Considerations for Richmond Scoliosis Patients
Scoliosis isn’t a condition all Richmond parents, families or persons have to consider. For those whose lives or loved ones’ lives are affected by scoliosis, Richmond scoliosis is a big consideration. Johnson Chiropractic presents these new findings about Richmond scoliosis development and treatment of scoliosis.
CAUSES OF Richmond SCOLIOSIS: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS YOUTH
Being physically active is a usual recommendation for Richmond chiropractic patients. It’s important for all Richmond kids and especially for kids at risk for scoliosis. New research on the mechanism, diagnosis and treatment of spinal scoliosis - though little is known about the origins of adolescent onset idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) – recorded that reduced physical ability and activity in those who go on develop scoliosis by age 15 was seen as early as age 18 months. Those children who did more objectively measured moderate/vigorous physical activity at age 11 were 30% less likely to develop scoliosis. (1) Johnson Chiropractic knows Richmond parents will want to keep their kids moving!
Richmond SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: OUTCOME PREDICTION
Beyond understanding the development of scoliosis, treatment of scoliosis intrigues Richmond scoliosis patients. The spine itself may help predict its respond to Richmond chiropractic treatment. A noticeable tilting of the L3 and L4 vertebrae at skeletal maturity, especially one greater than 16°, predicts future curve progression and low back pain in adulthood. (2) Such a spine with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis profits from spinal mobilization and therapeutic exercise. They both may slow the progression of the curve and reduce the already increased magnitude of the curve. A form of spinal manipulation referred to as Cox® Flexion Distraction spinal manipulation incorporates spine distraction with mobilization of vertebral segments into their normal ranges of motion. This may allow increased mobility and assist in stopping curve progression and in reducing the curvature. (3)
Richmond SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: SPINAL MOBILIZATION
A new study reported support for spinal mobilization of scoliosis spines. Researchers discovered significant improvements in the neutral angles of both the lower thoracic spine curve and the lower lumbar spine curve after triple-treatment trunk stretching. Triple-treatment trunk stretching may well improve the spinal curve and the physical fitness status of the scoliosis patient. (4) Again, Cox® flexion distraction manipulation stretches the basic anatomical posture of scoliosis.
Richmond SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: SURGICAL VS NON-SURGICAL
Clear indication of the clinical expectations and outcomes of non-surgical and surgical care for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is scarce. While AIS can develop throughout the growth years and cause a significant deformity, It’s usually not symptomatic. Nevertheless, the risk of health problems and curve progression increases if the final spinal curvature reaches or exceeds a certain degree. Scoliosis-specific exercises, bracing, and surgery are more typical interventions to prevent the progression. The main goals of all these interventions are to revise the deformity, prevent additional deterioration of the curve, and bring back the spine’s asymmetry and balance. Additionally, minimizing morbidity and pain and allowing return to full function are also significant. Surgery is normally suggested for curvatures over 40 to 50 degrees to stop the curvature. There are many reports of short-term (few months) favorable surgical treatment outcomes but not many long-term outcomes (more than 20 years). For those with curves over 45 degrees, there are no randomized controlled trials and prospective controlled trials comparing spinal fusion surgery with non-surgical interventions in people with AIS with a Cobb angle more than 45 degrees to say one is better. (5)
Richmond SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic medicine can be first line care for AIS. The chiropractor measures the curvature angle and sets up a Richmond treatment plan that can include spinal manipulation, specialized exercises, postural control, and bracing. If needed, interdisciplinary care will be included in the Richmond chiropractic treatment plan. Concerning chiropractic Cox® Technic spinal manipulation, consider the study (6) about stiffness of the thoracic spine which is the main area of the spine affected by scoliosis. This study found that changes in spinal stiffness with chronic thoracic pain demonstrate correlation with pain and muscle activity. Spinal stiffness is increased in chronic spine related pain. Improvement of spine motion is a aim of non-surgical treatment of scoliosis whether in the adolescent or middle to older aged individual.
CONTACT Johnson Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST about Cox® Technic chiropractic care of scoliosis told by Dr. Roberto Branca, an Italian chiropractor using Cox® Technic, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson. He discusses how he helps keep an active woman who has scoliosis active.
Schedule your Richmond chiropractic visit. Considering all the treatments available for Richmond scoliosis is vital to the adolescent or adult with scoliosis and his/her family. Johnson Chiropractic partners with Richmond scoliosis patients and their families to discover the right path for spinal mobility, strength, and health.
