Scoliosis is not a condition all Oxford
parents, families or persons have to consider. For those whose lives or loved
ones’ lives are concerned with scoliosis, Oxford
scoliosis is a big matter. Satterwhite Chiropractic presents
these new findings about Oxford scoliosis development and treatment
of scoliosis.
CAUSES OF Oxford SCOLIOSIS: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS
YOUTH
Being physically active is a usual
recommendation for Oxford chiropractic patients. It’s
important for all Oxford kids and especially for kids at risk for
scoliosis. Recent research on the mechanism, diagnosis and treatment
of spinal scoliosis - though not very much is known
about the causes of adolescent onset idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) –
recorded that reduced physical
ability and activity in those who go on develop scoliosis by age 15 was
noted 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) Satterwhite Chiropractic knows Oxford
parents will want to keep their kids moving!
Oxford SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: OUTCOME PREDICTION
Beyond understanding the development of scoliosis, treatment
of scoliosis intrigues Oxford scoliosis patients. The
spine itself may help predict its
respond to Oxford chiropractic treatment. A noticeable
tilting of the L3 and L4 vertebrae at skeletal maturity, especially
one greater than 16°, predicts future curve progression and low
back pain in adulthood. (2) Such a spine with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis profits
from spinal mobilization and therapeutic exercise. They both may decelerate the
progression of the curve and decrease the already
increased degree of the curve. A form of spinal
manipulation called Cox® Flexion Distraction spinal
manipulation incorporates spine distraction with mobilization of
vertebral segments into their normal ranges of motion. This may
allow improved mobility and assist in halting
curve progression and in decreasing the curvature. (3)
Oxford 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.
Oxford 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 develop
throughout the growth years and produce a
significant deformity, It’s typically not
symptomatic. However, the risk of health problems and curve
progression increases if the final spinal curvature reaches or exceeds a certain point. Scoliosis-specific exercises, bracing, and
surgery are more standard interventions to stop the
progression. The main aims of all these
interventions are to correct the deformity, stop
additional worsening of the curve, and restore the spine’s asymmetry and balance. Additionally, diminishing
morbidity and pain and allowing return to normal
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 (over 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 better. (5)
Oxford SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic medicine can be first line care for AIS. The
chiropractor measures the curvature angle and establishes a Oxford treatment plan that can include
spinal manipulation, specialized exercises, postural control, and bracing. If needed,
interdisciplinary care will be incorporated in
the Oxford chiropractic treatment plan. Concerning chiropractic Cox®
Technic spinal manipulation, consider the study (6) about
stiffness of the thoracic spine which is the main area of the
spine changed by scoliosis. This study found
that changes in spinal stiffness with chronic thoracic pain show
association of pain and muscle activity. Spinal
stiffness is intensified in chronic spine related pain. Increased spine motion is a goal of non-surgical
treatment of scoliosis whether in the adolescent or middle to older aged
individual.
CONTACT Satterwhite 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 talks about
how he assists in keeping an active woman who has scoliosis active.
Schedule your Oxford chiropractic visit. Considering
all the treatments available for Oxford scoliosis is key
to the adolescent or adult with scoliosis and his/her family.
Satterwhite Chiropractic partners with Oxford scoliosis
patients and their families to plan the right path for spinal
mobility, strength, and health.