Today we’re exploring what scoliosis is, how it’s treated, and how Body In Motion can support you throughout that treatment process.
If you or a loved one are facing a scoliosis diagnosis it’s important to understand what the condition is and how you and your treatment team can best address its impact on your life.
Today we’re exploring what scoliosis is, how it’s treated, and how Body In Motion can support you throughout that treatment process.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine and is most often discovered during or just before puberty. The cause of most cases of scoliosis is unknown but it can occur alongside conditions like muscular dystrophy. One type of scoliosis idiopathic scoliosis is thought to be potentially genetic in origin.
Whatever the cause of your particular type of scoliosis, it’s important to note that the condition does not indicate just a slight sideways curvature of the spine. The curvature is one that is more than 10 degrees and is far worse in those with a severe case of the condition.
There are four main types of scoliosis.
The aforementioned Idiopathic scoliosis is most common and can occur anywhere from birth to over 18 years of age.
Congenital scoliosis impacts babies prior to birth.
Syndromic scoliosis occurs in children with co-occurring disorders or disabilities like cerebral palsy.
Adult scoliosis typically occurs in adults after the age of 40 and is a result of spinal degeneration.
Scoliosis can cause uneven shoulders, hips, legs, and even sight lines as it worsens, and often the first sign of a child or person with scoliosis is this inherent lack of symmetry.
How Is It Treated?
While in the most severe or unique cases surgery, including spinal fusion, might be a treatment option, scoliosis is treated most commonly with orthopedic bracing.
Bracing options allow for the spine to adjust to a normal degree of curvature and in young people bracing supports proper growth and reduces the likelihood of worsening in the spine’s natural curvature.
Bracing options vary from person to person but most include braces applied to the midsection of the body where the curve is most often found. Correcting the severity of this S curve does not eliminate the bend. Rather, it allows for the proper degree of curvature given the person’s age and other relevant factors.
Scoliosis Bracing at Body In Motion
Bracing can help control the curvature of your spine but creating a binding measure in the area where the curve in your spine is most evident.
Bracing helps your body to relax, adjust, and heal most effectively and custom bracing options (most often made from things like plastic, carbon fiber, or combination materials) provide a purposeful, targeted way to address your scoliosis.
Although there are exceptions, for most patients, properly customized bracing is enough to correct or stop the worsening of spinal curvatures due to scoliosis. This is especially true of children and young adults because the bracing, when properly fitted, adjust the curvature of the spine as they grow. This can lead to things like reduced pain and increased mobility.
The best part about bracing with Body In Motion is that you won’t need to hop from specialist to specialist. Our team can work with your primary care physician and provide on-going support for your scoliosis diagnosis.
To learn more about how Body In Motion can help you navigate a scoliosis diagnosis, call 1-888-BRACE-03 ( 1-888-272-2303)