Scoliosis is not a condition all Southern New Hampshire parents, families or persons have to consider. For those whose lives or loved ones’ lives are affected by scoliosis, Southern New Hampshire scoliosis is a big consideration. New Hampshire Spine and Sport presents these new findings about Southern New Hampshire scoliosis development and treatment of scoliosis.
CAUSES OF Southern New Hampshire SCOLIOSIS: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS YOUTH
Being physically active is a common recommendation for Southern New Hampshire chiropractic patients. It is important for all Southern New Hampshire 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 causes of adolescent onset idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) – documented 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) New Hampshire Spine and Sport knows Southern New Hampshire parents will want to keep their kids moving!
Southern New Hampshire SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: OUTCOME PREDICTION
Beyond understanding the development of scoliosis, treatment of scoliosis interests Southern New Hampshire scoliosis patients. The spine holds some clues as to just how it will respond to Southern New Hampshire 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 benefits from spinal mobilization and therapeutic exercise. They both may decelerate the progression of the curve and decrease the already increased size of the curve. A form of spinal manipulation called 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 reducing the curvature. (3)
Southern New Hampshire SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: SPINAL MOBILIZATION
A new 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.
Southern New Hampshire 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 missing. While AIS can develop during the growth years and cause a surface deformity, it is typically not symptomatic. However, the risk of health problems and curve progression rises if the final spinal curvature reaches or exceeds a certain point. Scoliosis-specific exercises, bracing, and surgery are more typical interventions to prevent the progression. The main goals of all these interventions are to correct the deformity, prevent additional worsening of the curve, and bring back the spine’s asymmetry and balance. Additionally, reducing morbidity and pain and allowing return to full function are also significant. Surgery is normally suggested for curvatures over 40 to 50 degrees to stop the curvature. There are several reports of short-term (few months) promising 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 superior. (5)
Southern New Hampshire SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic medicine can be first line care for AIS. The chiropractor determines the curvature angle and sets up a Southern New Hampshire treatment plan that can incorporate spinal manipulation, specialized exercises, postural control, and bracing. If needed, interdisciplinary care will be included in the Southern New Hampshire 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 demonstrate correlation with pain and muscle activity. Spinal stiffness is intensified in chronic spine related pain. Improvement of spine motion is a part of non-surgical treatment of scoliosis whether in the adolescent or middle to older aged individual.
CONTACT New Hampshire Spine and Sport
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 Southern New Hampshire chiropractic visit. Considering all the treatments available for Southern New Hampshire scoliosis is key to the adolescent or adult with scoliosis as well as his/her family. New Hampshire Spine and Sport teams up with Southern New Hampshire scoliosis patients and their families to discover the right path for spinal mobility, strength, and health.