Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Scoliosis This article discusses the symptoms and nonsurgical treatment options for scoliosis, the disorder characterized by abnormal curvature of the spine. A neuromuscular condition that causes the spine to curve sideways, scoliosis may be detected in infancy, childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. It can affect any part of the spine, though the common regions affected are the thoracic and thoracic-lumbar regions. Reputable pain management centers in Brooklyn, NYC use a combination of treatments to help patients improve symptoms and achieve spine curvature reduction. The exact causes of the condition are unknown. However, it usually develops due to a combination of factors such as neuromuscular conditions (like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy), birth defects, spinal infections and other hereditary issues affecting the bones.
Common Symptoms Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some children may develop serious deformities that continue to become more severe as they grow. The condition is more common in girls than boys and is mostly seen in those above 10 years of age. Scoliosis is more likely to cause low back pain in adults along with stiffness and fatigue. Common signs and symptoms of scoliosis include – ▪
Uneven waist and shoulders
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A tendency to lean to one side
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Back pain
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Chronic fatigue and future spinal kyphosis (widow’s hump)
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Difficulty in breathing
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Headache
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Hip and knee pain
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Leg pain
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Menstrual cycle disturbances
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One hip higher than the other
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One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other
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A prominent ribcage
Nonsurgical Interventions for Scoliosis Proper screening and early scoliosis treatment can provide better outcomes. The physician may recommend x-rays to confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis and assess the severity of the spinal curvature. Imaging tests such as an MRI may be recommended to rule out any severe underlying conditions. In a professional multispecialty healthcare center in Brooklyn, treatment for scoliosis comprises a combination of nonsurgical methods to help patients achieve spine curvature reduction. The therapy recommended would depend on factors such as patient age, sex, type and severity of the curve, location, pattern, and growth as well as the intensity of the symptoms. Treatment modalities used include: Physical therapy exercises – A combination of stretching, strengthening and isometric exercises can help improve muscle strength, improve flexibility, and restore normal spinal function. Pain management in Brooklyn also includes therapeutic exercises to reduce back pain. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – TENS involves the use of low voltage electric stimulation that interacts with the sensory nervous system to eliminate pain. Chiropractic care – Chiropractic treatment uses spinal manipulation technique to restore joint mobility and correct the overall spinal alignment without the need for medication. Game Ready cold therapy system – This computer-controlled modality combines cold therapy and intermittent active compression for all types of musculoskeletal injuries and orthopedic surgery rehabilitation. It includes flexible wraps that are designed to fit comfortably and target cold therapy to the entire affected area with intermittent pneumatic compression. Though scoliosis can rarely be fully cured, early treatment can stop progression and reduces curvature. Non-surgical treatment modalities are useful to address joint pain in adults and to improve range of motion and flexibility.
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