Considerations for Williamson Scoliosis Patients
Scoliosis is not an issue 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 matter. 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 usual recommendation for Williamson chiropractic patients. It is 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 known about the origins of adolescent onset idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) – recorded that reduced physical ability and activity in those who go on develop 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 itself may help predict its respond to Williamson chiropractic treatment. A significant tilting of the L3 and L4 vertebrae at skeletal maturity, especially one greater than 16°, foretells 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 decelerate the progression of the curve and reduce the already 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 improved mobility and help in halting 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 as well as 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 missing. While AIS can develop throughout the growth years and cause a surface deformity, it is typically not symptomatic. Nevertheless, the risk of health problems and curve progression increases if the final spinal curvature reaches or goes over a certain degree. Scoliosis-specific exercises, bracing, and surgery are more standard interventions to prevent the progression. The central aims of all types of interventions are to fix the deformity, stop further deterioration of the curve, and fix the spine’s asymmetry and balance. Additionally, minimizing morbidity and pain and permitting return to normal function are also significant. Surgery is usually suggested for curvatures exceeding 40 to 50 degrees to stop the curvature. There are many reports of short-term (few months) promising surgical treatment outcomes but not many long-term outcomes (over 20 years). For those with curves over 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 greater than 45 degrees to say one is superior. (5)
Williamson SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic medicine can be first line care for AIS. The chiropractor measures the curvature angle and establishes a Williamson treatment plan that can include spinal manipulation, specialized exercises, postural control, and bracing. If required, interdisciplinary care will be assimilated into the Williamson chiropractic treatment plan. Concerning chiropractic Cox® Technic spinal manipulation, consider the study (6) on stiffness of the thoracic spine which is the main area of the spine changed by scoliosis. This study documented that changes in spinal stiffness with chronic thoracic pain demonstrate association of pain and muscle activity. Spinal stiffness is intensified in chronic spine related pain. Improvement of spine motion is a aim 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 told by Dr. Roberto Branca, an Italian chiropractor using Cox® Technic, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson. He talks about 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 important to the adolescent or adult with scoliosis and his/her family. Apple Country Chiropractic partners with Williamson scoliosis patients and their families to find the right path for spinal mobility, strength, and health.
