Scoliosis Treatment
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature (to the side) of the spine. Normally, the spine is supposed so that it is vertical, but when you have scoliosis, the spine has a rounded curvature in the upper back. When viewed from the side, the upper back shows mild roundness and there is a degree of swayback (inward curvature) in the lower back.
How Many Types of Scoliosis are There?
There are four types of scoliosis, which have varied causes. Congenital scoliosis, as the name suggests, is a congenital defect, which is to say that this type of scoliosis presents itself because of a bone abnormality at birth. Neuromuscular scoliosis is a type of scoliosis that presents itself because of abnormal muscles or nerves. This type of scoliosis is often seen in people who have spina bifida or cerebral palsy. It is also seen in people with conditions that result in or are accompanied by paralysis. Degenerative scoliosis is when you have a risk of developing degenerative scoliosis if you have had a traumatic injury resulting in bone collapse, major back surgery, or osteoporosis. Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis and it generally presents itself in teenagers and adolescents. However, there is no known cause for idiopathic scoliosis. Nonetheless, there is strong evidence that idiopathic scoliosis is inherited
Some Scoliosis Facts
Approximately 2% to 3% of Americans have scoliosis at the age of 16.
Less than 0.1% have spinal curves that measure greater than 40 degrees, at which point surgery is considered.
Girls are more likely to be affected by scoliosis than boys.
Idiopathic scoliosis is commonly a condition that shows itself in adolescence, affecting children ages 10 through 16.
Idiopathic scoliosis might progress during the “growth spurt” years, but it usually does not progress during adulthood.
How CPO Helps with Scoliosis
Bracing has been proven to be quite helpful in correcting the curvature of spine in adolescents, especially when their bones still have room for growth. Adolescents with 20 to 40 degrees of spine curvature have had relief and correction in their spine curvature with the help of bracing. We provide customized scoliosis braces that help children and adolescents deal with the curvature of the spine. Braces are formfitting and can be worn under t-shirts as well.
CPO uses the Gomez Orthotic Spine System to help scoliosis patients. The CPO-GOSS orthosis uses a unique method to treat spine deformities. It keeps in mind the importance of overall spinal balance and stability. The CPO experts first evaluate the spinal condition thoroughly. They evaluate the spinal deformity and the flexibility or correctability of the spine in all 3 planes. Only then is a computer-aided design (CAD) program used to develop the patient’s new 3D shape or correction.
The most common braces that CPO provides with the help of the CPO-GOSS and advanced CAD technology are: The difference between GOSS and other systems is that traditional plaster casting of the patient and the blueprinting of their coronal X-ray does not give the patient an opportunity to be evaluated on all 3 planes. CAD and GOSS make it possible for the spine to be corrected on all 3 planes.
Even though we use the CPO-GOSS method on most of our cases, our clinicians are well trained and experienced in other options for conservative management of scoliosis. Below are some of the common procedures (orthosis) used.
Some of the common procedures (orthosis) used are:
- Boston Style Scoliosis Orthosis
- Nocturnal Scoliosis TLSO (Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis)
- Scoliosis Orthosis Milwaukee CTLSO (Cervico-Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral)
We not only provide customized scoliosis braces but also the care and attention an adolescent needs. We also direct our patients toward support groups to help cope with their conditions. At CPO, you can find the supportive and caring solution to your child’s scoliosis problems.
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