I recently listened to an enlightening interview with Dr. Bryant, a leading expert in ScoliCare in the US, based in Naples, Florida. As a fellow chiropractor specializing in Scolicare and ScoliBracing at Simply Move Chiropractic, I found his discussion of a particular case study to be both informative and a stark reminder of the importance of seeking specialized care for scoliosis. In this post, I’ll share insights on how to stop scoliosis from getting worse, based on Dr. Bryant’s case study and my own professional experience.
Understanding the Progression of Scoliosis
In 2004, a 48-year-old woman sought help for back pain from her general practitioner. At the time, she was told she did not have scoliosis. However, as Dr. Bryant reviewed her case, he noticed a slight rotation in her spine that could easily be missed. Over the years, her condition deteriorated due to improper management and a lack of scoliosis-specific treatment.
By 2013, at the age of 57, this patient returned to the hospital with acute low back pain. It’s important to note that she entered menopause at 52, a period during which many women experience significant hormonal changes that can impact bone and muscle health. For her, these changes triggered a slow degradation in spinal health, leading to the development of scoliosis.
Key Strategies to Prevent Scoliosis from Worsening
1. Seek Specialized Care
I know this is probably not what you want to hear. The truth is, scoliosis is a complex disease and like other complex disease, you need a specialist to help you in treatment.
When dealing with scoliosis, it’s crucial to avoid standard care approaches that do not address the unique needs of this condition. The patient in the case study was initially referred to physical therapy, a common treatment for various musculoskeletal issues. However, as Dr. Bryant emphasized, standard physical therapy is not typically equipped to handle scoliosis effectively.
Let me be clear here. I am not saying you shouldn’t go to a physical therapist for scoliosis. I’m simply saying, whatever doctor you seek out for scoliosis care, whether it be a DO, PT or DC, make sure they have specific training in scoliosis corrective rehab. PT’s are often trained in Schroth method, which been shown to effectively treat scoliosis similar to ScoliBalance.
In this case, the patient’s scoliosis worsened after undergoing standard physical therapy. It would have worsened with standard chiropractic care as well. This highlights a critical point: non-specific exercises and treatments can sometimes exacerbate the condition. Scoliosis requires a tailored approach that considers the structural instability of the spine. Simply put, more loading and bending of an unstable spine can accelerate its deterioration.
2. Utilize Scoliosis-Specific Exercises
To prevent scoliosis from worsening, it is essential to engage in scoliosis-specific exercises. It is less about the exercises themselves, and more about administering them in a way that over-corrects a patient’s scoliosis.
This means the provider has to custom tailor exercise programs for each patient individually according to their spines. These over-correction exercises are designed to strengthen, improve posture, and reduce the curvature of the spine. At Simply Move Chiropractic, I focus on individualized care plans that address the specific needs of scoliosis patients, utilizing ScoliBalance.
3. Consider Bracing
The turning point for this patient came too late. By 2015, her condition had severely progressed. She was suffering from compressed bulging discs, stenosis, and other complications. Despite attempting physical therapy and other treatments, there was no improvement, and she was eventually put on opioids for pain management. This only compounded her problems, as she became dependent on these medications without addressing the root cause of her pain.
One of the most frustrating aspects of this case was the patient’s general practitioner advising against bracing, citing the risk of muscle weakness. This advice is unfortunately based on a common misconception. Extensive research shows that bracing can be highly effective in stabilizing scoliosis without leading to muscle weakness. In fact, for patients like this woman, bracing might have prevented further progression of her condition and alleviated much of her pain.
4. Avoid High-Impact Activities
If you have scoliosis, you are often advised to avoid high-impact activities that can strain the spine and worsen the condition. While research supports this, there are some caveats, which I will cover in another post. I don’t like telling my patients they can’t do something they are passionate about or that makes them feel good. For most of my patients, I first encourage them to train with me to understand the exercises required to stabilize their spine before, during, and after performing such activities. That being said, if you are under observation for scoliosis and experiencing rapid progression, I DO highly recommend avoiding these activities.
The Importance of Early Intervention
As a specialist in Scolicare and ScoliBracing, I am passionate about providing the correct care for scoliosis patients. This case study reinforces the importance of early intervention and specialized treatment. If you or a loved one is dealing with scoliosis, I urge you to seek out specialized care. Standard treatments may not only be ineffective but can also worsen the condition. Proper management involves a combination of precise diagnosis, specialized exercises, and, in some cases, bracing to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Dr. Bryant’s case study serves as a powerful reminder that with the right care, we can prevent the severe consequences of untreated or improperly treated scoliosis. If you suspect scoliosis or have been diagnosed with it, please reach out to a specialist who understands the intricacies of this condition and can provide the care you need. Together, we can work towards a healthier spine and a better quality of life.
