Considerations for Nashua Scoliosis Patients

Scoliosis is not an issue all Nashua parents, families or persons have to consider. For those whose lives or loved ones’ lives are concerned with scoliosis, Nashua scoliosis is a big consideration. Moriarty Chiropractic presents these new findings about Nashua scoliosis development and treatment of scoliosis.

CAUSES OF Nashua SCOLIOSIS: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS YOUTH

Being physically active is a common recommendation for Nashua chiropractic patients. It’s important for all Nashua kids and especially for kids at risk for scoliosis. Recent research on the mechanism, diagnosis and treatment of spinal scoliosis - though not very much is known about the origins of adolescent onset idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) – documented that reduced physical ability and activity in those who go on develop scoliosis by age 15 was noted as early as age 18 months. Those children who did more objectively measured moderate/vigorous physical activity at age 11 were 30% less likely to develop scoliosis. (1) Moriarty Chiropractic knows Nashua parents will want to keep their kids moving!

Nashua SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: OUTCOME PREDICTION

Beyond understanding the development of scoliosis, treatment of scoliosis intrigues Nashua scoliosis patients. The spine itself may help predict its respond to Nashua chiropractic treatment. A noticeable tilting of the L3 and L4 vertebrae at skeletal maturity, especially one greater than 16°, predicts future curve progression and low back pain in adulthood. (2) Such a spine with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis profits from spinal mobilization and therapeutic exercise. They both may slow the progression of the curve and decrease the previously increased size of the curve. A form of spinal manipulation referred to as Cox® Flexion Distraction spinal manipulation incorporates spine distraction with mobilization of vertebral segments into their normal ranges of motion. This may allow improved mobility and assist in stopping curve progression and in reducing the curvature. (3)

Nashua SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: SPINAL MOBILIZATION

A recent study presented support for spinal mobilization of scoliosis spines. Researchers found significant improvements in the neutral angles of both the lower thoracic spine curve and the lower lumbar spine curve after triple-treatment trunk stretching. Triple-treatment trunk stretching may well improve the spinal curve and the physical fitness status of the scoliosis patient. (4) Again, Cox® flexion distraction manipulation stretches the basic anatomical posture of scoliosis.

Nashua SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: SURGICAL VS NON-SURGICAL

Clear evidence of the clinical expectations and outcomes of non-surgical and surgical care for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is scarce. While AIS can progress during the growth years and produce a surface deformity, It’s typically not symptomatic. Nevertheless, the risk of health problems and curve progression increases if the final spinal curvature reaches or exceeds a certain degree. Scoliosis-specific exercises, bracing, and surgery are more standard interventions to stop the progression. The main aims of all types of interventions are to revise the deformity, prevent further worsening of the curve, and restore the spine’s asymmetry and balance. Further, reducing morbidity and pain and permitting return to full function are also important. Surgery is normally suggested for curvatures exceeding 40 to 50 degrees to stop the curvature. There are many reports of short-term (few months) favorable surgical treatment outcomes but not many long-term outcomes (more than 20 years). For those with curves greater than 45 degrees, there are no randomized controlled trials and prospective controlled trials comparing spinal fusion surgery with non-surgical interventions in people with AIS with a Cobb angle greater than 45 degrees to show that one is better. (5)

Nashua SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT: CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic medicine can be first line care for AIS. The chiropractor measures the curvature angle and establishes a Nashua treatment plan that can incorporate spinal manipulation, specialized exercises, postural control, and bracing. If required, interdisciplinary care will be assimilated into the Nashua chiropractic treatment plan. Concerning chiropractic Cox® Technic spinal manipulation, consider the study (6) about stiffness of the thoracic spine which is the main area of the spine changed by scoliosis. This study found that changes in spinal stiffness with chronic thoracic pain demonstrate correlation with pain and muscle activity. Spinal stiffness is intensified in chronic spine related pain. Improvement of spine motion is a part of non-surgical treatment of scoliosis whether in the adolescent or middle to older aged individual.

CONTACT Moriarty Chiropractic

Listen to this PODCAST about Cox® Technic chiropractic care of scoliosis presented by Dr. Roberto Branca, an Italian chiropractor using Cox® Technic, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson. He talks about how he assists in keeping an active woman who has scoliosis active.

Schedule your Nashua chiropractic visit. Considering all the treatments available for Nashua scoliosis is key to the adolescent or adult with scoliosis as well as his/her family. Moriarty Chiropractic teams up with Nashua scoliosis patients and their families to plan the right path for spinal mobility, strength, and health.