Treatments for Scoliosis – Options Available

Scoliosis is a spine deformity where to a smaller or larger degree, the spine of a person is curved from side to side in an S or a C shape. Treatments for Scoliosis can depend upon the age of onset (juvenile, adolescent or adult) and also upon whether it is a congenital problem, caused by trauma, idiopathic or as a result of another condition such as spina bifida, spinal muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy.

Some of the major options for Scoliosis treatment are:

Observation

If the curvature of the spine is less than a certain degree, the only treatment for scoliosis required may be observation to make sure there is no further deterioration of the deformity.

Physiotherapy

Non invasive therapeutic scoliosis treatment such as the Schroth method is aimed at correcting the muscular imbalances in the back that can at least partly correct the present problem by using specific physiotherapy exercises. This treatment for scoliosis is recommended for those who have a spine curvature of over 30 degrees.

Occupational Therapy

By evaluation of the condition and intervention, a person with scoliosis can receive help formanagement of the condition in areas relating to self care, leisure and productivity. Various garments such as rolls and corsets, support items such as pillows and wedges, and postural strategies could help a person by preventing further curvature of the spine, making occupational therapy an effective treatment for scoliosis.

Bracing

This scoliosis treatment is usually recommended only for those patients who have bone growth remaining, i.e. for juvenile and adolescent patients to prevent a worsening of the spine curvature. However treatment could also be used in respect of adult sufferers to relieve pain.

The efficacy of this treatment for scoliosis depends upon the amount of compliance of the patient, as well as for how long the brace (a corset like structure made from plastic or fiber glass extending from the armpits to the hips) is worn during the day.

Surgery

This is considered the more extreme form of scoliosis treatment, and so is the best option for those sufferers with very severe spine curvature and the highest likelihood of progression and for those who have problems with everyday activities such as sitting, and even breathing.

While it may not be possible to completely straighten the spine, a significant correction can be expected if a skillful surgeon is able to fuse the spine into a more normal or anatomic position.

Chiropractic or Osteopathic Therapy

This is also among the effective treatments for scoliosis for a number of sufferers.