8, 1983, Reuber, Schultz, Spencer.
• Morphology of Scoliosis: Three Dimensional Evolution. Orthopedics, 10, 1987, Vidal, Perdiolle.
• Long-term Follow-up of Patients with Untreated Scoliosis. Spine, 17, #9 1992, Pehresson.
• Long-term Effects on Personality Development in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis, Spine, 11, 
# 5, 1986, Fallstrom, Cochran.
• Postural and Ocular Motor Control in the Idiopathic Scoliosis. Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Scoliosis. 1984, Herman