Scoliosis: Treating the Spinal Condition
Scoliosis affects roughly 3 out of every 100 people, and is more common in women than in men. The name of the condition is derived from the Greek word for “crooked” or “bent,” and, as such, the condition consists of the curving of the spine in an “S” or a “C” shape. No cures exist for it currently, but exercise and bracing could help improve the condition, or prevent it from progressing. Surgery, although quite complicated, has alleviated scoliosis greatly in people with a severe version of the condition. Use this guide to learn what scoliosis is, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and where to find support if you or a loved one have it.
Expand All Guide SectionsOverview of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves one or more times. It isn’t life ... read more »
Scoliosis Symtoms and Diagnosis
Children are routinely screened for scoliosis at school but it’s important for parents to ... read more »
Treatment for Scoliosis
Scoliosis treatments fall into two categories: nonsurgical and surgical. Nonsurgical treatments may include chiropractic therapy, electrical stimulation, bracing, exercise, and nutritional supplements. There are also many surgical options, which carry risks. It’s important to know your options and the possible long-term effects.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Only 10 percent of adolescents diagnosed with scoliosis have curvatures that are severe enough to require medical intervention, according to a July 2001 article in American Family Physician.
- There are a number of articles online suggesting new breakthroughs in medicine and recent studies—make sure these articles are current by checking their publication dates.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of treatment options …
iScoliosis.com
describes both nonsurgical and surgical treatment paths in extensive detail. The site is sponsored by Medtronic, a company that sells products for procedures such as spine surgery. That said, the site does not push readers toward surgery, and includes tips for wearing and caring for braces.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
has an overview of scoliosis with a particularly useful section on treatment. Included you’ll find answers to questions such as “Which Brace Is Best?” and “If the Doctor Recommends Surgery, Which Procedure Is Best?” Also look for lists of some good questions to consider asking your healthcare professional.
SpineUniverse
has video chats with orthopedic nurse Mary Rodts. One video, called “Spinal Bracing for the Young,” shows the different types of braces available, and explains when they would be used. Rodts also offers tips for children and explains how the braces are fitted. Scroll through the articles to find videos on various topics.
HealthCentral.com
has an article on treating scoliosis in adults. It’s divided into surgical and nonsurgical options, and helps people identify whether they may be candidates for surgery.
For treatment of children …
The UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Children’s Hospital
offer this short passage on the treatment of scoliosis, primarily geared toward children. The site is well organized with sections separated by the degree of curvature. For example, there are treatments for curvature under 10 degrees, 10–30 degrees, 30–50 degrees, and more than 50 degrees.
Pediatric Orthopedics
contains a thorough review of the treatments available for scoliosis with numerous photos and graphics. There’s even a brief history for some of the treatments. Most of the content is written by an orthopedic surgeon based at Overlook Hospital in New Jersey. Though the Web design is primitive, the content is thorough and well written—just be prepared to do a lot of scrolling.
For clinical trials …
ClinicalTrials.gov
provides a list of scoliosis clinical trials, along with contact information for the trials’ principal investigators. Talk to your doctor about any trial you are interested in, and read this article [] to learn more about what a trial is, its risks, and benefits.
Support Groups for Scoliosis
Scoliosis tends to develop during adolescence, and can be a heavy burden on teens during these ... read more »
Research and Writing about Scoliosis
For the most part, the information provided so far in this guide comes from organizations and Web ... read more »
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