Part one of a series on scoliosis treatment for teenagers focuses on what options teenage patients may have once they have been diagnosed.
What Are the Treatment Options for Scoliosis?
What are the treatment options for scoliosis? There are three main options available. The easiest and less intrusive treatment option is observation. In some cases scoliosis can correct itself as the body grows and develops.
If a chiropractor prescribes observation, it is based on the curvature of the spine, and regular follow up exams. After a few exams, the scoliosis patient reaches a decision point. If the curvature has gotten better, the doctor will likely recommend more observation. If the curvature has stayed the same or gotten worse, then it is time to look into the next option: bracing.
Scoliosis Bracing
Scoliosis bracing used to have two things in common whether it was metal, plastic or a combination of both. It was rigid and uncomfortable. Patients who used to wear corrective bracing had their breathing capacity diminished by up to 30%. These older model braces often posed a few health risks as a result, particularly as patients had to wear their braces up to 85% of the day, so essentially for 20 out of every 24 hours. Modern scoliosis bracing has improved significantly, with greater mobility and flexibility, and ease in breathing. If bracing isn’t an option for your teenager, the last remaining choice is surgery for scoliosis.
It should be noted that scoliosis corrective surgery should always be a last resort and all other options should be explored first. Usually, corrective surgery for scoliosis is for extreme curvatures, or for any curvature that is getting worse. As with all types of surgeries there are potential risks involved. So before you begin any sort of treatment for your teenager, be sure you consult a scoliosis expert for your treatment options.
This concludes part one of our series. For more information on scoliosis treatment for teenagers, be sure to read part two and part three as well.
Pivonka Family Chiropractic
1355 S Higley Rd #102
Gilbert, AZ 85296
(480) 892-0022
https://correctscoliosis.com
