Top 6 Scoliosis Questions! - Utah Physical Therapy...The goal of a scoliosis brace is to halt or...
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To learn more, or to receive a free consultation, contact: David D. Butler, DPT, OCS Owner, Clinic Director Utah Physical Therapy – Lehi 230 North 1200 East ste 103 Lehi, UT 84043 www.utahphysicaltherapy.com/scoliosis [email protected] 801.980.0860 Information Provided by: The diagnosis of Scoliosis comes as a surprise to most parents, and fully understanding it can be somewhat daunting. Usually, with this diagnosis come a lot of questions and concerns. Luckily, today our understanding of, and ability to address, scoliosis is better and more comprehensive than ever! Reliable and helpful information about scoliosis and answers to commonly asked questions about this diagnosis. The diagnosis of scoliosis does not mean you cannot pursue your dreams. There are many professional and Olympic athletes who live with scoliosis and don’t let it hold them back. Athletes such as Usain Bolt, Natalie Coughlan, and Scott Jurek all have scoliosis AND are at the top of their sports. Don’t Let Scoliosis Hold You Back! Top 6 Scoliosis Questions!
Transcript of Top 6 Scoliosis Questions! - Utah Physical Therapy...The goal of a scoliosis brace is to halt or...
To learn more, or to receive a free consultation, contact:
David D. Butler, DPT, OCSOwner, Clinic Director
Utah Physical Therapy – Lehi230 North 1200 East ste 103
Lehi, UT 84043
www.utahphysicaltherapy.com/[email protected]
801.980.0860
Information Provided by:
The diagnosis of Scoliosis comes as a surprise to most parents, and fully understanding it can be somewhat daunting. Usually, with this diagnosis come a lot of questions and concerns. Luckily, today our understanding of, and ability to address, scoliosis is better and more comprehensive than ever!
Reliable and helpfulinformation about scoliosisand answers to commonly
asked questions aboutthis diagnosis.The diagnosis of scoliosis does not mean you
cannot pursue your dreams. There are many
professional and Olympic athletes who live with
scoliosis and don’t let it hold them back.
Athletes such as Usain Bolt, Natalie Coughlan,
and Scott Jurek all have scoliosis AND are at
the top of their sports.
Don’tLetScoliosisHoldYou Back!
Top 6 Scoliosis
Questions!
What is Scoliosis?
Simply put, scoliosis is an abnormal curvature in the spine, and has been documented for centuries. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common, presenting in children between age 10 and 18. It can be as common as 4% of the population, with girls 4 times more likely to develop scoliosis. Being a 3-dimensional deformity, it affects the spine in all planes (directions). Spinal imbalance is seen when looking front to back, from the side, as well as in rotation, which causes a prominence in the back or front, sometimes called a rib hump.
What causes Scoliosis?
Although research is still being done, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown (idiopathic). The majority of researchers believe it is due to a structural imbalance of the spine. In 30% of cases, there is a family history of scoliosis, indicating a possible genetic connection. Sometimes scoliosis can develop from neurological, developmental, or other medical issues. Development of spinal curvature in those younger than 10 years of age is called juvenile scoliosis, and deformity developing after 18 is called adult onset scoliosis.
Things such as wearing heavy backpacks, bad posture, and sickness do not cause scoliosis. Back pain may be present, but the majority of cases in adolescents are not characterized by pain.
How is Scoliosis diagnosed?
Most of the time, scoliosis is first identified with the Adam’s Test. The person bends forward while the clinician screening looks for a difference between the right and left ribs and low back. Following a positive screen, x-rays are usually ordered to determine the severity of the curve and whether or not further intervention is needed. Scoliosis is measured in degrees, with anything under 10 degrees not classified as scoliosis. Between 10 and 25 degrees is considered mild scoliosis, with 25-50 degrees being moderate. Surface topography can also be used to screen for, and determine the severity of, scoliosis, without the radiation of x-ray.
Will it get worse?
During growth, there is a risk of the curve progressing, and your doctor may have you do regular x-rays to watch for this. Risk of progression tends to be higher in children
diagnosed earlier and in those with larger curves.. Curves over 50 degrees, and especially more than 60 degrees tend to progress into adulthood, usually requiring surgery to halt this progression.
Does everyone with Scoliosis need to have a brace or surgery?
No, most cases of scoliosis can be treated conservatively, but for curves that are larger and continuing to progress, bracing and surgery are effective ways of halting progression.
What treatments are available?
Scoliosis Specific ExerciseAlthough nothing will “fix” the scoliosis curve, treatment by a Physical Therapist who specializes in scoliosis has been shown to decrease pain, improve posture, and reduce progression. Scoliosis specific exercise can also improve self-image and give control to those who may feel helpless with this diagnosis. Exercise can be used with any level of curve.
BracingThe goal of a scoliosis brace is to halt or slow the progression of the curve to avoid surgery. Over the years, many styles have been developed, with improved effectiveness and a lower profile, making it easier to wear under normal clothing. Recent studies have shown bracing to be an effective way to reduce progression of the curve. Brace success depends on how faithful the child is in wearing it.
SurgeryThe goal of spinal surgery is to prevent curve progression, and obtain some curve correction.It is usually recommended for patients with curves over 50 degrees, or those that are continuing to progress even with skeletal maturity. Metal rods are permanently placed in the spine to hold the correction while the bones fuse together.
