Considerations for Oxford Scoliosis Patients
Scoliosis is not an issue all Oxford parents, families or persons have to consider. For those whose lives or loved ones’ lives are affected by 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 common recommendation for Oxford chiropractic patients. It’s important for all Oxford 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) – verified that decreased 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) Satterwhite Chiropractic knows Oxford parents will want to keep their kids active!
Oxford SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: OUTCOME PREDICTION
Beyond understanding the development of scoliosis, treatment of scoliosis intrigues Oxford scoliosis patients. The spine holds some clues as to just how it will respond to Oxford chiropractic treatment. A significant tilting of the L3 and L4 vertebrae at skeletal maturity, specifically 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 previously increased magnitude of the curve. A form of spinal manipulation termed Cox® Flexion Distraction spinal manipulation incorporates 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 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 better 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.
Oxford SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: SURGICAL VS NON-SURGICAL
Definitive evidence of the clinical expectations and outcomes of non-surgical and surgical care for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is lacking. While AIS can develop during the growth years and produce a surface deformity, it is usually not symptomatic. However, the risk of health problems and curve progression increases if the final spinal curvature get to or exceeds a certain degree. Scoliosis-specific exercises, bracing, and surgery are more standard interventions to prevent the progression. The key aims of all types of interventions are to fix the deformity, stop additional deterioration of the curve, and fix the spine’s asymmetry and balance. Additionally, diminishing morbidity and pain and allowing return to normal function are also important. Surgery is normally suggested for curvatures over 40 to 50 degrees to stop the curvature. There are many 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 greater than 45 degrees to show that one is superior. (5)
Oxford SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic medicine can be first line care for AIS. The chiropractor determines 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 assimilated into the Oxford chiropractic treatment plan. Concerning chiropractic Cox® Technic spinal manipulation, consider the study (6) on stiffness of the thoracic spine which is the primary 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 increased in chronic spine related pain. Improvement of 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 vital to the adolescent or adult with scoliosis and his/her family. Satterwhite Chiropractic partners with Oxford scoliosis patients and their families to discover the right path for spinal mobility, strength, and health.
