Effective Scoliosis Treatment by our Clinical Teams and Technology

What is Scoliosis and how should it be treated?

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, detected in children especially during periods of rapid growth. It is more common in females and often passed from mother to child (daughter). Mild and moderate cases are painless, but can it cause pain as it progresses. Our Clinical teams of Chiropractors and Physiotherapists have Advanced Technology, Skills, and Knowledge to offer you an effective method of non-operative Scoliosis Treatment. Visit or call a center near you for more information.

BY DEFINITION, SCOLIOTIC CURVE HAS TO BE GREATER THAN 10 DEGREES. 

Scoliosis of unknown etiology is related to the inherited form. If caught early, treatments rendered will have a better chance of success. However, treatments must be target specific and inclusive of rehabilitation, chiropractic, physiotherapy and even nutrition and lifestyle changes. The key to a successful treatment is a focused holistic care. In other words, it is critical to find and treat as many of the root causes as possible. Thus, so the need for an in-depth analysis. Our clinical team will evaluate your spine, analyze your X-rays and measure your strength, mobility, and flexibility, and only then they formulate your treatment plan.

Unlike others, we attempt to find all associated factors when it comes to scoliotic curvatures in children or adults. Root-cause matters and as such we look at multiple factors, so the care you get is targetted. Otherwise, it is doomed to fail. Hence the numerous failures when it comes to scoliosis treatment. The most important thing is timely diagnosis and proper care. But, the methods of care and the expertise and experience of the clinical team are critical. Scoliosis treatment is not similar to other spinal disorders. Scoliosis patients require a set of skills and know how to achieve clinical success without surgery. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts and just doing random exercise is not enough. Many have turned to Yoga. While Yoga exercises and stretches are great, they are ineffective for a scoliotic patient. In fact, it may even make their condition worse.

YOGA and a SCOLIOTIC SPINE

Yoga is for healthy people. Once damaged, injured or diagnosed scoliosis of 20 degrees or more: avoid Yoga or any exercise that requires excessive twisting.

There are far too many bending and twisting moves in Yoga and these maneuvers can make a scoliotic curve worse. But, what is even worse are the pretenders; these are the uneducated, unlearned laypersons that try to pass themselves as experts by memorizing a few tech lines. We have known quite a few of them. Some are athletic trainers, Pilate instructors, Yoga coaches and even some massage therapists and kung-fu master has suddenly acquired sufficient skills, knowledge, and expertise to diagnose and treat patients. It is laughable when they refer patients for X-rays and then pretend to read, formulate treatment plans and render care. Be aware of these people and try to avoid them.

Scoliosis requires in-depth knowledge that even some doctors lack. And as such, there is no way a Yoga instructor, a kungFu master or the Pilates instructor has acquired such knowledge. Time is critical, so don’t waste it on the so-called Youtube experts. Thus, so we urge all our patients to be wise in choosing a center as every action has a reaction. In other words, there is no such thing as no harm or no foul. Therapy can either help or make things worse. So, getting treatments from centers with limited knowledge might make your scoliosis worse.

What are the Different Types of Scoliotic Curvatures?

There are many types and forms of scoliosis conditions. Before we dive into the types and classification, it would be superb to differentiate between structural and non-structural scoliosis. In the most basic terms, a non-structural scoliosis is one where the abnormal side bending is present without any spinal rotation. The non-structural scoliosis is known to as functional scoliosis. They are called functional scoliosis because muscle spasms or pain often cause them. These are less severe and have the greatest prognosis.

The structural scoliosis is the type of a curve that is better known as non-functional. It is entirely different as it can result from a host of disorders. Structural Scoliosis involves spinal rotation towards concavity. There a variety of conditions that can give way to structural scoliosis (non-functional) type:

1. Idiopathic
2. Neurological
3. Congenital
4. Neuro-Muscular
5. Post-Traumatic

Adult Idiopathic Scoliotic Spine

Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis is descriptive of curves in those aged 18 years or older. Adolescent Scoliosis is illustrative of scoliotic curves in those between 10 to 18 years of age. The term Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis is for the same condition in children aged 4-10. The most appropriate diagnostic term for scoliosis in children under the age of 4 years is the Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis. Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis is a neural axis abnormality. A neural axis abnormality is highly uncommon and may require surgical intervention. Therefore, our center will make an appropriate referral to a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon that treats scoliosis. Neural axis abnormalities are often seen in about 18% of Juvenile Idiopathic (under the age of 4) Scoliosis patients and can be caused by:

• Syringomyelia
• Cyst or tubular cavity within the spinal cord
• Can be seen in a scoliotic curve without rotation

Skeletal Maturity Evaluations Assessment by The Risser Sign:

The Risser sign is a radiographic method of assessment. Our clinical chiropractors will pay considerable attention to this when evaluating your child’s scoliosis x-rays. The Risser sign is a means by which we can keep an eye on the potential skeletal maturity. The Risser grading system rates the likely maturity of the skeletal system on a scale of 0-5. Those rated at a Risser 0 or 1 are growing rapidly, while patients who are 4 and five have stopped growing. Here are the Risser scale methods of classification and their explanation:

• Grade 1 is when the calcification process of an ilium is below 25%; it corresponds to early or pre-puberty
• Grade 2:   Is an ilium is that calcified at a 25-50% level; it corresponds to the stage before or during a growth spurt
• A Grade 3 is descriptive of an ilium is 50-75% calcified, which corresponds with the slowing of growth
• Grade 4 is when the ilium is almost calcified, which may mean a cessation of growth
• Grade 5 occurs when the ilium is fully calcified, corresponding to the end of growth

We may refer you for X-rays

If the quick test reveals the possibility of a scoliotic condition, our examiner may recommend further measures such as x-rays. If we recommend an x-ray, please make sure to do it as soon as scoliosis (side bending curvature) is suspected. The only way to evaluate the severity of the curve is seeing it as it twists and bends. In other words, we need x-rays.

X-rays for a Scoliotic Spine

Scoliosis x-ray screening is very different from a general x-ray. Many clinics and even some hospitals are not adequately equipped to take the recommended x-ray. The recommended x-ray for a patient that suffers from scoliosis must incorporate the following seven rules:

1. X-rays evaluation performed on films ONLY
2. X-rays taken are in weight bearing (standing views ONLY)
3. Must have opposing views (lateral view)
4. Films must be 14”X36” (14 inches wide and 36 inches long). This size is a must for viewing and measurements
5. This image (x-ray) MUST be taken (shot) from a 72” (72 inches) distance (Unfortunately, this standard is not followed locally, which complicates a thorough understanding of condition)
6. ONLY the Cobb angle measurement method must be employed
7. Leg length analysis performed on standing X-rays

After performing an X-ray, we will need you to bring the X-rays back to us for detailed evaluations. Our clinical team uses multiple systems and methods of assessment including the Cobbs method, the King approach, and of course the Lenke method of classification. We use these methods of evaluation for a thorough understanding of the curve.

How soon can you start your treatment?

Scoliosis treatment starts as soon as we have completed examinations and assessment of your curve and x-rays. Some with limited skills or knowledge may adopt a “wait and see” method. At our centers, scoliosis treatment starts as soon as we have identified some of the root causes. We do not have “a wait and see attitude” that others have. Because, when there is an identifiable cause, proper scoliosis treatment can prevent worsening.

The primary goal of any method of therapy should be to assist the body in the reversal of the cure or at least prevent it from getting worse. The key to treating this is early detection and competent care.

What should you do in Malaysia if you have a Spinal Curvature?

If you have scoliosis, you should not wait. If you wait too long, it may get worse. The type and form of care you or your child gets is just as important. Some treatments force you to buy expensive braces, costing thousands of dollars. Some bracing may be needed, but we often recommend not bracing as bracing can also further complicate scoliosis. A point worth mentioning: Avoid any spinal braces and even more so the costing thousands of dollars: the expensive ones benefit centers that sell them and not the patient in need!

There are also centers and clinics that offer therapy and treatments that range from massage, physiotherapy, scoliosis specific chiropractic adjustment, or exercise to a combination of two or more. Therapy is good and needed, but you should assert yourself as to the capabilities, skills, and knowledge of the center’s clinical staff along with the equipment at their disposal for treating you or your child. Do your homework and pick the one that you are sure is the best.

Scoliosis Treatments at Chiropractic Specialty Center®

At Chiropractic Specialty Center®, we offer a broad range of therapies and treatments for scoliosis. There is no “silver bullet,” “magical brace” or a “miracle pill/supplement.” Scoliosis is a mechanical disorder that will ONLY respond to our mechanical system corrections and care. Our collaborative method of treating spine, joint, and sports injuries has proven effective time and time again. We offer safe, gentle, and highly effective care for a broad range of conditions affecting the human frame, including scoliosis.

In our centers, treatments provided are by advanced technology that further enhances our Chiros and Physios offer the best rehabilitation of a scoliosis patient. We ONLY accept those that we believe we can help. What this means to you is that we will not waste your time or our time treating you or any in your family if we are not sure of our abilities. If the curvature is not treatable conservatively, we will inform you of that fact and even provide surgical referrals should the need arise. Rest assured that you are in good hands with us. Contact us today.