Treating Pediatric Scoliosis in California
Treating Pediatric Scoliosis in California
The National Scoliosis Foundation reports more than 4 million cases of pediatric scoliosis in the United States. Scoliosis is the most common musculoskeletal condition causing spinal deformity in children under 18, while pediatric and adolescent scoliosis accounts for almost half of all cases.
At Scoliosis and Spine Associates, we’re clinicians who are committed to treating pediatric scoliosis in California. We approach pediatric scoliosis conservatively, with non-invasive therapies whenever we can, offering up-to-the-minute surgical interventions, when necessary.
Common methodologies.
Most children with pediatric scoliosis aren’t in need of surgery. When the spinal curvature is 25-40 degrees, bracing is a commonly practiced methodology for correcting it. When employed, the success of bracing for curvature correction is re-evaluated every 3-6 months. Once a child has stopped growing, evaluation is performed with less frequency.
Professional observation to monitor the progression of the curvature is considered a highly effective clinical tool for treating pediatric scoliosis. Deploying diagnostics like X-rays and Scoliscan light-based surface topography is part of the observation effort. Scoliscan technology monitors changes in the surface measurements of the body.
Observed changes reveal whether X-rays are required to look more closely and to guide therapeutic options, moving forward. Braces are more effective, the longer they’re worn each day, with the recommended time being between 16 and 20 hours.
Physician-directed exercise.
While research into the effectiveness of treating pediatric scoliosis with exercise is inconclusive, we’ve seen excellent results using exercise for treating pediatric scoliosis in California, at Scoliosis and Spine. We’ve observed that physical therapy and other exercise regimes are highly effective to relieve discomfort, difficulties with breathing and muscle fatigue, when practiced consistently.
Clinical trials are still being conducted to produce empirical data, but Scoliosis and Spine has seen that exercise plays a pivotal part in making life with scoliosis easier for children struggling with it.
Since the 1920s, the Scroth Method has been treating children with scoliosis. Because scoliosis produces asymmetry in associated muscle groups, the Scroth Method seeks to restore symmetry through scoliosis-specific physical therapy. With programs expressly created for individual patients, Scroth’s mandate is to teach children with scoliosis about their bodies and how to make them stronger and more functional.
Pilates, Yoga, and swimming are other helpful activities. All exercise should be pursued under the care and direction of a doctor, but we’ve seen exceptional results in terms of muscle development in children with scoliosis.
Surgery.
For children with a curvature of more than 40 degrees, surgery should be considered. Observation is crucial for determining whether surgery is needed. Waiting too long in acute cases may result in resorting to more complex procedures to mitigate progression of the curvature.
Scoliosis and Spine Associates – compassionate clinicians.
Dr. Baron Lonner has treated over 20,000 patients in 20 years of orthopaedic practice, focusing on children and adults with spinal deformities. Scoliosis and Spine has been successfully treating pediatric scoliosis with patient-centered care that addresses the condition on a case by case basis.
We’re compassionate clinicians committed to exceptional care, delivering strong patient outcomes. Contact us to book a consultation.