Is a soft scoliosis brace an option for treatment of scoliosis? Sometimes it can be, yes…
Scoliosis and Soft Scoliosis Braces
Scoliosis bracing, especially soft scoliosis bracing is one of many treatment options for scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition that leads to an abnormal curve on a person’s spine. Normally, every person’s spine has a slight curve. However, the spine of a person with scoliosis is curved too much leading to the victim developing a poor posture. This condition occurs to people of all ages but is more common in children between the ages of 10 to 15. The condition is more common in girls than in boys. The condition sometimes runs in families but in many cases its real cause remains unknown.
In a few cases though, the doctor may be able to identify the cause especially if it is structural. scoliosis can be as a result of a birth defect, disease, infection or an injury. The condition is said to be structural if the person has a fixed curve. If on the other hand the curve is temporary, it is said to be non-structural.
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
For a doctor to conclude that someone has the condition, they use a spine x-ray to determine the angle of the spine. If it is too curved, the doctor comes to a conclusion on the type of scoliosis based on considerations such as the person’s age and the degree of the curve. Once the doctor confirms that the patient indeed has the condition, they are likely to recommend an observation for a few months to determine whether the condition is temporary or permanent. During the period, the doctor may choose to use a soft scoliosis brace to manage the problem. In cases where the condition is severe due to non-treatment, it may make it difficult for the patient’s lungs and chest to function normally. It may therefore cause shortness of breath and severe chest pains.
When is it appropriate to use a soft scoliosis brace?
There are certain conditions when the doctor decides that the use of a brace will stop the condition from getting worse. They include:
– If the patient is young and is still on the growth stage the brace is likely to be used. In most cases it is used if the curve is more than 25 to 30 degrees.
-When the patient is still on a growth stage and has a curve of between 20 to 29 degrees and it seems to be getting worse. This patient is considered for the brace if they have at least 2 years of growth remaining. Should the patient be a girl, she should not have started having her periods.
There are other factors where a soft scoliosis brace may be prescribed.
Pivonka Family Chiropractic
1355 S Higley Rd #102
Gilbert, AZ 85296
(480) 892-0022
https://correctscoliosis.com
