Scoliosis is a medical condition that affects the spine, causing it to have an abnormal curvature. It can cause physical pain and discomfort, as well as emotional distress due to its visible effects on posture. Fortunately, there are treatments available for scoliosis that can help reduce or even eliminate symptoms associated with this disorder.
In this article, we will talk about how scoliosis is treated and the benefits individuals who receive treatment can experience.
Scoliosis Treatment Options
It is important to know that not all spine curvatures need treatment. If the curvature is slight and the patient can live a normal life, it may not be necessary to treat it. If the patient has a spine curvature of 25 to 30 degrees and it is still growing, bracing is used to prevent the progression of the curvature. Bracing involves wearing a special brace designed specifically for the individual’s body shape and curvature of the spine in order to support it and prevent a worsening of the curvature over time. This is not a treatment that is effective for patients with scoliosis from birth but is a common treatment recommended for children as they are still growing.
Doctors may recommend physical therapy as part of a conservative approach to managing symptoms of scoliosis. Scoliosis-specific exercises have been found beneficial due to their ability to increase flexibility while strengthening abdominal muscles, which help support the spine’s natural curves, ultimately reducing stress along any curved areas caused by scoliosis.
Scoliosis Surgery
For curvatures greater than 40 degrees, doctors may recommend spinal fusion surgery, which can stop the spinal curve from worsening. The procedure involves fusing two curved vertebrae together, so they fuse and become one solid bone. A bone graft is often used to facilitate the fusion, and metal rods are put in place to prevent further movement until the fusion has been completed.
Spinal fusion surgery remains one most effective surgical treatment options to correct severe forms of scoliosis and restore the quality of life of those affected.
Physical Benefits of Scoliosis Treatment
The most obvious benefit of scoliosis treatment is improved posture. Correcting the curvature of the spine helps patients stand taller with better balance and alignment throughout the body. This not only makes them look better but also reduces strain on other parts of the body, such as the hips or knees, by helping distribute weight more evenly across different areas instead of putting extra pressure on one area due to an uneven spinal curve. In addition, symptoms of scoliosis such as pain and discomfort can also improve with treatment.
Psychological Benefits Of Scoliosis Treatment
Scoliosis treatment can have psychological benefits, as well. This improvement in overall functional capacity often translates into a better outlook on life, since individuals are no longer limited by their condition and have more freedom in their lives again, a factor known as psychological well-being. In addition, negative feelings associated with being “different” from others due to visible deformities are instead replaced with greater self-confidence.
Scoliosis Treatment in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Lapeer, Michigan
Dr. Bradley D. Ahlgren of Ahlgren Spine is a premier orthopedic spine surgeon in Rochester Hills and is highly experienced in treating scoliosis. Dr. Ahlgren is board-certified and fellowship-trained and can recommend treatments that will give you the best possible outcomes.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahlgren, call our office today at (248) 215-8080, or use our convenient online request form.
