Juvenile Scoliosis Options – Treatment in New York
The term “scoliosis” describes an abnormal spinal curvature. And contrary to what many believe, it’s not a disease.
Our spines are naturally curved, but not horizontally. A horizontal curve is what causes physical impairment. The most common manifestation of scoliosis is experienced by juvenile patients aged 10 – 18 – adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. To date, no cause has been identified.
For the 2 – 3% of young people living with scoliosis, there’s hope in juvenile scoliosis options – treatment in New York, at Scoliosis & Spine Associates. We’ve supported hundreds of patients.
Non-Surgical Solutions
Non-surgical solutions are always preferred for juvenile patients. These include a variety of therapeutic models. Observation of curve progression, exercise therapy (Pilates, Yoga, Scroth) and bracing are the most common
Combining non-surgical juvenile scoliosis options offers patients substantial curve mitigation. Combining exercise therapy with observation and bracing build the patient’s strength, while achieving curve correction. But empowering our young patients with this approach is truly rewarding.
Observing the Curve
Observation may seem a passive approach, but it serves clinicians with information.
When the curvature is seen to be increasing bracing is indicated, with the support of movement therapy.
Braces
When the patient’s curve has increased to between 30 and 45-degrees, braces are employed to correct it.
Bracing has been observed to effectively cease or impede curvature progression. The BRAIST (Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial, 2013) Study, determined that for bracing to be most effective, patients need to wear their braces for at least 16 hours a day, to a maximum of 20 hours.
With important advances in bracing technology (like the game changing UnyqAlign brace), patients are more likely to wear their braces for the prescribed period.
The breathable, flexible properties of this breakthrough brace have rendered the therapy more comfortable, less binding and more attractive (crucial considerations for young patients), UnyqAlign is a therapy that covers all the bases.
Movement Therapy
Recently, movement therapy has become a crucial part of juvenile scoliosis options and treatment in New York.
While we’re still awaiting definitive research findings to validate the role of these treatments, at Scoliosis & Spine, we’ve seen great results when deploying movement therapy.
Patients in a treatment plan which includes movement therapy see materially higher levels of posture correction, as well as diminished discomfort and fatigue in the muscles. Ease of breathing is also greatly enhanced with targeted movement.
The Scroth Method is proven to be one of the most effective movement therapy models.
Invented in Germany in the 1920s, Scroth’s mission is to fortify the muscles supporting the spine. When complimented by movement therapy that lengthens and strengthens adjacent muscles, Scroth helps to mitigate the curve and to relieve pain.
Clinical Growth
Scoliosis therapies are growing in efficacy, bringing hope to those who need juvenile scoliosis options and treatment in New York.
At Scoliosis & Spine, we’re in at the vanguard of clinical growth in the treatment of juvenile scoliosis. Our clinic director, Dr. Baron Lonner, is a leader in research and development of new treatments.