Scoliosis is defined by a one dimensional measurement on x-ray called a Cobb angle. A measurement of 10 degrees or higher is classified as scoliosis. The current medical model is observation between 10 and 25 degrees x-ray every 4-6 months with the hope it does not get worse. Like most problems in our lives when you ignore them they get worse. Once the scoliosis is 25 degrees a rigid brace with the primary goal only to stabilize the progression is prescribed. It is usually worn 23 hours a day. Once the scoliosis has reached 40 degree the recommendation for scoliosis surgery is recommended. The current model does not always take into consideration: symptoms, function, and structure when making the clinical decisions for deciding treatments.

Rethinking Scoliosis

Scoliosis is more than a Cobb angle.  Scoliosis is a disease of the neuromuscular skeletal system. It is not a bone condition.  It is a 3 dimensional, abnormal spinal position composed of compression, translation, lateral flexion, and rotation.

Approximately 80% of scoliosis cases are defined as idiopathic which means unknown cause. The unique thing about most idiopathic scoliosis cases is the spinal structure is not abnormal at the beginning. The bones are not abnormally shaped causing the spine to be bent and rotated. The system in charge of keeping the spine upright and straight relative to gravity is malfunctioning.  Scoliosis in a nutshell is the brain misinterpretation of the body relative to gravity. It is holding the spine in an abnormal position but does not realize it. The origin of the condition appears to be not in the spine but in the brain. Posture and spinal position is controlled by the brain through involuntary postural reflexes. This is the reason you cannot correct your posture by just standing up straight. When you stop thinking about it you go right back to your original abnormal posture.

Goal of Scoliosis Treatment

The goal of our care is to help the patient improve symptomatically, functionally and structurally and provide the patient with tools to combat their condition with less dependence on doctors. The focus of our program is reduction and stabilization of the scoliosis without bracing or surgery. The goal of  Scoliosis treatments’ is to rehabilitate the neuromuscular system which controls posture and spinal position. This program can restore hope and strength, and spirit.