Scoliosis is not a condition all Williamson
parents, families or persons have to consider. For those whose lives or loved
ones’ lives are concerned with scoliosis, Williamson
scoliosis is a big consideration. Apple Country Chiropractic presents
these new findings about Williamson scoliosis development and treatment
of scoliosis.
CAUSES OF Williamson SCOLIOSIS: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS
YOUTH
Being physically active is a common
recommendation for Williamson chiropractic patients. It’s
important for all Williamson kids and especially for kids at risk for
scoliosis. New research on the mechanism, diagnosis and treatment
of spinal scoliosis - though not very much is understood
about the origins of adolescent onset idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) –
verified that decreased physical
ability and activity in those who go on have 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) Apple Country Chiropractic knows Williamson
parents will want to keep their kids moving!
Williamson SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: OUTCOME PREDICTION
Beyond understanding the development of scoliosis, treatment
of scoliosis interests Williamson scoliosis patients. The
spine holds some clues as to just how it will
respond to Williamson chiropractic treatment. A significant
tilting of the L3 and L4 vertebrae at skeletal maturity, specifically
one greater than 16°, predicts future curve progression and low
back pain in adulthood. (2) Such a spine with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis benefits
from spinal mobilization and therapeutic exercise. They both may slow the
progression of the curve and reduce the previously
increased magnitude of the curve. A form of spinal
manipulation called Cox® Flexion Distraction spinal
manipulation involves spine distraction with mobilization of
vertebral segments through their normal ranges of motion. This may
allow increased mobility and assist in stopping
curve progression and in reducing the curvature. (3)
Williamson SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: SPINAL MOBILIZATION
A recent study presented support
for spinal mobilization of scoliosis spines. Researchers found
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.
Williamson 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 lacking. While AIS can progress
throughout the growth years and cause a
significant deformity, it is usually not
symptomatic. However, the risk of health problems and curve
progression rises if the final spinal curvature get
to or goes over a certain point. Scoliosis-specific exercises, bracing, and
surgery are more standard interventions to stop the
progression. The main goals of all these
interventions are to correct the deformity, prevent
additional worsening of the curve, and restore the spine’s asymmetry and balance. Additionally, reducing
morbidity and pain and allowing return to full
function are also important. Surgery is usually
recommended for curvatures over 40 to 50
degrees to stop the curvature. There are several reports of short-term
(few months) favorable surgical treatment outcomes but few
long-term outcomes (more than 20 years). For those with curves greater
than 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 show that one is superior. (5)
Williamson SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic medicine can be first line care for AIS. The
chiropractor measures the curvature angle and sets
up a Williamson treatment plan that can incorporate
spinal manipulation, specialized exercises, postural control, and bracing. If needed,
interdisciplinary care will be included in
the Williamson chiropractic treatment plan. Concerning chiropractic Cox®
Technic spinal manipulation, consider the study (6) regarding
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 show
correlation with pain and muscle activity. Spinal
stiffness is intensified in chronic spine related pain. Increased spine motion is a part of non-surgical
treatment of scoliosis whether in the adolescent or middle to older aged
individual.
CONTACT Apple Country Chiropractic
Listen
to this PODCAST about Cox® Technic chiropractic
care of scoliosis presented by Dr. Roberto Branca, an Italian chiropractor
using Cox® Technic, on The Back
Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson. He discusses
how he assists in keeping an active woman who has scoliosis active.
Schedule your Williamson chiropractic visit. Considering
all the treatments available for Williamson scoliosis is vital
to the adolescent or adult with scoliosis and his/her family.
Apple Country Chiropractic partners with Williamson scoliosis
patients and their families to plan the right path for spinal
mobility, strength, and health.