Juvenile Scoliosis Options – Treatment in New Jersey
Scoliosis isn’t, technically, a disease. Scoliosis is, in fact, an abnormal curvature of the spine.
All our spines are curved but vertically, not horizontally. It’s the horizontal curvature which causes physical problems. And the most common form of scoliosis is found among young people aged 10 – 18 – juvenile scoliosis. The cause of this type of scoliosis is as yet unknown.
But there is much that can be done for the 2 – 3% of young people affected by juvenile scoliosis. Juvenile scoliosis options – treatment in New Jersey can be readily sourced at Scoliosis & Spine Associates.
Conservative Treatments
For adolescent patients, non-surgical therapies are preferred to surgical ones. These include a range of clinical responses, including exercise therapy (Scroth, Yoga, Pilates), observation of curvature progression and bracing.
Combining non-invasive therapies offers a viable way forward. For instance, adding movement therapy to observation and bracing encourages curve correction, while strengthening the patient. And part of treatment is empowering our young patients.
Observation
Observation may not sound like medical treatment, but it points the way forward with respect to ongoing intervention.
When the curve, for instance, is seen to be progressing bracing is the next step, with the addition of movement therapy to strengthen key muscles toward mediation.
Bracing the Curve
When the curvature is seen to have progressed to between 30 and 45-degrees, bracing is indicated.
Bracing has been shown to effectively stop curve progression. The BRAIST (Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial, 2013) Study, showed that to be effective, patients needed to wear their braces for a minimum 16 hours a day, to a maximum duration of 20 hours.
And with advances in bracing (like the groundbreaking UnyqAlign brace), patients are more likely to wear their braces for the prescribed period.
Because of the flexible, breathable nature of this brace, the treatment is no longer uncomfortable, constricting and unattractive (important for young patients), UnyqAlign is a therapeutic option covering all the patient-friendly bases.
Strengthening Movement
Recently, movement therapy has become a key component of juvenile scoliosis treatment.
While it’s true that there’s still a need for corroborating research to empirically demonstrate the effectiveness of these therapeutic models, at Scoliosis & Spine we’re seeing incredible results when employing movement-based treatments.
Patients following a course of therapy which includes exercise tailored to their condition, experience better posture correction, less fatigue and reduced muscle pain. Breathing is also greatly improved.
One of the most successful movement models is the Scroth Method.
Developed in Germany in the 1920s, Scroth seeks is to strengthen the muscles which support the spine and in the mid-section, accompanied by a process of lengthening and strengthening adjacent muscles. The goal is to remediate the curve by restoring balance and relieving pain.
Evolution
Juvenile scoliosis options are evolving. This evolution represents hope for those seeking juvenile scoliosis options and treatment in New Jersey.
At Scoliosis & Spine Associates, we’re leaders in evolving treatment options for juvenile scoliosis. Our director, Dr. Baron Lonner, is consistently engaged in research and development of more effective therapeutic alternatives.