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Top > Scoliosis Treatment > Observation, Bracing and Surgery

Observation, Bracing and Surgery

Observation

The "watch and wait" method is usually recommended with Scoliosis Curvature between 0-25 degrees. This method of care is to monitor the progression of Scoliosis from the time of detection up until the Scoliosis Curvature reaches 25 degrees or child reaches skeletal maturity. Most doctors think that after skeletal maturity the curvature will not get worse, but that is far from the truth. In fact more than 2/3rds(68 %) of the scoliosis curvatures will continue to get worse following skeletal maturity according Weintein (et el, Idiopathic Scoliosis: long term follow-up and progress in untreated patients, Journal of Bone Joint Surgery AM. 1981:63:702-712)

It is much easier to reduce a small scoliosis curvature versus a larger scoliosis curvature with our Scoliosis Reduction Method.

Bracing

Bracing is regularly recommended with Scoliosis Curvature between 25-45 degrees. The logic of using a brace is to prevent the Scoliosis Curvature from progressing. Bracing usually does not reduce scoliosis curvature and will limit many physical activities. In order for the brace to prevent the Scoliosis Curvature from progressing, it must be worn tightly as possible for a long period of time each day, usually 23 hours. This could be difficult at times especially during the hot humid summer, not to mention the bulkiness and awkward shape of the Brace make it noticeable when out in the public. Bracing can often cause decrease lung function, rib deformity, and skin irritation, not to mention weaker muscles.

Bracing is still the most common treatment method recommended. While many doctors still recommend a soft or rigid brace to halt the curve progression, recent scientific studies question the effectiveness of this practice. In some cases, the forced correction of a brace actually causes an increase in patient's rib deformity, commonly known as a rib hump. Even if a brace is successful and does not increase deformity, all benefit is lost once the brace is removed. Overall, a 2007 article for the journal, Spine, graded bracing as a “D” for ability to halt curve progression. Both patients and researchers agree that we need a better system. Now there is a better system!

Surgery

Surgery is recommended for Scoliosis Curvature above 40 degrees. Many long-term studies indicate poor treatment outcomes for surgically treated patients and some studies even recommend a second surgery for complete removal of the hardware after bony fusion has taken place. Research indicates that surgical intervention, while potentially necessary at times for very large spinal curves, is primarily a cosmetic procedure which ultimately leaves the complex condition of scoliosis untreated. The surgical procedure simply transforms the spinal deformity into a permanent spinal dysfunction that often results in chronic pain, disfigurement, and even long-term disability. While scoliosis surgery has improved over the past several decades, choosing surgery is never easy, and many patients find that the risks and poor treatment outcomes make this a last resort.

Before considering surgery please consult with a CLEAR Intensive Care Certified doctor and know all your options. Because once the surgery is done, there is no turning back. A well trained CLEAR Intensive Care Certified doctor will dedicate himself/herself to finding a better and best solution for your specific Scoliosis Curvature.

Regular Chiropractic Spinal Adjustiment

Regular Chiropractic Spinal adjustment can help with subsiding pain cause by scoliosis, such as, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Mid-Back Pain, and Shoulder Pain. BUT research shows that Chiropractic Spinal Adjustment WILL NOT reduce Scoliosis Curvature.

At Bones and Beyond, Dr. Hugh Van Kieu, DC, IDE is CLEAR Intensive Care Certified and will use his knowledge and skills to best help you with your Scoliosis.




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