Treating Pediatric Scoliosis in Canada
Treating Pediatric Scoliosis in Canada
The National Scoliosis Foundation reports that while many may not know much about pediatric scoliosis, it occurs in 3 to 4 children of 1,000. Scoliosis is the most common condition in children causing spinal deformity. Worldwide, pediatric and adolescent scoliosis accounts for almost half of all reported cases.
Scoliosis and Spine Associates is committed to treating pediatric scoliosis in Canada. We approach pediatric scoliosis with conservative, non-invasive therapies whenever we can, offering state-of-the-art surgical interventions when necessary.
Prevailing methodologies.
Most children with pediatric scoliosis won’t need surgery. When the spinal curvature is 25-40 degrees, bracing has been proven effective for correcting it. When this methodology is deployed, its success in terms of correcting curve progression is re-evaluated every 3-6 months. Once a child has reached skeletal maturity (has stopped growing), evaluation is less frequent.
Careful observation to monitor curvature progression is one of the most effective tools for treating pediatric scoliosis. Diagnostics like X-rays and Scoliscan light-based surface topography are employed as part of this effort. Scoliscan monitors changes in the surface measurements of the body.
Observed changes sometimes indicate X-rays to look more closely and to inform therapeutic responses. To produce optimal outcomes, corrective bracing should be worn between 16 and 20 hours, each day.
Therapeutic exercise.
While research supporting the effectiveness of treating this condition with exercise continues to seek conclusive evidence, we’ve seen outstanding results using exercise for treating pediatric scoliosis in Canada, at Scoliosis and Spine. Physical therapy and other types of exercise can be very helpful for relieving patient discomfort, muscle fatigue and breathing issues.
Clinical trials are ongoing, to establish empirical evidence for the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for pediatric scoliosis. But Scoliosis and Spine has observed that it often plays a crucial role in making life easier for children who struggle with the condition.
The Schroth Method has been employed to treat scoliosis since the 1920s. Because scoliosis provokes in asymmetry in associated muscle groups, the Schroth Method seeks to restore symmetry through scoliosis-specific physical therapy. With programs of care created specifically for individual patients, Schroth teaches children with scoliosis about their bodies and how to strengthen them.
Other effective forms of exercise are swimming, Pilates and Yoga. All these supportive therapies should be pursued under a doctor’s supervision. They’ve been proven to support and encourage muscle development in children with scoliosis, when approached consistently.
Surgical recourse.
For children with a curve greater than 40 degrees, surgery should be carefully considered. Observation is instrumental in recommending the surgical option, as waiting too long in acute cases may result in more complex procedures being resorted to. In consultation with parents, doctors may counsel surgery to address significant curvatures.
Scoliosis and Spine Associates.
With 20 years in orthopaedic practice, Dr. Baron Lonner has treated over 20,000 patients. He specializes in spinal deformities in both children and adults. Treating pediatric scoliosis with individualized, patient-centered care is a central part of our clinical mandate, at Scoliosis and Spine.
We’re compassionate professionals dedicated to quality care, delivering superior patient outcomes. Contact us to schedule a consultation.