Soft scoliosis bracing is one of many different treatment options. Unlike surgery, which is invasive, bracing is both effective and practical.
As we covered previously, being fitted for a scoliosis brace isn’t as bad as you might think. In fact, you might be surprised to find how little it will impact your life. If your chiropractor recommends any form of treatment, you of course should listen to him or her to effectively treat your scoliosis.
Scoliosis Bracing and Observation
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by abnormal curvature of the spine. The severity of scoliosis can vary which is why there are multiple scoliosis treatment options available today. Today, there are three primary scoliosis treatment options: observation, bracing, and surgery. Anyone who is diagnosed with scoliosis should discuss their best option with a doctor. A certain treatment will be recommended based on both the patient’s age as well as severity of the curvature. The first treatment option to be considered is observation.
Observation is obviously not treatment, but it involves regular checkups to determine how much curvature of the spine is present. If there isn’t a huge amount of curvature, and it doesn’t show any signs of progressing, then usually there’s no further treatment prescribed. Observation is usually used with small spinal curves, As well as with ones that are at a low risk.
Doctors often recommend observation for curves which are less than 20 degrees. However, the doctor should check the spine every six months. Having a regular x-ray helps to determine the curvature of the spine and if it has changed over time. Studies into scoliosis have shown that once a person is fully grown, a curve less than 30 degrees tends to stay the same while curves greater than 50% tend to worsen over time. After reaching maturity, regular checkups should be performed, but usually treatments are not needed. If, however, the curve is greater than 25%, particularly ones that won’t correct themselves with time, then other treatments are prescribed, such as bracing.
Scoliosis Bracing as an Option
Bracing is often recommended for individuals who have a curve in their spines of 25-40 degrees and who may be still growing. Braces are needed in about one out of every six teenagers with scoliosis. Bracing works by keeping the spinal curve from growing large enough to require surgery. Additionally, the spinal curve will likely become smaller by being held in a brace. When the spine is fully grown and developed, the curve may expand slightly, but often stays smaller.
So remember, there are several different treatment options available for scoliosis. Soft scoliosis bracing is one of them.
Pivonka Family Chiropractic
1355 S Higley Rd #102
Gilbert, AZ 85296
(480) 892-0022
