Scoliosis Bracing: How ScoliBrace is Shaping the Future
Scoliosis is a progressive, lateral curvature of the spine. When viewed from the side, the spine should have three curves. But when viewed from the front, the spine should be straight. Scoliosis can affect both children and adults. In children it can be a more serious condition because it can rapidly progress as the child grows.
The key to treating scoliosis is early detection and prompt treatment. The longer a scoliosis remains hidden, ignored or untreated, the longer and often more costly to treat. Every large scoliosis curve once started off as a small curve!
If left untreated, scoliosis can sometimes require surgery. In surgical cases, the bones of the spine are sometimes fused together and metal rods are inserted to try to straighten the spine. If the correct approach is used early enough, bracing is an effective treatment for halting the progression of scoliosis curves and reducing the need for surgery.
Treatment Options
It is recommended that patients seek out an expert scoliosis clinician should scoliosis be suspected. If left untreated, scoliosis could lead to severe pain and significant deformity. In advanced cases, the heart and lungs can become compromised and surgery is then warranted.
The best treatment option depends on a few different factors, including the age of the patient and the severity of the case, family history and risk of progression, as well as any other preexisting conditions. Typically all curves start small and these can start to occur at a young age.
Small scoliosis curves, under 20 degrees Cobb, in children and adults are often managed well with scoliosis specific exercise programs. These programs are tailored and individualized for each patient’s curve configuration. There are many different scoliosis curve configurations, so there is no single program that works for all curves and this is why it is so important to consult with an expert scoliosis clinician. By learning the exact exercises that address their individual curves, patients can practice specific, repetitive movements that are aimed at stopping the progression and reducing their curve where possible.
If curves are larger, within 25-55 degrees Cobb, or do not respond well enough to scoliosis exercise programs, then these patients can effectively be treated with scoliosis bracing. In rare cases of very large curves, surgery may be the best option. The main outcome of scoliosis bracing is to stop the scoliosis from progressing, and when possible correct and straighten the spine. In the majority of cases, a good-fitting, custom scoliosis brace can help a child or teenager avoid the need for surgery.
Why ScoliBrace?
The main outcome for any healthcare provider treating scoliosis is to prevent surgery. Scoliosis bracing is often the treatment recommended when surgery is a possibility if progression in the curve/curves occurs. ScoliBrace is the new era of scoliosis bracing. It is an over-corrective brace that works by guiding the body and spine into a posture that is the opposite of how the scoliosis is shaped. Curve reduction may be achieved, while improving the overall appearance of the body.
In addition to being over-corrective, ScoliBrace is patient friendly opening and closing in the front making it easy to wear and remove without assistance. There are a variety of colors and patterns available for patients to personalize the look of their brace.
Each brace is custom designed for the individual with computer-aided design (CAD) and then created with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). BraceScan, used in the process for fitting a ScoliBrace, combines 3D full-body laser scanning technology, x-rays and posture photographs.
Dr. Justin Anderson is a CBP advanced certified chiropractor in Boise, ID that possesses the training and expertise to detect the various types of scoliosis. Treatment options that are utilized for scoliosis patients include Chiropractic BioPhysics protocols, incorporating mirror-image exercises and corrective spine traction, along with fitting patients with the revolutionary ScoliBrace when warranted.
Please contact us today at Optimal Spine & Posture for a scoliosis screening and your personalized treatment options to give you a life free of pain and deformity.
