Treating Pediatric Scoliosis in New Jersey

Treating Pediatric Scoliosis in New Jersey

In the United States, the National Scoliosis Foundation estimates there are more than 4 million cases of pediatric scoliosis.  Scoliosis is the most common musculoskeletal condition causing spinal deformity in school-age children, while pediatric and adolescent scoliosis accounts for almost 50% of total cases, nationwide.

Scoliosis and Spine Associates is committed to treating pediatric scoliosis in New Jersey.  We believe in approaching this physical problem from a conservative standpoint whenever possible, offering advanced surgical solutions when necessary.

Observation and bracing.

Most children with pediatric scoliosis won’t require surgery.  When the curvature involved is 25-40 degrees, bracing can serve to correct the curvature.  When employed, the success of bracing for curve correction is re-evaluated every 3-6 months, until the child has stopped growing.  Evaluation is then performed less frequently.

Close observation to monitor progression of the curvature or improvements, is one of the most effective tools for combatting pediatric scoliosis.  This involves the use of diagnostics like X-rays and Scoliscan light-based surface topography, which tracks changes in the surface measurements of the body.

These changes sometimes indicate that X-rays are required to take a closer look and guide treatment options, moving forward.  Braces are more effective the longer they’re worn by patients each day, with the recommended time being between 16 and 20 hours.

Scoliosis-specific exercise.

While there’s little in the way of supportive research, at Scoliosis and Spine Associates, we’ve seen encouraging results with exercise for treating pediatric scoliosis in New Jersey.  Physical therapy and other forms of exercise have proven to relieve discomfort, breathing difficulties and muscle fatigue.

Clinical trials are ongoing, but it’s clear that exercise can play a crucial role in making life with scoliosis less difficult for children struggling with it.

The Schroth Method has been used for treating scoliosis since the 1920s.  Based on the knowledge that a body afflicted with scoliosis produces asymmetry in associated muscle groups, the Schroth Method seeks to restore symmetry through targeted, scoliosis-specific physical therapy.  Tailored to the individual patient, Schroth’s most compelling feature is to teach patients about their bodies and how to re-learn using them.

Other helpful forms of exercise are Yoga, Pilates and swimming.  All these activities should be pursued under the careful direction of a doctor, but they’ve been proven highly supportive of muscle development in children with scoliosis, especially the core.

Surgery.

For children presenting a curve of more than 40 degrees, surgery should be soberly considered.  Observation is key to determining whether proceeding with surgery is advisable, as leaving it too long in severe cases can require more intense and complex procedures to address curve progression.

Compassionate care, at Scoliosis and Spine Associates.

With over 20 years in practice, Dr. Baron Lonner has treated over 20,000 patients, particularly children and adults with spinal deformities.  At Scoliosis and Spine, we’ve been successfully treating pediatric scoliosis with personalized care that addresses the patient as a unique individual.

We’re a team of compassionate professionals dedicated to quality care, enjoying exceptional patient outcomes.  We invite you to contact us for a consultation.