Scoliosis or the sideways curvature of the spine can occur at any age a child is growing, usually between 10 and 18. Most cases tend to self-correct as the child grows, but early detection is important to take preemptive action. Mild scoliosis of the thoracic spine or lumbar spine generally requires immediate treatment and severe debilitating cases may require surgery. The need for treatment is determined by the magnitude of the curve, the location of the curve, and the child’s developmental stage of maturity in their bones.
If the spinal curve is less than 20 degrees, ongoing monitoring is recommended to prevent progression. A physician should regularly check the spine until the child has stopped growing to make sure it does not become a 45-50-degree curve. If the curve does progress beyond 20 degrees, your doctor will probably recommend a brace and physiotherapy for correction. There are non-surgical options for scoliosis treatment that physicians include in a patient’s care plan. Bracing, scoliosis-specific physical therapy, and Schroth exercises given by educated specialists have all shown success.
Let’s take a look at each non-surgical scoliosis treatment in a little more detail.
Bracing
Quality bracing for scoliosis is often the first step for children who need treatment to stop the curve from getting worse and eventually avoid surgery. A child should still be growing for bracing to work, and the curve shouldn’t be greater than 40 degrees. An orthopedic specialist will first examine the patient then prescribe a customized brace based on the severity, location, and type of scoliosis. As the child grows, the braces may need to be adjusted or replaced to ensure the correct fit. A brace is typically worn for a minimum of 18 hours a day to a maximum of 23 hours a day.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is relevant in all phases of scoliosis treatment, from the bracing stage to post-surgery. With the help of a specialized therapist, a patient will be guided by an individualized care plan that coincides with his condition’s severity. The physical therapy approach involves gentle range-of-motion exercises to help address functional limitations, strength training to improve core strength and manual therapy for healthier movement patterns. It also aims to retrain the brain to correct the body’s posture and bring the spine back into alignment by incorporating anti-scoliosis postures into normal daily activities.
Schroth Method
This research-supported physical therapy type involves tailored exercises to stop the curve from progressing and return it to a more natural position. It aims to de-rotate, elongate, and stabilize the spine by restoring muscular symmetry and posture alignment, improving breathing quality, and making a patient more aware of his posture. Only a Schroth-trained therapist should guide you in learning posture correction exercises, breathing exercises, and other low-impact exercises. Working with props such as wall ladders, poles, exercise bands, and therapy balls is also part of the Schroth method.
When choosing a scoliosis physical therapy program, it’s essential to know that not all treatments are equal. If your goals include lifestyle improvements like better posture, improved breathing, or pain relief, the experts at NorAlign Functional Rehabilitation Centre can help. We offer evidence-based treatment approaches to scoliosis and functional rehabilitation services to manage pain. For more information, book an appointment at +971 4 340 0017.