Scoliosis isn’t a condition all Richmond
parents, families or persons have to consider. For those whose lives or loved
ones’ lives are affected by scoliosis, Richmond
scoliosis is a big consideration. Johnson Chiropractic shares
these new findings about Richmond scoliosis development and treatment
of scoliosis.
CAUSES OF Richmond SCOLIOSIS: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS
YOUTH
Being physically active is a usual
recommendation for Richmond chiropractic patients. It’s
important for all Richmond kids and especially for kids at risk for
scoliosis. Recent research on the mechanism, diagnosis and treatment
of spinal scoliosis - though little 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
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) Johnson Chiropractic knows Richmond
parents will want to keep their kids active!
Richmond SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: OUTCOME PREDICTION
Beyond understanding the development of scoliosis, treatment
of scoliosis interests Richmond scoliosis patients. The
spine itself may help predict its
respond to Richmond chiropractic treatment. A noticeable
tilting of the L3 and L4 vertebrae at skeletal maturity, specifically
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 slow the
progression of the curve and reduce 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 increased mobility and aid in stopping
curve progression and in decreasing the curvature. (3)
Richmond SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: SPINAL MOBILIZATION
A recent study presented support
for spinal mobilization of scoliosis spines. Researchers discovered
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.
Richmond SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: SURGICAL VS
NON-SURGICAL
Clear evidence of the
clinical expectations and outcomes of non-surgical and surgical care for adolescent
idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is scarce. While AIS can develop
during the growth years and produce a
significant deformity, It’s typically not
symptomatic. However, the risk of health problems and curve
progression rises if the final spinal curvature reaches or goes over a certain point. Scoliosis-specific exercises, bracing, and
surgery are more standard interventions to stop the
progression. The main goals of all these
interventions are to correct the deformity, prevent
further deterioration of the curve, and fix the spine’s asymmetry and balance. Further, minimizing
morbidity and pain and permitting return to normal
function are also important. Surgery is normally
suggested for curvatures exceeding 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 (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 greater than 45
degrees to show that one is superior. (5)
Richmond SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic medicine can be first line care for AIS. The
chiropractor determines the curvature angle and establishes a Richmond treatment plan that can include
spinal manipulation, specialized exercises, postural control, and bracing. If required,
interdisciplinary care will be incorporated in
the Richmond 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 changed by scoliosis. This study documented
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 aim of non-surgical
treatment of scoliosis whether in the adolescent or middle to older aged
individual.
CONTACT Johnson 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 Richmond chiropractic visit. Considering
all the treatments available for Richmond scoliosis is vital
to the adolescent or adult with scoliosis and his/her family.
Johnson Chiropractic teams up with Richmond scoliosis
patients and their families to plan the right path for spinal
mobility, strength, and health.