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.
Scoliosis Treatment for Kids of All Ages By Our Clinical Teams in Malaysia is Better!
Scoliosis is a treatable condition and, in this section, we will elaborate a bit about that. But, before we begin with therapy or treatment options, we would like to give you a bit more information on its etiology. On many occasions, concerned parents have asked us why their child has scoliosis. While the answer varies from case to case, generally speaking, there are few known causes. But, yet the most common cause is still unknown. It is for this reason that the treatment and cure are elusive for some cases.
BY DEFINITION, SCOLIOSIS 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 ti 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 short cuts 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 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 ae 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 kungfu master has suddenly acquired sufficient skills, knowledge, and expertise to diagnosis 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 with 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, by getting treatments from centers with limited knowledge might make your scoliosis worse.
What are the Different Types of Scoliosis 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:
- Idiopathic
- Neurological
- Congenital
- Neuro-Muscular
- Post-Traumatic
Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis
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 spinal cord
- Can be seen in a scoliotic curve without rotation
Free Scoliosis Checkups in all our Centers in Malaysia
Our centers have highly skilled physiotherapists and the best research-based chiropractors in Malaysia. Their combined collective knowledge and skills will be of enormous help in treatment and management of scoliosis. Visit one of our centers today to learn about our systems, methods, and the technologies used. Our non-operative methods of care are efficient, and if you are the right candidate, we may be able to produce a similar result for you.
There are several ways to diagnose scoliosis. A simple exam can detect the existence of a curve. You can come to any of our centers for a quick check to see if your or your child is at risk of having scoliosis. The quick exam performed by our Doctor of Chiropractic or a Clinical Physiotherapist and can take up to five minutes. We like to offer this as a community service so that each center will conduct this quick screening for the first five patients from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm daily on a first come basis. However, if you wish to come earlier or arrive after 4:00 pm, our nominal fee will apply. To take advantage of this program, you must mention it to our front desk as soon as you walk in.
Evaluating the Progression of a Scoliotic Curve
Scoliosis can become accentuated during rapid growth. Our clinical team will methodically assess the progress through various means such as X-ray parameters as well as taking into consideration the first menstrual cycle of our female patients.
Age is of vital importance. The younger the patient, the more likely success of the scoliosis treatment. It is for this reason that we encourage all parents to have their kids checked before their tenth birthday or as soon as possible. Time is the biggest and most important factor when it comes to management. Therefore, we have made it easy for you. Visit one of our centers between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. for a quick check. Make sure to mention that you are there for the free quick check. Otherwise, there will be charges. You have nothing the lose. Best of all, we offer this checkup free as part of our community service.
Another important issue when it comes to progress is the patient’s gender. Typically, girls grow until the age of 14 and boys continue to grow until they are 16. Also, keep in mind that girls grow very rapidly until their first menstrual period. After the first menstrual cycle, the growth may slow down but can continue until they reach 18 years of age or for up to two years following the first menstrual period.
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 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.
Scoliosis x-ray screening is very different from a general x-ray. In Malaysia, 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:
X-rays evaluation performed on films ONLY- X-rays taken are in weight bearing (standing views ONLY)
- Must have opposing views (lateral view)
- Films must be 14”X36” (14 inches wide and 36 inches long). This size is a must for viewing and measurements
- This image (x-ray) MUST be taken (shot) from a 72” (72 inch) distance (Unfortunately, this standard is not followed locally, which complicates a thorough understanding of condition)
- ONLY the Cobb angle measurement method must be employed
- 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.
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. In 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 with 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 Scoliosis?
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 chiropractic, physiotherapy, and 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.