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By scolimichael 0 Comments Scoliosis Studies, scoliosis treatment , , , , ,

What is the risk threshold for worsening scoliosis?

Health care providers measure scoliosis curves in degrees: A mild curve is less than 20 degrees. A moderate curve is between 25 degrees and 40 degrees. A severe curve is more than 50 degrees.
Anything less than 10 degrees is considered normal variation in a normal individual.
 
10 degrees is the threshold between scoliosis and spinal curvature. When you have a curve greater than 10 degrees, this is the threshold for treatment.
 
Mild scoliosis is the most responsive to exercise treatment.
Moderate scoliosis may be treated with exercise too, but wearing a medically prescribed brace is sometimes recommended as well.
 
We take action to prevent it from worsening by monitoring it. We use scoliosis-specific exercises, and if they are not effective and the scoliosis continues to grow, we have to start a more aggressive scoliosis exercise or combine it with bracing.
 
The younger you are when you are first diagnosed with scoliosis puts you at a higher risk of your spine growing into a more severe curve because your bones have not finished growing . For this reason, we may recommend bracing for younger patients who have not reached the 30-degree threshold where we would ordinarily consider a brace. If you already have a curve greater than 30 degrees we aim to prevent it from progressing to 50 degrees, which is the surgical threshold.
degrees of scoliosis

If scoliosis is detected early enough there is greater scope for treatment.

Call us today to book your assessment.


Phone: 07 5500 6311

scoliosis check up time June is
By scolimichael 0 Comments scoliosis symptoms, scoliosis treatment ,

June Is Scoliosis Awareness Month

 

Even in a pandemic, the ‘watch and wait’ approach to scoliosis is not advisedIn these challenging times, it can be easy to forget to keep a complete check on our health. Sure, we are all trying to get enough exercise, keep check on our hearts and blood pressure, and look after our mental health… but what about your spinal health?While not top of mind for many people, staying vigilant about any changes in our spines, including pain and any postural changes, is especially important. Regular at home checks of all family members can help with early detection of any spinal issues, which include scoliosis. Especially for children who are at home from school, a change that might have been picked up by a teacher or sports coach might be overlooked by busy parents.Have you noticed a change?

A change in your, or a loved one’s spine, may indicate the signs of a developing scoliosis. Visual changes like a visible curve, uneven shoulders or hips, or a prominent shoulder blade, particularly in growing children and adolescents, can all be warning signs.It can be easy to downplay these changes. As we are urged to stay at home, we might prefer to think that they will resolve on their own, or be complacent with a promise to ‘get that checked when this is all over’. Don’t watch and wait.

It’s been shown that ‘watch and wait’ is not a viable option in treating scoliosis. Ignoring a change in spine needs to be investigated and importantly, any delay seeking advice may mean symptoms develop further. Particularly for growing children and adolescents, without assessment and management, the scoliosis is likely to progress over time and small curves have the potential to rapidly progress into larger curves. For older adults, seeking advice early about any postural changes or pain, can help to greatly enhance quality of life and prevent pain and progression.It’s also been shown that early detection and then early intervention leads to better patient outcomes including wider opportunities for treatment and access to a range of non-surgical scoliosis treatment options including modern 3D bracing and scoliosis specific exercise programs.

Luckily, even in these uncertain times, scoliosis care is essential and accessible.You may not have a scoliosis clinic near you physically open, or you might not be able to attend a clinic in person, however TeleHealth consultations mean you can be in touch with a professional for assessment, advice and support.

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For now, and going forward, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

  • Keep check on your, and your family’s, spinal health
  • Check regularly for any signs of scoliosis, especially in children
  • If you notice a change, don’t watch and wait
  • Be proactive in seeking professional advice for assessment, treatment and support
  • We are here to help, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 07 5500 6311

 

By scolimichael 0 Comments Scoliosis Studies , , , , ,

Who is at risk of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that appears in late childhood or adolescence. Instead of growing straight, the spine develops a side-to-side curvature, usually in an elongated “S” or “C” shape; the bones of the spine are also slightly twisted or rotated.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis presents between the ages of 11 and 17 years of age.

Girls are six times more likely than boys to be diagnosed with it . Ballerinas, competitive swimmers and gymnasts have a higher risk of developing scoliosis. If you have a family history of scoliosis your chances of developing it are six percent. These chances rise to 34 percent if you have a twin with scoliosis, and 74 percent if you have an identical twin with scoliosis.

adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

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