Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Treatment in New York
Scoliosis isn’t a disease. The term scoliosis describes an anomalous spinal curvature.
All our spines are curved, but vertically, not horizontally. The horizontal curvature is what provokes physical discomfort and impairment. And the most commonly seen form of scoliosis is experienced by adolescents and teens aged 10 – 18 – adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. To date, it’s not known what causes it.
But for the 2 – 3% of young people affected by AIS, there’s hope. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment in New York at Scoliosis & Spine Associates has helped hundreds of patients.
Non-Invasive Treatments
For younger patients, conservative treatments are always preferred. These include a range of treatment models, including observation of curvature progression, bracing and exercise therapy (Scroth, Pilates, Yoga).
Combining conservative treatment options usually offers a transformative way forward. For example, combining movement therapy with observation and bracing fortifies the patient, while attending to curve correction. But the empowerment our young patients experience with this approach is truly rewarding.
Observe the Curve
Observation may sound like an unduly passive approach, but it informs treatment models, moving forward.
When the curve is observed to be increasing, bracing is indicated, with the addition of exercise therapy.
Bracing
When the patient’s curvature is observed to have increased to between 30 and 45-degrees, bracing is called on to support mitigation.
Bracing has been shown to effectively stop or limit curve progression. The BRAIST (Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial, 2013) Study, revealed that for bracing to be its most effective, patients should wear their braces for a minimum 16 hours every day, to a maximum of 20 hours.
With breakthroughs in bracing technology (like the revolutionary UnyqAlign brace), patients are more likely to wear their braces for the time prescribed.
This is because of the flexible, breathable properties of this revolutionary brace. No longer binding, uncomfortable and unattractive (important to young patients), UnyqAlign is a treatment that covers all the bases.
Exercise Therapy
In recent years, exercise therapy has become a crucial component of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment in New York.
While there’s still a need for ongoing research to validate the effectiveness of these therapies, at Scoliosis & Spine, we’ve seen encouraging results when using exercise therapy.
Patients following a course of treatment which includes exercise therapy enjoy higher levels of postural correction, as well as reduced discomfort and fatigue in their muscles. Ease of breathing is also greatly improved.
The Scroth Method has been identified as one of the most effective movement therapy models.
Created in the 1920s in Germany, Scroth’s goal is to strengthen muscles which support the spine and in the mid-section. When accompanied by a process of lengthening and strengthening adjacent muscles, Scroth works to mitigate the curve and relieve pain.
Evolution
Scoliosis therapies are evolving and that means hope for those who need adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment in New York.
At Scoliosis & Spine, we’re in at the forefront of advances in treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Our clinical lead, Dr. Baron Lonner, is actively engaged in research and development of evolving therapies.