sortiwa
In Scoliosis, the curvature of a bone is misaligned, causing the bone to shorten in the area beneath it. This shortening of the bone in this area, coupled with the weakness of that bone in other areas, often develops severe back pain. Patients often develop a limited range of motion, as well as joint or muscular weakness. In more severe cases, the condition may even be immobilized. The following are 5 techniques that can be used to treat scoliosis.
The Schroth Technique and Chiropractic Treatments
The Schroth Technique for treating scoliosis was devised by a German physical therapist, Franz Schroth. He was one of the first physical therapists to recognize the importance of using spinal manipulation in treating scoliosis. In the 1920s, he helped to introduce the Scoliosis Research Foundation, which has been working ever since on Scoliosis research and treatment.
Today, the fundamental principles of Schroth’s Scoliosis Therapy have been adapted for modern use, though with increased frequency. Chiropractic treatments have provided techniques to treat scoliosis at various levels. There are different techniques for treating mild, moderate, and severe cases. A back brace is one of the most commonly used techniques to correct the posture of an individual with scoliosis.
Surgery
In treating scoliosis through surgery, the spine has to be surgically lengthened. This surgery, called a microdiscectomy, involves the removal of a small part of the spine, including the ribs, the scapula, and portions of the vertebrae. Sometimes a tailbone or an additional disk is removed, depending on the severity of the condition.
This surgery is minimally invasive and can be done in a relatively short period of time. With a combination of medicine and surgery, patients can often regain full or near the full function of their lives.
Bracing
A new technique developed to help those suffering from more severe cases of scoliosis involves bracing. Bracing, like the Surgical Exercises taught by Dr. George J. Goodheart, combines stabilization and correction. One of the most important components of bracing is a spinal correction. Properly applied and used braces to correct the curve of the spine and prevent any further progress of the condition.
They also correct deformities and shorten the period of time that the spine must rest. A back brace, which can be custom-made or purchased over the counter, has many benefits. One of the most important considerations in treating scoliosis is to provide patients with a way to regain their freedom without having to spend a lot of time in the chair or bed.
Spinal Correction
Spinal correction can be performed using methods such as microdiscectomy, bracing, or a combination of both. Microdiscectomy is often used in young children who have very severe curvature of the spine. On the other hand, bracing can be used to correct the curvature of the spine in patients who have grown into adults with scoliosis or to reduce pain and shorten the recovery period after an operation.
Spinal Decompression and Sacroiliac Joint Mobilization
Spinal decompression and sacroiliac joint mobilization are other techniques to treat scoliosis that use minimally invasive procedures. Sacroiliac joint manipulative therapy, or SJMT, is a minimally invasive technique. To find a place that does this procedure, search, “minimally invasive spine surgery (in Arizona),” to help find the best place for you.
During this procedure, a long thin rod is inserted into the sacrum and allowed to make small “pop” sounds. The popping sound is meant to relax and loosen the rigid tissue of the sacrum and surrounding pelvic area. Once the procedure is over, a plaster cast is placed on the case area to show where the rod went through. This procedure is typically only performed on younger patients who have not reached the age of 60.
Alternate Methods and Conclusion
The techniques to treat scoliosis are used very differently depending on the severity of the deformity. Mild correction techniques include physical therapy and traction. In physical therapy, patients are encouraged to improve their gait and prevent any further curve progression. Traction is used to correct the deformity by allowing patients to walk and stand normally while standing on a ladder or step stool. While an X-ray is sometimes used to determine the severity of the spinal deformity. An x-ray of the thoracic region will indicate whether more drastic steps need to be taken such as correction surgery to allow the patient to stand upright.