Most Effective Ways To Treat And Live With Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a skeletal disorder that affects an individual's spine. A spine with scoliosis has an abnormal horizontal curvature. This unusual shape of the spine develops commonly when an individual is experiencing a growth spurt that occurs just before they reach puberty.

Scoliosis can be a complication of other conditions like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. Most cases have no clear cause, but it seems scoliosis is related to hereditary factors. Other causes of scoliosis include spinal injuries, spinal infections, and birth defects interfering with spinal bone development. For unclear reasons, scoliosis requiring treatment is more prevalent in females than in males. Several complications can result from an individual's scoliosis. Heart and lung damage, chronic back pain, and changes in symmetrical body appearance can all be the result of scoliosis. Scoliosis is treated on a very individualized basis, as each case of scoliosis affects patients in different ways.

Braces

Individuals who are at a certain age and point in their development may need to wear braces as part of their treatment for scoliosis. Wearing braces does not result in a reversal of the abnormal spine curvature, and it also does not cure scoliosis. Braces can be used in treatment to inhibit any further progression of the patient's abnormal curvature. One type of brace commonly used in such individuals is specially made to conform to the body and is almost unnoticeable under clothes. The brace is made out of plastic and fits closely around the patient's hips, rib cage, and lower back. The amount of time a brace is worn for scoliosis can vary from person to person. The longer the duration and the higher the frequency the brace is worn, the more effective it is in treating the disorder. Braces for scoliosis do not typically cause a patient to have any restrictions in the participation of activities. The braces can also be taken off to make it easier for the individual to participate in sports or other activities. Braces are only effective while the patient's bones are still growing.

Continue reading to reveal more treatments for scoliosis now.