scoliosis treatment

Scoliosis Treatment Options

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Additionally, the scoliosis treatment options depend on the type and severity of the curve.

Non-surgical treatment including physiotherapy and bracing are recommended for scoliosis with less than 40 degrees.

scoliosis treatment

A scoliosis curve with less than 15-20 degrees will require physiotherapy to correct or stabilise the curve with exercises into the corrective posture; meanwhile, manual therapy and strong massage will help to release joint stiffness. As well as tight muscles that are contributed from the curve to assist in maintaining the corrective posture.

Scoliosis with a larger curve from 20- 40 degrees will require the use of the brace to correct or stabilize the curvature.

There are different types of braces in the market but they are mainly classified into rigid and non-rigid braces. The following is a comparison of the two types of braces.

Rigid Brace SpineCor Dynamic Corrective Brace
The aim is to stop the progression of scoliosis.

  • Limit the movements of the spine
  • Restrict normal body movement
  • Produce atrophy of spinal muscles
  • The spine may return to back to the pre-treatment state after the termination of brace use
  • Hot to wear
  • Difficult to hide under clothing
  • Example:
    • Milwaukee
    • Charleston
    • TLSO
    • Boston
    • Cheneau
 The aim is progressive curve reduction and neuro-muscular integration

  • Offer Sustainable long term improvement of curves (Must worn 20 hrs/day and min 18 months)·Achieve permanent stable changes to client’s posture·No negative side effect (No muscular atrophy) Preserve normal body movement and growth and allow normal ADL and sports.
  • Improved comfort
  • Easily concealed under clothing
  • Good cosmetic appearance
  • Improved self-image
  • Increased compliance

Brace Effectiveness Factors

Additionally, the effectiveness of the brace depends on a few factors mentioned below.

  • Good flexibility
  • Skeletally immature spine
  • Small Cobb angle
  • Slow progression
  • Minimal vertebral deformity
  • Good compliance
  • Active child

Therefore, for a scoliosis curve more than 40 degrees, surgery may be recommended for the curve.

Surgery will entail the use of special surgical implants such as rods, hooks, screws, and wires to straighten the spine and secure it in place (fusion).

Also, apart from surgery; appropriate exercises are needed to strengthen the muscles to stabilise the corrected curve for long term effects. If not; nonetheless, it is likely for the curve to increase in the future.

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