The vast majority of scoliosis cases are considered “idiopathic”, which is a fancy term used by doctors that means the cause is unknown (Doctors HATE admitting when they don’t know something so they invented a fancy word to disguise that admission!). 

While in some cases there are readily [...]]]>

Catching Scoliosis Early Allows For More Successful Treatment

The vast majority of scoliosis cases are considered “idiopathic”, which is a fancy term used by doctors that means the cause is unknown (Doctors HATE admitting when they don’t know something so they invented a fancy word to disguise that admission!). 

While in some cases there are readily identifiable causes for scoliosis development, such as a congenital difference in leg length that causes the pelvis to be tilted, or a mal-formed vertebra that the spine curves to compensate for, in most cases, there is no definite cause. 

In theory, scoliosis may develop as a consequence of uneven mechanical loading in the spine caused by various traumas, or possibly even just poor postural habits.  As one side of the spine takes on more mechanical stress, uneven growth occurs in children and adolescents, resulting in the curvature.  While this is still only a theory, it suggests the importance of having children and teenagers periodically checked for problems of spinal joint function and structural development. 

Early detection of scoliotic curve formation is essential to preventing major problems.  In most cases, if a developing scoliosis is detected early, non-surgical treatment is highly effective at stopping curve progression and often correcting the scoliosis.

Scoliosis surgery typically involves fastening a metal rod to the spine from the top of the curvature to the bottom, usually spanning all or most of the upper torso. 

While surgery is necessary in rare cases to prevent compression of organs by the distortion of the chest cavity [...]]]>

Scoliosis Surgery Scar - Picture Licensed By http://www.flickr.com/photos/appyyy/

Scoliosis surgery typically involves fastening a metal rod to the spine from the top of the curvature to the bottom, usually spanning all or most of the upper torso. 

While surgery is necessary in rare cases to prevent compression of organs by the distortion of the chest cavity in severe scoliotic curves, it is not required in most situations. 

Although surgery may appeal to some patients who dislike the postural deformity caused by their scoliosis, because of the risks and long-term problems associated with rod implantation, it really should be reserved for those individuals who are at risk for secondary health problems, such as lung and heart issues. 

Scoliosis surgery will result in considerable limitation of mobility in the upper torso, and of course a sizable scar will be visible when the back is exposed. 

Risks of surgery include reactions to anaesthesia and post-surgical infections which can be very serious.  In a small number of cases, the attachments of the implanted rod will detach from the spine, requiring additional surgery to repair. 

Because of the potential risks and drawbacks of scoliosis surgery, all other scoliosis treatment options should be exhausted before surgery is considered.

Many people with scoliosis experience back pain and assume that it is an inescapable consequence of the spinal curvature.  Some are even told by their doctors that they’ll have to use pain medication on a regular basis for the rest of their lives, or simply learn to live [...]]]>

Scoliosis Doesn't Condemn You To Back Pain!

Many people with scoliosis experience back pain and assume that it is an inescapable consequence of the spinal curvature.  Some are even told by their doctors that they’ll have to use pain medication on a regular basis for the rest of their lives, or simply learn to live with the pain.  Spinal surgeons will sometimes use the chance of lifelong pain as a selling point for scoliosis surgery.

You don’t have to be in pain or take drugs just because you have scoliosis, and surgery is far from being a recipe for a pain-free life!

The vast majority of pain and discomfort from scoliosis can be controlled without medication in most cases.  Most of the symptoms of scoliosis are related to muscle reactions and joint irritation.  These problems can be effectively treated initially with joint manipulation and physical therapy and largely prevented long-term with exercise.

Because of the uneven mechanical loading on joints, muscles, and other tissues from scoliotic curvatures, it is not unsual for mechanical dysfunction and irritation to result. 

The first step in alleviating pain and discomofort without the use of drugs is to restore joint mobility and function.  This can usually be accomplished with chiropractic joint manipulation and spine decompression using a Flexion-Distraction table. 

Muscle and soft tissue reactions can be treated using massage, vibration, electrical muscle stimulation, and other physical therapy modalities. 

Once the initial painful symptoms have been brought under control, exercises to balance muscle strength and stretch areas of tightness can be done by the patient at home.  Just a few minutes per day of the appropriate exercises will go a long way toward preventing symptoms from returning.

Through daily exercise and occasional chiropractic and physical therapy, scoliosis symptoms can be largely eliminated, whether or not the scoliosis can be straightened.

Surgical scoliosis correction may be needed in extreme cases to prevent interference with lung and cardiac function, but it is rarely necessary for pain control purposes.  On the contrary, except in severe cases, scoliosis surgery usually does not substantially reduce pain and may actually increase overall pain and discomfort in the long-run. 

Fortunately, only a small minority of scoliosis cases progress to the extreme of requiring surgery, so for the vast majority of patients, pain and discomfort can be effectively managed with home exercises and perhaps the occasional in-office therapy.