Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis – Staying Ahead of the Curve
This variety of scoliosis is a challenge for both patient and doctor, but it’s a challenge that can be met with the right approach.
Adolescents go through growth spurts and during those times, curvatures caused by scoliosis can progress rapidly. That said, there are also periods during which progression is extremely slow. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treatment and care require vigilance and pro-active approaches to stay ahead of the curve.
New research offers hope.
Scoliosis & Spine Associates is fortunate to benefit from the work of our lead specialist, Dr. Baron Lonner. His role as a leader in scoliosis research brings our patients leading-edge care derived from ongoing research into treatment and prevention of scoliosis.
A study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong recently revealed that supplements can play a role in the treatment of AIS. Combining Vitamin D with calcium is being identified as a therapy capable of preventing the progression of scoliosis curvature in girls between the ages of 11 and 14.
Subjects in the study with a Cobb angle of 15 degrees who were also suffering from reduced bone mass, responded favorably to supplementation. The supplements were blind-tested against a group of study participants receiving a placebo, in two groups with different dosage levels.
After two years, the combination of Vitamin D and calcium showed significant improvement in the groups who’d received the supplements. There is hope that this therapeutic approach will revolutionize the treatment of AIS.
Ongoing study.
Research continues into the role of supplementation in the prevention and treatment of AIS. Researchers are also exploring the role of nutrition in staying ahead of the curve and supporting patients with the condition.
The future for young people suffering from AIS is brighter, as physicians begin to see the value of the Hong Kong research as an ongoing practice in the treatment of their AIS patients.
But with Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, staying ahead of the curve demands a sensitive partnership between physicians and patients that maintains vigilance over progression. Every patient is different.
While supplementation is a hopeful addition to the arsenal in the war on scoliosis, other therapeutic approaches are deployed for maximum effect.
A comprehensive approach.
A comprehensive approach to AIS implicates a variety of therapies working together to stay ahead of the curve. Bracing and physical therapy are part of that.
Bracing serves to stabilize curvatures, particularly during periods of rapid growth. Physical therapy, which may come in the form of scoliosis-specific Yoga, stretching and strengthening, works to build the patient up physically, also promoting patient physical awareness.
It’s our belief at Scoliosis & Spine that a plan for treatment should be developed between the caregiver and the patient, resulting in a coordinated and pro-active program in which the two parties to treatment work together closely.
At the root of a comprehensive approach to AIS is the relationship between doctor and patient that’s built on trust and common purpose – staying ahead of the curve.
Contact us for more information about Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and staying ahead of the curve.