Scoliosis Treatment in Boise, Idaho
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.
What is Scoliosis?
The most commonly diagnosed scoliosis is called “adolescent idiopathic scoliosis”. Idiopathic means “of unknown origin”. Recent research into the cause of scoliosis seems to suggest that there is often a genetic factor, which affects the control of the growth of the spine. This is why a familial history of scoliosis is of significance.
Scoliosis can affect infants, juveniles, adolescents, adults and elderly populations. In children it can be a more serious condition because scoliosis can rapidly progress as the child grows.
Scoliosis is usually first seen in children between the ages of 11 and 15. However, it can occur in younger children 3-10 years of age (juvenile scoliosis) and in babies (infantile scoliosis). Scoliosis can also occur in adults with no previous history, due to spinal degeneration and advancing age. This is called De Novo scoliosis.
The effects of scoliosis include: poor posture, shoulder unleveling and humping, muscle weakness, and spinal pain. In advanced cases, scoliosis can lead to heart and lung problems later in life.
If scoliosis is detected and treated early, patients can avoid these symptoms in many cases. If left untreated, scoliosis can sometimes require surgery. In these surgical cases, the bones of the spine are sometimes fused together and metal rods are inserted to try to straighten the spine. However, if the correct approach is used early enough, bracing is an effective treatment for stopping the progression of scoliosis curves and reducing the chances for surgery in high-risk cases.
In adults, pain and poor posture are the most common complaints. Ongoing progression of the scoliosis can also be an issue. Often regularly prescribed treatments for the pain associated with adult scoliosis do not help as they do not address the actual scoliosis. Fortunately, new treatments such as the adult scoliosis brace and intensive exercise rehabilitation offer these patients new hope.
How to Detect Scoliosis and its Symptoms
The Negative Effects of Scoliosis
Many sufferers experience pain, neurological issues, cosmetic concerns, and lifelong disability. Significant curves may even require spinal fusion surgery.
Though scoliosis doesn’t always cause physical pain and sometimes no pain at all, it can create psychological issues that come with rib and thorax deformities. It has been studied that those with scoliosis often have significantly higher levels of depression and a lower quality of life.
Are you questioning if you or your child could have scoliosis? Here are some signs to look for:
- Scoliosis often causes back pain, shoulder pain and even neck pain.
- Shoulders appear uneven. One-shoulder blade also could stick out more than the other.
- Significant twisting or rotations in the rib cage are signs that there is some underlying pathology.
- The waist or hips appear uneven. Or your belly button is not centered.
Scoliosis can progress rapidly in a growing child, therefore when any of these signs or symptoms are present, it’s important to schedule an exam with a scoliosis clinician right away.
How to detect Scoliosis
There are a number of ‘warning signs’ to look for to indicate that perhaps you or someone you know has scoliosis.
Should you notice any one or more of these signs, you should consult a trained Scoliosis Clinician at Optimal Spine & Posture for a full assessment.
Our Multifaceted Treatment Approach
Traditional medical treatment in the U.S. is “watchful waiting” for most curves under 25 degrees. This “do-nothing” approach continues to be very frustrating for parents and patients affected by scoliosis.
Research advances show that early detection and intervention leads to the best results. At Optimal Spine & Posture, Dr. Justin Anderson is pleased to offer the most up to date, noninvasive treatment options with the goal of correcting the scoliosis and reducing the risk of surgery.
- Chiropractic care
- Scoliosis-specific exercises:
- Specific scoliosis rehabilitation and exercise programs can play an important role in scoliosis treatment. Traditionally there has been the opinion that “exercise and physical therapy does not work for scoliosis”. While this may be true for general physical therapy or general exercise programs, there are now scoliosis specific exercise programs that are supported by published evidence. Currently, these scoliosis specific exercise and rehabilitation programs include Chiropractic BioPhysics. Optimal Spine & Posture is proud to offer these protocols for scoliosis patients.
- The use of heel lifts or shoe modifications to balance the pelvis if needed
- 3D scoliosis bracing
Most scoliosis braces are not true custom 3D corrective braces. They often rely on 3 points of pressure to try and squeeze the spine straight, or come from pre-molded shapes, forced to fit the patient.
For growing children and adolescents, or adults, getting them custom fitted in a correct brace design will provide the best treatment results. This is why ScoliBrace is offered at Optimal Spine & Posture, truly the best brace on the market.
What Does the ScoliBrace Process Look Like?
- 3-D body scan, posture photos and X-rays
- Manufacturing of the ScoliBrace
- Fitting of the custom brace and any modifications
- Progress checks and follow ups
You can call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation to see if in-office rehabilitation and/or the ScoliBrace may work for you and your specific scoliosis curvature.
Out of town? We see patients from out of the area by making arrangements for both in office, intensive treatment for a period of 1-4 weeks, sometimes combined with scanning and fitting of an expedited ScoliBrace. Call us today to make arrangements!
Scoliosis Consultation
Dr. Justin Anderson will start by obtaining your health history. If your history and exam suggests the possibility of scoliosis or another spinal problem, he will take the necessary X-rays, these are necessary to accurately assess and diagnose your condition. Based on the results of the exam and X-rays, proper recommendations and a customized protocol that’s tailored to meet your needs will be prescribed.
At our practice, we will tailor a program that meets your needs, wants, and goals while relying on evidence-based protocols. Individualized goals for care are dependant on your age at the diagnosis, how big the curves are, and your personal goals you want from treatment (correction or pain relief). Contact us today to schedule a consultation for scoliosis treatment.
Does scoliosis just affect children and adolescents?
No, 1 in 3 adults over 60 years of age will develop scoliosis due to degeneration of the spine. Adults over 50 years of age with any postural shifting or back pain should get checked as soon as possible.
What causes scoliosis?
85% of all cases are idiopathic, which means no clear underlying cause. Genetics are involved in ~30% of cases. The best way to prevent scoliosis from progressing is early detection and prompt treatment.
At what age should kids be screened for scoliosis?
The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America (POSNA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) believe girls should be screened at ages 10 AND 12 years, and males once at age 13 or 14 years. Parents should have all their children checked, especially if anyone in the family has scoliosis. (ScoliScreen® online screening tool)