Treating Pediatric Scoliosis in Connecticut
Treating Pediatric Scoliosis in Connecticut
The National Scoliosis Foundation estimates there are more than 4 million cases of pediatric scoliosis in the United States, with some reports stating as many as 7 million. Scoliosis is a common musculoskeletal condition causing spinal deformity in children, while pediatric and adolescent scoliosis accounts for almost half of all scoliosis cases, nationwide.
Scoliosis and Spine Associates is dedicated to treating pediatric scoliosis in Connecticut. We believe in approaching scoliosis treatment from a conservative standpoint when possible, offering leading-edge surgical options when necessary.
Favored therapies.
Most children with pediatric scoliosis don’t need surgery. When the spinal curvature is 25-40 degrees, bracing is effective for correcting it. The success of bracing for curvature correction is re-evaluated every 3-6 months, until the child has stopped growing. Evaluation is then conducted less frequently.
Medical observation to monitor progression of the curvature is one of the most important tools for addressing pediatric scoliosis. Observation includes the use of diagnostics like X-rays and Scoliscan light-based surface topography. This technology tracks changes in the surface measurements of the body.
Changes observed sometimes indicate that X-rays are required to get a closer look and inform treatment options, moving forward. The effectiveness of bracing is greater the longer the brace is worn by patients each day, with the recommended time being between 16 and 20 hours.
Medically directed exercise.
While supportive research is inconclusive, the Scoliosis and Spine team has seen material results with exercise for treating pediatric scoliosis in Connecticut. We’ve seen that physical therapy and other types of exercise relieve discomfort, muscle fatigue and breathing difficulties.
While research continues to seek empirical evidence, it’s clear to us that exercise can play a central role in making life with scoliosis more manageable for children with the condition.
Since the 1920s, the Schroth Method has been used for treating pediatric scoliosis. A body afflicted with scoliosis exhibits asymmetry in associated muscle groups. The Schroth Method seeks to re-establish symmetry through focused, scoliosis-specific physical therapy. With programs designed for individual patients, Schroth seeks to teach patients about their bodies and how to strengthen them to reduce discomfort and empower recovery.
Other forms of exercise we’ve found to be effective are Pilates, Yoga and swimming. All these physical activities should be pursued under a doctor’s care, but they’re highly supportive of muscle development in children with scoliosis.
Surgery.
For children presenting a curvature of more than 40 degrees, surgery should be carefully considered. Observation is fundamental to determining whether proceeding with surgery is indicated, as leaving it too long in serious cases can require more intense and complicated procedures to address curve progression.
Scoliosis and Spine Associates.
In his more than 20 years in practice, Dr. Baron Lonner has treated over 20,000 patients, with a focus on children and adults with spinal deformities. At Scoliosis and Spine, we’re successfully treating pediatric scoliosis with tailored care that approaches each patient’s unique needs.
We’re a team of compassionate clinicians committed to quality care, enjoying excellent patient outcomes. We invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation.