Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Treatment in New Jersey
Scoliosis isn’t a disease. It is, in fact, a dysfunctional spinal curvature.
All human spines are curved but not horizontally. It’s a horizontal curve which provokes physical difficulties.
The most common type of scoliosis occurs in the population aged 10 – 18 – adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The cause of this form of scoliosis remains unknown.
But there is much we can do for the 2 – 3% of young people affected by AIS. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment in New Jersey is practiced at the highest level at Scoliosis & Spine Associates.
Non-Surgical Therapies
For our young patients, non-surgical therapies are preferred to surgery, which is the last resort. These include a range of treatments, including exercise therapy (Yoga, Scroth, Pilates), observation of the curve’s progression and bracing.
Combining non-surgical therapies is a common practice. For instance, combining exercise therapy with observation and bracing is highly effective for curve correction, while strengthening the patient. Exercise is an empowering treatment, implicating patient participation.
Observing the Curve
Observation may not sound like a therapeutic tool, but it directs doctors in making clinical determinations.
For example, when the curve is observed to be progressing, bracing can be applied, with the addition of exercise therapy to strengthen the muscles toward curve mitigation.
Bracing Therapy
When the curve is seen to have increased to between 30 and 45-degrees, bracing is the next step.
Bracing has been proven to effectively stop progression of the curve. The BRAIST (Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial, 2013) Study revealed that effective bracing requires patients to wear their braces for at least 16 hours a day, to a maximum 20 hours.
And with the evolution of bracing (like the game-changing UnyqAlign brace), patients are more inclined to wear their braces as prescribed.
Because of this brace’s comfort and attractive appearance, the treatment is no longer problematic for young, image-conscious patients. UnyqAlign is a treatment option that covers all the patient-friendly bases.
Movement Is Powerful
Recently, exercise therapy has become an important part of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment.
While there’s still a need for further research to decisively demonstrate the effectiveness of exercise and movement-based models, at Scoliosis & Spine we’re seeing encouraging results when prescribing exercise-based treatments.
Patients following a treatment plan which includes exercise directly targeted to their condition see improved posture correction, feel less tired and experience less muscle pain. Breathing is also greatly enhanced.
One of the most effective exercise models is the Scroth Method.
Scroth was developed in Germany in the 1920s. The therapy seeks to strengthen muscles in the mid-section and back which support the spine, combined with a process of lengthening and strengthening other implicated muscles. The goal is to reduce the curve by restoring muscular balance and relieving pain.
Evolving Approaches
AIS treatment approaches are evolving. This evolution brings hope to those seeking adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment in New Jersey.
At Scoliosis & Spine Associates, we’re leaders in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment in New Jersey. Dr. Baron Lonner’s mission is to continue creating change and improvement in therapy models.