July, 2023 | Scoliosis Therapy Centers

So many times, I think back to my adolescence and I’m reminded of the day I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I was called to the nurse’s office for my physical. When I stood up, she said, “Do you know you have scoliosis?” She sent me home with a piece of paper for my mom. When my mom read it, her eyes bulged out. I got a sinking feeling in my stomach.

How could there be something wrong with my back?

My Scoliosis Diagnosis

I asked my mom what scoliosis is, and the nurse said my spine is curved and we must have a doctor look at it. This, of course, raised a few questions that I still haven’t found all of the answers to as an adult with scoliosis: First, how could my spine be curved, and I do not know it? And why didn’t my parents notice it?

I was in disbelief. I immediately went to the bathroom to look in the mirror myself. Nope, my spine is not curved. I was convinced. A few days later, my mom took me out of school early, which was terrible. I did not want to tell other kids I was going to the doctor for a scoliosis diagnosis – doing so would undoubtedly make them think there was something wrong with me. At the doctor’s office, the nurse came into the room and asked me to put on a gown.

Then the doctor came in, asked me to bend forward and explained that he agreed with the school nurse: I have scoliosis. He explained that my spine is curved, and I would need to wear a Wood Cheneau Rigo brace 16-20 hours a day for the next four years, as well as take part in physical therapy, or the condition could get worse and require surgery to fix. The ultimate goal was to achieve a target 50% in-brace correction.

But how could it all be? I don’t have any pain. Am I going to have to wear this WCR brace thing at school? What if people see it? How could the scoliosis get worse if I didn’t even know it was there in the first place? I had so many questions.

My mom and I got back into the car and she asked if I wanted lunch before returning to school. I calmly said that I was not going back to school that day or ever again. And then I began to sob uncontrollably. She tried to calm me down while we drove but agreed I could go home for the rest of the day.

The Scoliosis Bracing Therapy Experience

Two weeks later, we had to go to a place for me to be measured for a brace. This was not fun, either. I had to lay on a freezing cold table while this man called an Orthotist wrapped me in plaster. Then he took about 100 measurements and said he would call when the brace was ready. A few weeks later, we went back, and I held back the tears while he helped me put it on for the first time. I could not even bend or move in it.

The advantages of wearing a scoliosis brace seemed pointless if I had to wear this horrible thing to school. Just thinking about it gave me anxiety. I immediately came to the conclusion that wearing a WCR brace would guarantee that I would never make any friends. And forget ever having a boyfriend!

A Scoliosis Brace: Who Needs It?

For a while, I refused to wear the WCR brace to school altogether. From what I remember, it was not because the scoliosis brace was uncomfortable – I just decided that without pain, I did not have a reason for it. The doctor was disappointed when my mom told him I refused to wear a Wood Cheneau Rigo brace. He said even if I did not need surgery that I may have pain when I got older. I did not believe that. If the diagnosis did not bother me now, how could it bother me later?

Boy was I wrong. Despite being a 45-year-old woman today, I feel like I’m 80. I have a tremendous amount of pain in the middle of my back every day. I cannot tell you what makes it hurt worse or feel better; it is different every day.

Don’t Make the Same Mistake – Wear your Scoliosis Brace

I wish I could go back and talk to my younger self and tell that 12-year-old to wear the scoliosis brace. My scoliosis curve has progressed significantly since my initial diagnosis. I began doing a physical therapy called Schroth Therapy about a year ago along with wearing a WCR brace at night.

The combination of the two effective scoliosis treatment methods have helped me to be able to walk further and be more active – and overall, I have less pain. But I still often wonder what things would be like if I had known the long-term effects of scoliosis bracing and just worn the brace like I was supposed to. Maybe I wouldn’t have any pain at all.

If I Could Give Advice to Kids, I Would Tell Them the Following:

A diagnosis of scoliosis is not your fault.
Cooperating with Rigo-Cheneau bracing and physical therapy for a few years has the power to improve the rest of your life.
I thought my peers would make fun of me for wearing a scoliosis brace. There’s no promise that they won’t, as there are some really mean people out there. But at the end of the day, if kids make fun of you for receiving the scoliosis treatment you need to live a pain-free life, they are not worth your time.
Scoliosis is not a disease; it is simply a condition that requires treatment.
Getting fitted for a Wood Cheneau Rigo brace is nowhere near as bad as it used to be. In fact, I recently learned that 3D scanners are now used instead of plaster. I went to a local Orthotist to see what it was all about. It is really a cool process – one that’s remarkable if you consider the history of scoliosis bracing treatments.

Rigo-Cheneau bracing is a fundamental treatment for scoliosis that no child or adult can afford to skip over. Scoliosis Therapy Center helps connect individuals with the cutting-edge solutions they need to thrive. Avoid surgery and claim your best life by contacting us today.

As new parents, you want to do everything possible to keep your baby happy and growing properly. When your baby comes into the world, you ensure your baby eats, bathes, cuddles, and has regular checkups.

When babies grow into preteens, you may notice that some have compromised postures and have to wear a special spinal brace for scoliosis. You may wonder if there are preventative measures to avoid spinal problems in your baby’s future.

What is Infantile Scoliosis?

Infantile scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spines of infants and toddlers, and doctors do not know the cause of the condition. Babies start to show scoliosis symptoms around six months of age. While infantile scoliosis is not painful, parents should monitor it closely to prevent it from progressing into a severe deformity.

Doctors can treat infantile scoliosis with casting and scoliosis bracing therapy. Braces help align the baby’s spine shape. Babies with mild cases are typically only monitored over a few years. Infants with severe scoliosis may receive scoliosis bracing therapy and scoliosis surgery when they are older.

Symptoms of Infantile Scoliosis

one rib appears more prominent than the other
the waistline is tilted
uneven shoulders
one shoulder blade protrudes more than the other
one leg appears longer than the other

How Your Baby Lies Down is Important

Since the Back To Sleep campaign of the 1990s, parents put babies on their backs to avoid any suffocation when they sleep. It keeps the spine shape aligned, but there is also the danger of developing flat head syndrome, known as plagiocephaly. To prevent plagiocephaly, experts mandate that babies should alternate positions throughout the day, such as holding the baby or giving the baby tummy time.

Many parents don’t enjoy watching their babies have tummy time, fussing while they bob their heads up and down. Frequently, the babies will tire out and fall asleep on their stomachs, which is acceptable as long as there is supervision. However, back sleeping has unequivocally saved lives and is great for infant spine development as long as the mattress is firm.

Infants have flexible bones to come down the birth canal. The negative side of flexible bones is that parents must be careful not to jeopardize the spine by using devices that could cause curvatures and threaten the back’s stability.

Let’s look at some options you have to prevent flat head syndrome and keep your child’s spine healthy.

Baby Devices to Help Prevent Infantile Scoliosis

When an embryo develops, the nervous system and the spine are the first to grow. As the nervous system takes shape, there are many necessary movements that the baby needs to experience to develop properly, and these continue after the baby is born. The baby shouldn’t use any gadget that would hinder these developments.

With so many baby gadgets on the market, it can be difficult for parents to decide what to purchase. You might wonder if the device you buy will be good or bad for your baby’s spine. Any baby carrier you use should allow the baby’s feet to rest on your body or a footrest.

Let’s go through some more current baby devices and how they affect the flexible spine of a baby:

Rock n Play – Manufacturers recalled this baby holder because of fatalities. Even when infants use the device with supervision, it can cause plagiocephaly and spinal troubles because the baby sits in a position that’s hard on their spine.

Baby Carriers – Two main types of baby carriers are available: front or back holding. A front carrier dangles the baby’s feet in midair and causes the parent to slump their shoulders, which is bad posture for everyone involved!

A proper carrier has good back support and keeps the baby’s knees above their hips. This position ensures the thighs support the knees, so there is less tension on the hips. The back carrier is the better carrier to achieve this position. If you look at a baby using a rear carrier, the baby’s legs are in the shape of an “M,” which allows the baby’s legs to hold onto their parent. This position provides proper spinal comfort.

Baby Jumpers and Seats – Baby jumpers and seats are fine if the baby is old enough for the device. Otherwise, these devices can cause stress on the joints, potentially delay the baby’s learning to sit on their own, and cause back problems. Your child is only ready for a jumper when they can sit unassisted.

How Does My Baby’s Spine Develop?

Let’s look at the four main stages of spinal development.

Newborn stage – The newborn stage is when a baby is born until one year old. The spine constitutes 40% of the baby’s total body length and will grow significantly in the first year. The spine’s shape at birth is like the letter “C.” By three months, the baby begins to lift their head, and the curve reverses, called lordosis. At six months, the baby usually starts to sit and sometimes stand. Sitting alone takes a huge toll on the baby, as they must use their spine, head, and core simultaneously to maintain balance.

Years 1 to 5 – The spine continues to grow during the first five years of your child’s life, reaching around 20 inches. Healthy spinal development makes it easier for the toddler to walk, crawl, and run easily and naturally. With a solid foundation of the spine, your toddler should learn to balance themselves correctly and fall less frequently.

Years 5 to 10 – The spine grows another four inches during these years. Parents should start to look out for any unnatural curvatures of the spine and unevenness of the back.

Puberty to 18 years old – The spine typically grows another eight inches for boys and six for girls.

Get Help from Scoliosis Therapy Centers

It’s normal for parents to worry about the health of their new baby and feel anxious about all the devices and accessories their baby may need at each stage. However, parents should be aware that certain gadgets can compromise their child’s spinal development and alignment. Choosing safe gadgets for your baby’s spine and proper laying positions is essential for avoiding baby back problems.

Scoliosis Therapy Centers can help your child properly manage a scoliosis diagnosis. We use non-invasive therapies like Schroth therapy to help reduce the progression of infantile scoliosis and avoid surgery as an adult. Therapy has many benefits to manage the symptoms of scoliosis in babies.

Finding an effective treatment for infantile scoliosis is important. Scoliosis bracing has many long-term benefits that can allow your child to live a normal life and enjoy their daily activities. Doctors can also help parents learn about idiopathic scoliosis to look out for symptoms in their child to prevent surgery and major therapies.
Contact Scoliosis Therapy Centers to get help treating your baby’s infantile scoliosis. Find a specialist near you to start treatment right away and help your baby live life to their full potential.

Hannah is a 14-year-old girl that plays many sports. In the early spring, Hannah started experiencing mild back pain, which impacted her sleep quality.

Hannah’s pediatrician noticed a slight abnormal sideways curve in her back at the center of the spine. This curve is a common condition in people referred to as scoliosis. The doctor requested a follow-up appointment in six months to see the progression of her scoliosis.

Hannah was concerned about how she would play sports after her scoliosis diagnosis. She wondered if her scoliosis would flare up and cause her to sit out during her lacrosse game.

As Hannah’s body develops, the degree of the spinal curvature increases, making her shoulders uneven and putting more pressure on her body. Her pediatrician recommended a local scoliosis specialist to discuss brace therapy for children, and they fit her with a WCR brace. Hannah is currently receiving Schroth therapy at least once a week. The doctors are confident that these therapies will stop the progression of her scoliosis and improve her spinal curvature.

What Should I Do After My Child is Diagnosed with Scoliosis?

With adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there could already be a progression in the condition. In Hannah’s case, waiting six months could make her condition harder to treat.

It’s important to find a scoliosis specialist and begin treatment immediately. Get a referral from your child’s primary physician and schedule an appointment with a local scoliosis therapist. Your child will be under proper guidance and care to treat scoliosis.

Your child’s scoliosis may be mild and should not interfere with their daily life. However, getting a proper diagnosis ensures your child is on top of scoliosis treatment. The last thing you want is time to go by before fixing the problem.

Educate Yourself on Scoliosis

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition that causes an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It is most common in children or adolescents. Scoliosis can occur in individuals with other conditions, such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. However, the cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is unknown.

Child with scoliosis being checked on by doctor

An individual’s scoliosis can be mild, but the spinal curvature progresses as they grow. A severe case of scoliosis can be disabling. It makes it hard to have a good range of motion and can compress a person’s chest, which makes it difficult for their lungs to function.

Can You Cure Scoliosis?

Unfortunately, you cannot cure scoliosis. We want to prevent its progression and correct the curvature of the spine as early as possible.

Once your child fully develops, it becomes harder to correct scoliosis. Both invasive and non-invasive scoliosis treatment methods will help individuals manage their scoliosis. Specialists may discuss surgery instead of non-invasive scoliosis treatment methods like scoliosis bracing therapy. The goal of brace therapy for children is to allow the patient to live normally without pain, discomfort, or back deformity.

Consider All Treatment Options For Your Child

Innovative Scoliosis Bracing Therapy

Scoliosis bracing therapy is a non-invasive treatment that helps manage scoliosis symptoms. There are many bracing therapies, such as Rigo-Cheneau brace therapy and WCR brace therapy. While scoliosis bracing therapy cannot cure scoliosis, it can slow or halt its progression. It helps reduce the symptoms and makes it easier for patients to complete their daily routines.

Brace therapy is effective if the curvature is moderate and doctors treat the diagnosis before the bones develop. We want to prevent the spinal curvature from worsening as the patient grows and their body develops. Brace therapy keeps the spine straight to prevent the vertebrae from twisting to one side of the back.

According to a 2013 BrAIST study from Dr. Stuart Weinstein about scoliosis bracing therapy for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the average success rate of the treatment is 85.4%. As of 2019, the Scoliosis Research Society confirmed bracing is the most successful treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Scoliosis bracing therapy does not hurt your child. Patients get used to wearing the brace, and most people do not think about it as much. There might be some discomfort if the skin becomes irritated from wearing the brace. However, there should be no problem if your child follows the doctor’s instructions.

Bracing therapy can be expensive, depending on the design of the brace. The average cost of traditional scoliosis bracing is between $5,000 and $10,000.

Schroth Therapy

Schroth therapy is a non-invasive scoliosis treatment method that uses exercises to rotate, elongate, and stabilize the spine in a three-dimensional plane. The tailored activities gradually return the curve to a normal position through breathing techniques, muscle synergy, stretching, posture, and education.

The Schroth method for scoliosis treatment is beneficial for children and adolescents with scoliosis. Patients can use this method for both mild and severe spinal curvatures. Your child’s doctor will evaluate the severity of their scoliosis and develop a customized plan.

Is Scoliosis Surgery Right for My Child?

Doctors may recommend surgery in severe cases, such as congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis. However, in cases like mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there are non-invasive treatment methods available.

Doctors may perform surgery as a quick fix if it helps the patient. For example, doctors may choose surgery for a freshman who wants to return to their sports program as soon as possible. In most cases, scoliosis surgery only fixes the lateral curve but not the rotational curve.

One scoliosis surgery can lead to another and does not always correct the problem. A 2019 case study in The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that physiotherapy with scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSEs) is as effective as surgery. The challenge is to educate the quick-fix mentality with non-invasive approaches.

According to the ISASS, the average cost of scoliosis surgery was $140,286 from 2006 to 2009. With healthcare expenses increasing, one can only speculate how much surgery costs now.

Support your Child Through Mental Struggles from Scoliosis

Girls and boys with scoliosis have physical and emotional challenges. For example, the child may be reluctant to take their shirt off at a pool party because they do not want their friends to see a shoulder deformity.

Parents and teachers need to be sensitive to the child’s emotional needs as they go through this challenge. If your child is having difficulties, explaining the long-term benefits of brace therapy and acknowledging their concerns and fears is important. You might be surprised how much a short chat helps if you strive to listen and understand how they feel.

Learn How to Live with Scoliosis

Can you play sports with Scoliosis?

Your child can continue to take part in sports programs with scoliosis. However, it is important to avoid activities that could worsen the condition. For example, your child’s doctor might recommend avoiding torso extensions, repeated extensions of the spine, high jumps, and certain dance and yoga positions. These activities can cause the vertebrae to rotate further into the curve.

The best sports to play with scoliosis include:

swimming
cycling
soccer
strength training
cross-country skiing
badminton
table sports
hiking

How often do we need to visit the doctor?

It depends on the severity of the curve and the doctor’s advice. If the doctor worries that the spinal curve is increasing, they may want to examine your child every four to six months. It is important to speak with the doctor to determine the best schedule for your child.

Next Steps at Scoliosis Therapy Centers

Having a child diagnosed with scoliosis can be challenging for both parents and the child. It is in the best interest of your child to book an appointment with a scoliosis specialist right away. The doctor can advise if your child requires treatment and how you can support your child with their scoliosis diagnosis and treatment. The goal is to treat scoliosis before your child fully develops. Otherwise, treatment options become limited and more challenging.
While your child cannot get rid of their scoliosis, they can live a better and more comfortable life if they receive treatment at the right time. Contact us today and schedule a visit with one of our specialists to discuss non-invasive scoliosis treatment for your child today. We will discuss with you the options and find an effective treatment for your child. You can find an expert near you to help your child through this journey and live to their full potential.

Many studies discuss the effectiveness of scoliosis therapies for treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, few of these studies help parents understand how to help their child with a scoliosis diagnosis. Years of medical research and highly credible data exist about AIS, but what does it all mean for a parent looking to help their child with scoliosis therapy?

Below, we share the main points from a study to give parents a simple understanding of what happens when their child has scoliosis. This white paper was published on May 15, 2021, with updated information that parents can find helpful.

The study mentioned throughout this article is “The Effectiveness of Different Concepts of Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” from the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Important Studies for Scoliosis Bracing Therapy

Before exploring the study and findings of AIS, let us define the important terms you will see in the white paper. Most of these words relate to the spinal skeletal maturity of the pelvic area. Readers should know that the spine rests directly on the sacrum bone, which the pelvis supports.

The Risser Staging System:

Dr. Joseph C. Risser (1892 – 1982) was monumental in treating scoliosis. Risser recognized that the abnormal bone formation and tendon inflammation of the pelvic area (ossification of the iliac apophysis) closely relates to the patient’s spinal skeletal maturity. From 1958, clinicians referred to the gradual maturity of the pelvic bone structure as the Risser sign. The Risser Staging System in the United States measures four stages, while the Risser Staging System in France measures five. These measurements play an essential role in how doctors treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The white papers refer to these measurements in different sample sizes.

The Tanner Staging System:

Dr. James Tanner was a British pediatrician. In 1969, he established a staging system for girls as they progressed through puberty. We can also refer to this staging system as Sexual Maturity Rating or SMR. The Tanner grade has five stages and shows various stages of development in boys and girls. It can make a difference in how doctors and therapists treat AIS.

Ossification:

Ossification is an abnormal bone formation where soft tissues become calcified and hardened. Calcified means a soft area near the bone becomes hard.

Iliac Apophysis:

This term refers to an inflammation around the tendon areas near the front of the pelvis. Here, it refers to inflammation of the tendons in the front pelvic area. The inflammation could be from injury or irregular growth of the child.

Why Doctors Conduct Research on Scoliosis Bracing Therapy

Any parent whose child has scoliosis understands the challenging lifestyle their child faces. Besides the pain and treatment from the progression of scoliosis, there are potential negative social elements too. Scoliosis impacts teenage boys and girls. It can impact their social life negatively, affecting friendships and meaningful relationships. Patients may find it hard to fit into proper clothing because of their uneven shoulders and may cover up during the hot summer.

Since the Lyons Brace in 1948, doctors and therapists have been trying to develop a non-invasive approach to treating scoliosis. Now, scoliosis specialists use several non-invasive ways to treat and correct adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, such as Schroth therapy and scoliosis bracing therapy. The question remains whether wearing a brace full-time is effective for adolescents.

Although doctors like Dr. Jacques Chêneau and Dr. Emanuel Rigo have created comfortable braces, scoliosis treatment can still be challenging as patients must wear most braces all day. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the University Medical Center Utrecht created a research team to investigate the effectiveness of scoliosis bracing therapy. The findings would justify brace therapy as a treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

How Experts Conducted the Study

The research team used a variety of scoliosis braces to give credibility to the study. Orthotists wanted a full and fair picture of different braces and weren’t biased toward any one. The SpineCor brace was soft and worn full-time, and patients wore the Charleston and Providence braces at night only.

Scoliosis patient being checked out by a doctor

The study included 23 to 843 patients, and each study had multiple braces. Every patient received a specific brace, and the researchers entrusted them to wear their respective brace throughout the treatment period.

Orthotists looked at the progression of spinal curvatures of each patient after using scoliosis bracing therapy. In the study, orthotists measured success as a curve progression of 5 degrees or lower during the follow-up appointment after receiving brace therapy. For example, a patient with a 20-degree spinal curvature before and no greater than a 25-degree curvature after treatment would be considered successful. The ideal treatment plan for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis results in a normal Cobb angle of 10 degrees or lower.

The Results of the Study

The results showed overwhelming success for the benefits of scoliosis bracing therapy.

Three studies used the Boston brace, with 169 patients receiving treatment with this device. The Boston brace had an average success rate of 67%.

In another four studies, patients used the Rigo-Cheneau brace, and researchers saw a success rate of 80%. The Rigo-Chêneau brace was very successful in treating lumbar curves. The Progressive Action Short Brace (PASB) had a success rate of 65.6% to 100% for 69 and 163 patients in two different studies. The Lyon brace reported a success rate of 99% for 69 patients.

Based on these successes, scoliosis bracing therapy is effective for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. While you cannot completely cure scoliosis, wearing a brace from a young age can help adolescents avoid surgery.

Scoliosis therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help your child improve their quality of life and avoid the physical challenges of scoliosis progression. The study proves that multiple braces can significantly improve the symptoms of scoliosis and reduce spinal curvature and its progression. Your child can enjoy their activities and daily routine like before the diagnosis.

How Scoliosis Therapy Centers Can Help

All the brace therapy studies prove that scoliosis bracing therapy is an effective treatment for scoliosis patients. The rigid braces were more effective than the soft braces, and results show that wearing the brace full-time is better than wearing it part-time. Although it can be challenging to get used to wearing a brace in the beginning, most adolescents get used to it in a few weeks.

It’s especially worth noting that when comparing the TLSO brace (thoraco-lumbo-sacral othosis) to the Rigo-Chêneau brace, 34% of patients needed surgery with the TLSO brace, while no patients needed surgery after using the Rigo-Chêneau.

Other findings show that bracing therapy is most effective in the Risser stages 0-2 and 0-3 of bone maturity. As the skeletal maturity stage increases, the effectiveness of scoliosis bracing therapy decreases. It is essential that adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients get treatment immediately to fully embrace the highly successful long-term effects of scoliosis bracing.

It’s important to talk to your child’s doctor about whether your child should get scoliosis bracing therapy. A local scoliosis specialist can also work with your family to provide expert advice on the best approach for treating scoliosis and how to measure success in their case.
Contact us to discuss how you can help your child live to their full potential and allow them to enjoy the activities they love. Find a scoliosis specialist nearby and start your kid on the right treatment immediately.