Scoliosis: The Modern Approach

What is Scoliosis?

The effects of scoliosis include: poor posture, shoulder humping, muscle weakness, and pain. In rare cases scoliosis can lead to heart and lung problems. Traditionally, a spinal curve is defined by measuring an angle of spinal curvature on a front-to-back view X-ray. To qualify as a scoliosis the curve must exceed 10 degrees. This simple measurement implies that scoliosis is a problem of the spine in just one view. However, scoliosis is really a complex 3-D change of the spine, ribcage and pelvis. Traditional medical treatment in the U.S. is “watchful waiting” for most curves under 25 degrees. This do-nothing approach is frustrating for parents and patients alike who are seeking to be more proactive. This is not the general approach in Europe, for example, where it is commonplace to begin a “physiotherapeutic” program to work to prevent worsening.

 

Scoliosis Rehabilitation

Scoliosis Specific Exercises: The scoliosis specific approach used throughout Europe is not to be confused with standard physical therapy as practiced in the U.S. These European therapists are trained in methods specific to scoliosis management. 

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Mechanical Traction: In addition to the specific scoliosis exercises at Modern Chiropractic Center our doctors are trained in advanced principles of applying mechanical traction (stretching machines) to help aid in the improvement of the scoliosis. 

 

Scoliosis Bracing

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The Modern “ScoliBrace” The new ScoliBrace is unique and different from the above

traditional braces. Unlike the older generations of rigid spinal braces, a ScoliBrace is 

designed to position the patient in an over-corrected position that is essentially the

“mirror-image” of the patient’s original deformity. The outcome is a reduction of the

abnormal curvatures in the majority of cases, in addition to decreasing rib humping,

shoulder unleveling, and other postural distortions. In most cases the overall posture and

appearance of the patient’s body is greatly improved.

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The ScoliBrace is patient friendly. It opens and closes at the front making it easy to wear and

remove without assistance. This is in contrast to the inconvenience of the Boston Brace

which opens in the rear of the brace. The brace is a lower profile that allows freedom of

movement and concealment under clothing.

 

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Scoliosis is a 3 dimensional condition. Effective treatments need to be 3 dimensional too. Each ScoliBrace is custom made by using 3D bodyscans in conjunction with X-rays and posture photos. Each brace is then designed using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and custom made. Modification can be made in-office, allowing the doctor to “personalize” the brace even further for both comfort and effectiveness.

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Bracing is most beneficial for curves between 20 and 50 degrees. However, we have experience bracing curves over 70 degrees for those patients who could not or would not have surgery.

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The ScoliBrace process:

1. 3-D BRACESCAN, POSTURAL PHOTOS and X-RAYS

2. CUSTOM CREATION OF YOUR SCOLIBRACE

3. BRACE FITTING

4. PROGRESS REVIEWS AND FOLLOW-UPS