Considerations for La Grande Scoliosis Patients
Scoliosis isn’t a condition all La Grande parents, families or persons have to consider. For those whose lives or loved ones’ lives are affected by scoliosis, La Grande scoliosis is a big matter. Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC presents these new findings about La Grande scoliosis development and treatment of scoliosis.
CAUSES OF La Grande SCOLIOSIS: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS YOUTH
Being physically active is a common recommendation for La Grande chiropractic patients. It’s important for all La Grande kids and especially for kids at risk for scoliosis. Recent research on the mechanism, diagnosis and treatment of spinal scoliosis - though little is understood about the origins of adolescent onset idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) – documented that reduced physical ability and activity in those who go on have 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) Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC knows La Grande parents will want to keep their kids moving!
La Grande SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: OUTCOME PREDICTION
Beyond understanding the development of scoliosis, treatment of scoliosis interests La Grande scoliosis patients. The spine itself may help predict its respond to La Grande chiropractic treatment. A significant tilting of the L3 and L4 vertebrae at skeletal maturity, specifically one greater than 16°, foretells 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 previously increased size of the curve. A form of spinal manipulation called Cox® Flexion Distraction spinal manipulation involves spine distraction with mobilization of vertebral segments through their normal ranges of motion. This may allow increased mobility and help in stopping curve progression and in reducing the curvature. (3)
La Grande SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: SPINAL MOBILIZATION
A recent study reported 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.
La Grande SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: SURGICAL VS NON-SURGICAL
Definitive indication of the clinical expectations and outcomes of non-surgical and surgical care for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is lacking. While AIS can progress throughout the growth years and produce 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 goes over a certain degree. Scoliosis-specific exercises, bracing, and surgery are more standard interventions to stop the progression. The main aims of all these interventions are to revise the deformity, stop additional deterioration of the curve, and restore the spine’s asymmetry and balance. Further, diminishing morbidity and pain and permitting return to full function are also important. Surgery is normally recommended for curvatures exceeding 40 to 50 degrees to stop the curvature. There are many reports of short-term (few months) promising surgical treatment outcomes but not many long-term outcomes (more than 20 years). For those with curves over 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)
La Grande SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic medicine can be first line care for AIS. The chiropractor measures the curvature angle and sets up a La Grande treatment plan that can include spinal manipulation, specialized exercises, postural control, and bracing. If required, interdisciplinary care will be included in the La Grande chiropractic treatment plan. Concerning chiropractic Cox® Technic spinal manipulation, consider the study (6) on stiffness of the thoracic spine which is the main area of the spine affected 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 Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC
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 La Grande chiropractic visit. Considering all the treatments available for La Grande scoliosis is key to the adolescent or adult with scoliosis as well as his/her family. Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC teams up with La Grande scoliosis patients and their families to find the right path for spinal mobility, strength, and health.
