Treating Pediatric Scoliosis in the United Kingdom

Treating Pediatric Scoliosis in the United Kingdom

SAUK (Scoliosis Association UK) reports that while many people may not be aware of pediatric scoliosis, it occurs in 3 to 4 children of 1,000.  Scoliosis is the most common musculoskeletal condition in children causing spinal deformity.  Pediatric and adolescent scoliosis accounts for almost 50% of total cases, worldwide.

At Scoliosis and Spine Associates, we’re committed to treating pediatric scoliosis in the United Kingdom.  We approach pediatric scoliosis with non-invasive therapies whenever we can, offering advanced surgical treatment when necessary.

Common methodologies.

Most children with pediatric scoliosis don’t require surgery.  When the spinal curvature is 25-40 degrees, bracing is effective for correcting it.  When employed, the success of bracing for curve correction is re-evaluated at intervals of 3-6 months.  Once a child has reached skeletal maturity, evaluation is less frequent.

Medical observation to monitor the curvature’s progression is one of the best tools for treating pediatric scoliosis.  This involves the use of diagnostics like X-rays and Scoliscan light-based surface topography.  Scoliscan monitors changes in the surface measurements of the body.

Changes observed sometimes prompt X-rays to take a closer look and to inform therapeutic options, moving forward.  The longer patients wear corrective bracing each day, the more effective it is, with the recommended time being between 16 and 20 hours, per day.

Exercise as therapy.

While research supporting the effectiveness of treating this condition with exercise is far from conclusive, we’ve seen excellent results using exercise for treating pediatric scoliosis in the United Kingdom, at Scoliosis and Spine.  Physical therapy and other forms of exercise are capable of relieving patient discomfort, difficulty with breathing and muscle fatigue.

Clinical trials continue to examine exercise as therapy for pediatric scoliosis, but we’ve seen that it can play a critical role in making life easier for children who have the condition.

Since the 1920s, the Schroth Method has been employed to treat scoliosis.  Because scoliosis results in asymmetry in associated muscle groups, the Schroth Method seeks to re-establish symmetry through scoliosis-specific physical therapy.   With programs of care tailored to individual patients, Schroth seeks to teach children with scoliosis about their bodies and how to strengthen and realign them.

Other recommended forms of exercise are swimming, Pilates, Yoga.  All these therapeutic options should be pursued under the direction of a doctor.  They’ve been proven to be supportive of muscle development in children with scoliosis, when applied with care.

Surgical treatment.

For children with a curve greater than 40 degrees, surgery should be considered.  Observation is pivotal for deciding whether surgery is indicated, as waiting too long in serious cases may result in more complicated procedures being called on to stop curve progression and correct it.

Scoliosis and Spine Associates.

Dr. Baron Lonner has treated over 20,000 patients in his 20 years in practice, with a focus on children and adults with spinal deformities.   Treating pediatric scoliosis with tailored, patient-centered care is a strong focus at Scoliosis and Spine.

We’re compassionate professionals dedicated to quality care, realizing superior patient outcomes.  We invite you to contact us to book a consultation.