Call us to set up an appointment! 765.962.9900

Considerations for Richmond Scoliosis Patients

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.

 
Richmond scoliosis patients find gentle chiropractic care for their spines at Johnson Chiropractic. 
« View All Spine Articles
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."