{"id":3840,"date":"2023-07-13T19:09:31","date_gmt":"2023-07-13T19:09:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/optimalchiropracticboise.com\/?p=3840"},"modified":"2023-07-14T15:21:26","modified_gmt":"2023-07-14T15:21:26","slug":"can-scoliosis-be-treated-without-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/optimalchiropracticboise.com\/blog\/can-scoliosis-be-treated-without-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Scoliosis Be Treated Without Surgery?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Can Scoliosis Be Treated Without Surgery?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to bend to the side and rotate, making it appear on x-ray like an \u201cS\u201dor \u201cC\u201d shape. Scoliosis is quantified by a Cobb angles; this is measured on the x-rays. Cobb angle is an important determinant of treatment options and recommendations. In severe scoliosis curves, the spinal curvature can
\ncontinue progressing, causing more pain and discomfort but also limiting
\nrange of motion and function. While there are several surgeries that a
\nneurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon can recommend to reduce the
\ncurvature, non-surgical options can also help restore the alignment of the
\nspine and help reduce the curvature.<\/p>\n

Is It Possible To Fix Scoliosis Completely?<\/strong>
\nScoliosis is a condition of the spine that can\u2019t be completely
\ncured. As such, there\u2019s no option to completely \u201cfix\u201d scoliosis, at least not to
\n100%. However, scoliosis can be treated in a way that helps reduce the
\ncurvature, reducing the angle and improving the overall spinal alignment and
\nfunction. Additionally, treatment can also effectively reduce and manage any
\npain\/discomfort and disability associated with scoliosis. Not all treatment
\nprograms are the same for scoliosis. The goal of a specific treatment program
\nwill depend on the age of the patient, bone maturity, severity of the curvature
\nand other factors surrounding the scoliosis diagnosis. For example, when
\ntreating growing children or teens, the goal is typically to prevent progression
\nand reduce the angle of the spinal curvature to under 30 degrees, which
\nhelps to reduce the risk of progression, pain and disability later in life.
\nConversely, when treating adults, the goal is usually to prevent or slow the
\nprogression and reduce pain levels. Additionally, improving aesthetic and
\nphysical appearance along with body posture and symmetry is a goal for
\nmany cases.<\/p>\n

SOSORT Guidelines on Scoliosis Treatment<\/strong>
\nThe Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) is an
\norganization dedicated to improving the standard of care for scoliosis
\npatients and provide guidance on the conservative (non-surgical) treatments
\nfor scoliosis.<\/p>\n

How Scoliosis Severity Affects Treatment Options<\/strong>
\nThe severity of scoliosis will have an impact on the type of treatment that is recommended. In general, mild scoliosis (defined as a curvature less than 20 degrees) may not require treatment but should be monitored closely. For moderate scoliosis (curvature between 20 and 40 degrees), non-surgical treatments such as bracing and physical therapy may be recommended. Severe scoliosis (curvature greater than 40 degrees) may require surgical intervention in addition to non-surgical treatments. The guidelines published by SOSORT in 2016 provide more detailed recommendations for treatment based on scoliosis severity and other factors.<\/p>\n

Mild cases of scoliosis may only require observation, while moderate cases may require scoliosis specific exercises and rehab, and\/or bracing. Surgery may be required for severe cases of scoliosis. The patient\u2019s age is a very important factor in determining the best treatment option. Scoliosis bracing is recommended for patients who are still growing to help prevent the curvature from getting worse in juvenile or adolescence.<\/p>\n

Severe cases of scoliosis may be recommended surgery to
\nprevent further deformity and to help long-term outcomes. Preventing
\npulmonary and cardiovascular compromise is one of the main goals in these
\ncases. No matter the severity of the scoliosis, it is essential to work closely with
\nyour scoliosis doctor to determine the best course of action. They will be able
\nto review these factors and help to create a treatment plan tailored to your
\nspecific needs.<\/p>\n

Why Surgery Isn\u2019t Always The Best Option<\/strong>
\nWhile surgery can be an effective treatment for scoliosis in some cases, it also carries risks and potential complications. These risks can include infections, bleeding, nerve damage, blood clots, and anesthesia-related complications. It’s important for patients and their doctors to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of surgery before deciding on a treatment plan. In many cases, non-surgical treatments such as bracing, physical therapy, and exercise can be effective in managing scoliosis without the need for surgery.<\/p>\n

Surgery can also be costly, and recovery times are often long and uncomfortable. It\u2019s not uncommon for it to take upwards of a year or more for patients to fully recover from scoliosis surgery. Surgery can correct the physical curvature of the spine, but it does not address the underlying factors that contributed to the development of scoliosis, such as muscle imbalances, postural habits, and spinal misalignments. Without addressing these underlying issues, the curvature can continue to progress even after surgery. That’s why a comprehensive treatment plan that includes non-invasive treatments such as physical therapy and bracing can help address the underlying factors and prevent further progression of the curvature. For these reasons, it is essential to explore your treatment options before deciding on surgery.<\/p>\n

The Benefits Of Non-Surgical Treatments For Scoliosis<\/strong>
\nNon-surgical treatments can be hugely beneficial when treating scoliosis in mild, moderate, or even severe cases. There are several benefits of non-surgical treatments for scoliosis, including:<\/p>\n

Non-invasive: Non-surgical treatments do not require any invasive procedures, which means that patients can avoid the risks associated with surgery.
\nCost-effective: Non-surgical treatments are often less expensive than surgery, which can be a significant factor for many patients and their families.
\nReduce Pain And Discomfort: Non-surgical treatments can help reduce the symptoms and pain associated with scoliosis by improving flexibility and strength in the spine.
\nPrevent Progression: Scoliosis-specific exercises and bracing can help prevent the curvature from progressing. Bracing is often recommended for adolescents with moderate scoliosis, as it can help prevent the curvature from getting worse while the spine is still growing. Physical therapy and specific exercises can also be used to strengthen the muscles around the spine, which can help support the spine and prevent further curvature.
\nCorrect Spinal Curvature: Scoliosis-specific exercises and bracing can also help to reduce the curvature of the spine in some cases.
\nImprove Range Of Motion: Non-surgical treatments such as scoliosis-specific exercises, stretching, and manual therapies can help improve range of motion in the spine, reducing stiffness and increasing flexibility. These treatments can also help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with scoliosis.
\nMaintain Spine Corrections: Scoliosis-specific exercises can help maintain the corrections achieved through bracing in mild and moderate cases. These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles around the spine and improving flexibility, which can provide support and stability to the spine.<\/p>\n

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Scoliosis Treatments Without Surgery<\/strong>
\nAt Optimal Spine & Posture, we believe surgery should be a last resort for treating scoliosis. To ensure our patients receive the best possible outcomes for scoliosis, we offer a variety of non-surgical treatment options. These include:<\/p>\n

Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP)<\/strong>
\nCBP, or Chiropractic BioPhysics, is an effective method for treating scoliosis-related pain. Unlike traditional chiropractic care that aims to provide immediate pain relief, CBP focuses on identifying and correcting the underlying cause of the pain. This approach is based on extensive research and aims to restore proper alignment of the spine.
\nAt Optimal Spine & Posture, we develop a customized CBP treatment plan to suit the unique needs of each patient. This may involve various techniques such as adjustments, traction, stretching and strengthening exercises, and a personalized home rehabilitation program.<\/p>\n

ScoliBalance<\/strong>
\nScoliBalance is a specialized form of physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise (PSSE) that combines various techniques, including CBP, SEAS, and Schroth. It utilizes personalized 3D postural corrections, exercises, and stretches to address each patient’s specific needs. ScoliBalance is effective in slowing or stopping the progression of scoliosis, improving flexibility, muscular balance, posture, and reducing pain. It is a suitable treatment option for patients of all ages, and the focus is on providing achievable and effective treatment plans that patients can learn and implement.<\/p>\n

Custom Scoliosis Bracing<\/strong>
\nA scoliosis brace is a personalized device that is designed to provide support to the spine and prevent it from further progression, thus avoiding the need for surgery. Depending on the severity of the scoliosis, a brace can be used in combination with physical therapy and scoliosis-specific exercises or alone. Typically, bracing is recommended for adolescent patients with a curvature greater than 25 degrees. It may also be appropriate for adults with degenerative scoliosis, which causes the curvature to worsen with age, or those experiencing severe pain due to scoliosis. In adolescents, bracing can prevent progression and even reduce the size of the curve in some cases. In adults, bracing is used to prevent progression, relieve pain, and stabilize the curvature but not necessarily to correct it. There are various types of braces available, each tailored to the patient’s individual needs. The decision to use a brace should be made after an assessment by a specialist who can determine the severity and progression of scoliosis.<\/p>\n

There are different types of braces recommended for scoliosis patients depending on their age and the severity of their curvature. These include:<\/p>\n