Scoliosis can be managed through a variety of treatment options, including nonsurgical and surgical approaches. The specific treatment method recommended will depend on the severity of the scoliosis and the patient’s physical maturity. In this post I will summarize the treatment options I have learned of over the course of my time managing my own scoliosis.
Spinal fusion surgery (aka, the last resort, preferably)
In the previous post we talked about spinal fusion surgery as a treatment option for scoliosis. This involves fusing two or more vertebrae together to help straighten the spine and prevent the curvature from worsening. The doctor will try to correct the curve by placing screws into the spine and attaching a rod to straighten the spine. The bone graft is then placed over the spine to help the vertebrae fuse together (mine was taken from my left hip). Spinal fusion surgery is typically recommended for patients with severe scoliosis or those who have not responded to other treatment options. While spinal fusion surgery can be effective in correcting the curve aspect of scoliosis, it is a major surgery that carries risks and requires a recovery period.
Scoliosis spinal fusion surgery in adolescence is different than it is in adults. The goal of spinal surgery for scoliosis in adolescence is to correct the curve and significantly reduce the degree of curvature. The surgery is typically performed on adolescents who have not responded to other treatment options and have a curve that is greater than 40 degrees. In contrast, spinal fusion surgery in adults is typically performed to relieve pain and improve mobility. The surgery is more complex in adults due to the presence of degenerative changes in the spine. Another thing to consider for adults is the unaddressed underlying issues that led to the scoliotic condition initially that may still be present.
It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of spinal fusion surgery with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right treatment option for managing scoliosis in adolescence or adulthood.
Spine Tethering
Spine tethering is a newer treatment option for scoliosis that is different from spinal fusion surgery.
In spine tethering, a flexible cord called a tether is attached to the spine and tension is applied to the tether to partially straighten the spine. Like fusion surgery, the goal of spine tethering is to reduce the degree of sideways curvature in the spine.
Spine tethering is a less invasive procedure than spinal fusion surgery and does not involve fusing the vertebrae together. This means that spine tethering allows for more flexibility and movement in the spine.
Spine tethering is typically recommended for younger patients who have not yet reached skeletal maturity and have a curve that is less severe. Spine tethering is still a relatively new treatment option for scoliosis and its long-term effectiveness is still being studied.
It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of spine tethering with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right treatment option for managing your scoliosis.
Yoga for Scoliosis
Yoga can be an effective treatment option for scoliosis. Yoga for Scoliosis is a specific style of yoga that uses poses to create alignment for the spine through positioning of the body along with he support of props and modifications for each curve type. The primary goal of yoga for scoliosis is to make improvements to a person’s mobility, manage pain, and increase core strength so the spine is better supported. Yoga can help stretch areas tightened by spinal curvature, strengthen weakened areas affected by the spine’s position, and improve overall pain management, mobility, and flexibility.
My experience in practicing Yoga for Scoliosis with an instructor that specializes in this style of yoga was of powerful relief, particularly for my lungs (I was able to breath deeper and with more ease), a deeper connection with my body that resulted in increased gratitude, kindness and understanding for what it does for me. You can read more about yoga for scoliosis in my post on How to start a yoga for scoliosis home practice.
One yoga pose that has been researched and shown to reduce scoliosis curvature is side plank. It is important to note that yoga cannot heal or cure scoliosis, but it can bring lasting relief to tension resulting from muscle imbalance as well as increase flexibility to make everyday movement more comfortable and accessible.
If you are interested in trying yoga to reduce pain, it is recommended to first consult with a certified yoga teacher who has experience working with scoliosis patients.
Back Bracing for Scoliosis
A scoliosis brace is a medical device used in children and adolescents with scoliosis to help slow or completely stop the sideways curve in the spine from getting worse. Bracing is not typically recommended for adults.
The primary purpose of a scoliosis brace is to prevent the spine from becoming more curved as the child or adolescent grows. The brace will be molded to hold the spine in a straighter position. Braces have been used to treat scoliosis for over centuries, but there are still questions about their effectiveness. Braces can only slow or stop the progression of a spinal curve. They can’t get rid of the curve or straighten out the spine. Bracing is typically recommended for children and adolescents whose bones are still growing and whose curves are between 25 and 40 degrees.
There are different types of scoliosis braces that are used to treat scoliosis. The most commonly prescribed brace for scoliosis patients today is the Boston brace. The Boston brace is a type of thoracic-lumbar-sacral orthosis (TLSO) that is worn around the torso. It is designed to slow or stop progression of the spinal curvature caused by scoliosis. The Milwaukee brace is another type of TLSO that was the original scoliosis brace. It has a metal superstructure that’s very rigid and quite noticeable because it’s worn outside of your clothing. Other types of braces include the Charleston bending brace, Providence brace, and SpineCor brace. Full-time braces are worn day and night, while nighttime braces are only worn while lying down. Like myself, some patients with scoliosis may only brace at night.
As a teen I was prescribed a Charleston brace and a Milwaukee brace that I wore at night while I slept. After putting the Charleston brace on at night and waking up to it next to me in the morning, I was perplexed on how I was getting out of it during my sleep night after night. To my surprise, I woke up one night to the sound of the velcro catching on the sheets. As I continued to roll, I managed to roll out of it completely into sweet sweet freedom. This did not happen with the Milwaukee brace. There was no getting out of that thing. In addition to the velcro in the front, there was an additional screw that was tightened on the back side of it.
Scoliosis Activity Suit
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit is a newer treatment option for scoliosis that has been designed to create a resistance training effect on the spine. The suit is worn like a vest and has strategically placed resistance bands that create a three-dimensional force on the spine. Each time the wearer takes a step, the suit activates muscles in the back and core, which can help improve posture and reduce spinal curvature.
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit is designed to be worn for a few hours each day. The ScoliSMART Activity Suit is a less invasive treatment option than spinal fusion surgery or traditional bracing.
To learn more about ScoliSMART, check out their website and their Facebook page.
Nutrition Treatment
Nutrition can play a role in the treatment of scoliosis and a patient’s ability to heal. Nutritional deficiencies have been shown to have an effect on scoliosis, and correcting these imbalances with supplements and dietary modification can help. A diet rich in minerals and a lifestyle enriched with vitamin D can help strengthen bones, improving overall health. Fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, nuts, seeds, organic or grass-fed meats, and foods containing good bacteria like kimchi promote a healthy and balanced microbiome.
Following the principles of a paleo diet can provide a framework for consuming natural and nourishing foods. By preparing food in a way that is easy for the body to absorb – like cooking cruciferous vegetables to make them easier to digest – the nutrients become more bioavailable.
By introducing nutrient dense foods and eliminating inflammatory foods, we create an environment for healing and increase the likelihood for positive patient outcomes for other treatments underway.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment option for scoliosis. Chiropractors use chiropractic adjustments to realign the spine, removing pressure from the nervous system and increasing range of motion throughout the spine. Chiropractic treatment for scoliosis involves regular adjustments, with the hands or a device, to realign the muscles, bones, and joints.
After my surgery, I was told by my surgeon to never see a chiropractor. These schools of thought have historically been at odds. Fortunately life took me on a path that exposed me to chiropractic care with people I trusted. I experienced incredible relief from tension in my back and am thankful for this option and what I learned about my spine, natural healing and the benefits of traction. My chiropractors helped me understand the importance for caring for the parts of my spine that were not fused, which is something that I wouldn’t have taken into consideration otherwise.
Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that can be used to help manage pain and restore normal movement and function in scoliosis patients.
Many people with scoliosis experience musculoskeletal pain due to the muscular imbalances and postural asymmetry that can arise as a result of the spinal curvature.
Acupuncture treatment can be used to help treat this pain and restore normal movement and function.
Acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with other treatment options, such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, and bracing. It is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for managing scoliosis, including any necessary acupuncture treatment.
I discovered acupuncture when I was dealing with a dull persistent pain in my left thigh. After being assessed by a physical therapist who referred to the pain as stemming from the belly of the muscle, I was ultimately at a loss for how to address it. When my friend referred me to their acupuncturist, I felt it was worth a shot. I have only had acupuncture twice in my life because it was that effective in eliminating my pain. It worked so well for me that I used it as a treatment for my dog when he sustained his back injury.
Sensory Deprivation Tanks
Floatation therapy, which involves floating in a sensory deprivation tank, can help with relaxation and pain relief. In a float tank, all of the muscles and ligaments can relax and stretch effortlessly. Floating allows the spine a chance to decompress, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility. While floatation therapy may not be a primary treatment option for scoliosis, it can be used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with other treatment options, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and bracing.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a common component of scoliosis treatment. Physical therapy can help restore motion to joints and muscles restricted by scoliosis. Physical therapists may use hands-on (manual) therapy to help guide and retrain movement patterns.
The Schroth method (discussed more further down in this post) is a specific type of physical therapy that is commonly used to treat scoliosis. The Schroth method is a three-dimensional exercise program that focuses on elongating the trunk and correcting imbalances in the muscles surrounding the spine. The goals of physical therapy for scoliosis are to reduce pain, improve posture, and prevent the curve from getting worse.
While physical therapy may not be a primary treatment option for severe scoliosis, it can be used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with other treatment options, such as bracing or surgery. It is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for managing scoliosis, including any necessary physical therapy.
I met with a physical therapist during the same time I was wearing a brace. The focus of my physical therapy was on my hamstrings as they were (and continue to be) quite tight and require regular stretching.
Kacelia Tru-Align Body System
The Kacelia Tru-Align Body System can be used to de-rotate the spine. The system uses specially medically engineered cushions to support the body in a neutral position, which can help improve posture and reduce pain. The Kacelia Tru-Align Body System can be used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with other treatment options, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and bracing.
I was blown away by how the Kacelia helped me achieve evenness in my hips and rib cage.
Schroth Method
The Schroth Method is a non-surgical physical therapy approach to scoliosis treatment that was pioneered by Katharina Schroth in the 1920s.
It is a form of Physical Therapy Scoliosis Specific Exercise (PSSE) that uses specific exercises customized for each patient to return the curved spine to a more natural position.
The Schroth Method is a non-invasive treatment for scoliosis that uses specific exercises that are based on a patient’s unique spinal curve pattern. The spine is addressed in three dimensions, with the goal of elongating the trunk and correcting imbalances in the muscles surrounding the spine.
The Schroth Method is a comprehensive approach that includes breathing techniques, postural awareness, and corrective exercises. The method is typically taught by a trained physical therapist or other healthcare professional who specializes in scoliosis treatment.
The Schroth Method has been shown to be effective in reducing pain, improving posture, and preventing the curve from getting worse. While the length of the program is variable, the Schroth Method is typically a long-term treatment that requires ongoing commitment and practice.
Sources:
https://treatingscoliosis.com/scoliosis-nutrition/
https://treatingscoliosis.com/scoliosis-causes/
https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Scoliosis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9441191/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00018-022-04534-5
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S8756328221002374
https://europepmc.org/article/med/27284198
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.3109/17453678008990874
https://scoliosissystems.com/scoliosis-affects-the-entire-body/
https://jasonlowensteinmd.com/8-ways-scoliosis-can-affect-the-body/
