bracing and info about scoliosis

Podcast Episode Scoliosis and Kyphosis Management

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Introduction

  • Dr. Justin Trosclair hosts a solo episode focused on scoliosis.
  • The discussion caters to both healthcare professionals and patients.
  • Topics covered include scoliosis basics, screening methods, and treatment options.

Understanding Scoliosis More About ScoliBrace & ScoliBalance Click the Link

  • Scoliosis involves abnormal spinal curvature, which can occur in different areas of the spine.
  • Children experience scoliosis as they grow, with the condition typically worsening during growth spurts.
  • In adults, scoliosis often results from spinal degeneration, causing a collapse in the spine.

Identifying Scoliosis

  • X-rays reveal scoliosis, particularly by detecting spinal rotation.
  • Non-rotated curves may be postural issues, treatable with massage and adjustments.
  • Pain is a common symptom in real scoliosis cases.

Scoliosis in Children

  • Scoliosis is most prevalent in girls aged 10-12 and boys aged 11-13.
  • Rare cases occur in younger children.
  • Left or right curves may warrant additional testing for underlying issues.
  • Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form without a known cause.
  • Early intervention is encouraged to prevent curve progression.

Treatment Options More About ScoliBrace & ScoliBalance

  • For curves less than 10 degrees, manual therapy, exercise, and adjustments may suffice.
  • Curves between 10 and 25 degrees may require bracing.
  • Severe curves (over 25 degrees) in thoracic or 20 degrees in lumbar regions often necessitate bracing.
  • Extreme curves (over 60 or 50 degrees) may require surgical consultation.

Identifying Scoliosis Signs

  • Signs include uneven shoulders, hip elevation, and visible humps when bending forward.
  • Prevalence: 2-3% of children aged 10-15, increasing during rapid growth.
  • Family history increases risk.
  • Age-related scoliosis affects 30% of individuals over 60.

Benefits of ScoliBrace

  • Braces can improve posture, balance, and reduce the risk of falling, especially in older populations.
  • Altered spinal bone shapes contribute to scoliosis, but bracing can help correct it.
  • read more about scolibrace

Degenerative Scoliosis

  • De novo scoliosis is the term for age-related, degenerative-based scoliosis in older individuals.
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Importance of Early Detection

  • Early and accurate detection of scoliosis can significantly impact treatment outcomes.
  • Early detection can prevent the need for surgery and offer improvements in appearance, posture, pain, and balance.
  • The Scoliosis Research Society recommends early detection and nonsurgical management.

School Screening Programs More About ScoliBrace & ScoliBalance Click the Link

  • Many schools lack a consistent formal screening program for scoliosis.
  • Informal screenings may involve bending forward with clothes on, making it difficult to detect scoliosis.
  • Summertime, when people wear bathing suits, can be a better time to notice irregularities.

Assessing Scoliosis

  • A step-by-step assessment includes checking for uneven shoulders, protruding shoulder blades, spinal curves, hip differences, and creases in the lower back.
  • A detailed assessment is easier without a shirt.
  • An app called “app.scoliscreen.com” can aid in self-assessment and referral to healthcare professionals.

Call The Office to Talk With The Doctor

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The Importance of Early Intervention

  • Detecting scoliosis early is crucial to prevent severe progression.
  • Strong family history may prompt intervention even for curves less than 10 degrees.
  • Massage, adjustments, and postural exercises are recommended for minor curves, while bracing becomes necessary for larger ones.

Bracing for Scoliosis More About ScoliBrace & ScoliBalance Click the Link

  • Bracing recommendations vary depending on the degree of the curve.
  • Children may need to wear braces for most of the day, while adults can wear them part-time.
  • Wearing a scolibrace for longer hours can yield better results.

Case Studies and Results

  • Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of braces in reducing scoliosis curves.
  • The appropriate brace is essential for optimal results.

Alternative Treatments

  • Besides bracing, treatments include scoli balance exercises tailored to the type of curve.
  • The scoli roll is a device that helps stretch ligaments and tendons.
  • Specific muscle work, chiropractic adjustments, and kinesiology taping can also aid in scoliosis management.

Sports and Scoliosis

  • Sports are encouraged for scoliosis patients except for competitive ballet and swimming training.
  • Extensive swimming and dance training may not be suitable for scoliosis.
  • The prevalence of scoliosis varies with age, with a higher incidence among older populations.
  • Low back pain is a common reason for adults to seek treatment.
  • Pain, cosmetic concerns, balance issues, and the desire to avoid surgery are reasons for seeking scoliosis treatment as an adult.

Adult Bracing with Scolibrace More About ScoliBrace & ScoliBalance Click the Link

  • Bracing is considered an alternative to surgery for adults with scoliosis and severe pain.
  • The focus is on pain relief and supporting the body differently rather than extreme curve reduction.
  • Bracing for adults typically involves fewer hours per day than for children.

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Scoliosis Prevalence

Bracing and Muscle Strength

  • Braces provide some flexibility, allowing for movement and exercises without causing a loss of muscle strength.
  • Endurance tests improve as you wear the brace longer, ensuring muscle strength is maintained.
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Scoli Meter and Screening

  • The Scoli Meter app can be used to measure spinal deformity.
  • Screening for scoliosis is important, especially for children and adolescents.
  • Specific screening recommendations include females at ages 10 and 12 and males at ages 13 and 14.

Adults Seeking Treatment

  • Adults may seek treatment for scoliosis due to cosmetic concerns, pain, or previous unsuccessful treatment.
  • Treating scoliosis at a younger age can yield better results as curves tend to progress over time.
  • Gravity and aging can cause scoliosis curves to worsen at an average rate of one and a half degrees per year.

Types of Curves More About ScoliBrace & ScoliBalance Click the Link

  • Thoracic curves are typically right-sided.
  • Pain is less common in teenagers, so it should be investigated if present.
  • MRI may be necessary to understand the cause of night pain.

Scoliosis in Young Children

  • Scoliosis in children younger than seven should be addressed early to prevent complications.
  • Mortality rates increase for young children with scoliosis.

Effectiveness of Spinal Manipulation

  • Spinal manipulation (chiropractic adjustments) is not effective for stabilizing or correcting scoliosis.
  • It may provide pain relief but doesn’t significantly impact the curve itself.

Bracing Effectiveness

  • A study showed that wearing a brace for at least 13 hours a day had a 90 percent success rate in avoiding surgery.
  • Bracing is more effective than observation without treatment.
  • If no improvement is seen after a month of brace wear, reassessment is necessary.

Different Brace Types More About ScoliBrace & ScoliBalance Click the Link

  • Traditional Boston braces may not be as effective, especially for large and stiff curves.
  • The TLSO Boston brace can be challenging to put on, and it changes the biomechanics of the spine.

Custom 3D Braces

  • Custom 3D braces, like the Scully brace, are designed to reverse the curve and offer better results.
  • Wearing these braces during growth spurts helps improve the curve over time.

Before and After Assessments

  • Before-and-after photos and posture assessments are used to track progress.
  • Many individuals seek treatment for cosmetic reasons and want to look better in swimsuits.

Reasons to Seek Treatment

  • There is no wrong reason to seek scoliosis treatment, whether for pain relief, cosmetic concerns, or prevention of curve progression.
  • Conservative treatments can be effective in avoiding surgery.

Hope and Empowerment More About ScoliBrace & ScoliBalance Click the Link

  • The podcast encourages reaching out for questions and concerns about scoliosis.
  • Empowering patients with hope and information to make informed decisions is a primary goal.
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TRANSCRIPT

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