Scoliosis: What To Do And How To Prevent It?
Scoliosis brace is a condition of the spine where the curvature of the spine is slightly towards the side. The doctors may describe the angle of the curve as “C” or “S”. The curve may appear to be small, large, or somewhere in between when seen in scoliosis X-ray.
Symptoms and signs of scoliosis
A scoliosis patient consulting doctor, Credits: pixabay
A person with scoliosis may observe the following signs:
A curve which is visible in your back
Waist, hip and shoulders that look uneven
Uneven shoulder blades where one looks larger than the other
Ribs may stick out farther on one side of your body
Symptoms include:
Pain in the lower back
Stiffness in the back
Numbness in legs
Fatigue
Types of scoliosis
There are 4 types of scoliosis which include:
Idiopathic
Congenital scoliosis
Neuromuscular scoliosis
Degenerative scoliosis
How to Prevent Scoliosis from Getting worse?
The vast majority of Scoliosis cases cannot be prevented. However, the progression of the disease can sometimes be curtailed from getting worse.
Let’s see some of the points below on how scoliosis condition can be prevented.
Use of braces
Scoliosis traction chair
Remaining physically active
Consuming nutritious food
Spinal surgery
Use of Braces
Braces for scoliosis, Credits: pixabay
Back braces can help kids who are still growing. Many studies have shown that wearing braces for scoliosis for at least 16 hours a day can keep spinal curves from getting large enough to prevent them from surgery. In general, about ¼ of children suffering from scoliosis is likely to benefit from scoliosis braces. Braces for scoliosis are usually made of plastic and cant be seen under the clothes.
Scoliosis traction chair
Scoliosis chair to help keep the back straight, Credits: pixabay
A Scoliosis Traction Chair (STC) is a corrective instrument for scoliosis. It can be used as a chair for back pain to address adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It has shown proven benefits by promoting a powerful effect on the spine. The recommended seating time in the scoliosis chair is 30 minutes twice daily. It is not for use by the general public and can be used only by chiropractors. STC can be ineffective or even harmful if it is not used properly.
Remaining physically active
Exercise for back pain, Credits: pixabay
Including flexibility and strengthening exercises in your daily routine can help strengthen your muscles and possibly prevent scoliosis from worsening.
You can also speak to a physiotherapist who can help improve pain, strengthen muscles, and increase the flexibility of your spine.
A chiropractor may also help you with scoliosis pain by keeping your facet joints supple.
Water or pool therapy can take some of the stress off your joints and help you cope up with pain
Eat nutritious foods
Eating healthy and nutritious food, Credits: pixabay
Consuming foods rich in certain minerals and vitamins can help maintain strong, and healthy vertebrae as well as other bones of the body. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus form the mineral matrix of your bones including your spine. Vitamin D is also an important nutrient to build your bones healthy and strong.
Spinal surgery
Spinal surgery, Credits: pixabay
Spinal surgery should always be the last option considered for scoliosis. However, in some cases, it becomes increasingly important to stop the deformity from progressing. In such cases, surgery can be considered where two or more vertebrae are fused together with bone grafts and metal rods or other hard devices to support the spine in order to keep it straight.
An altered curvature of spine is not preventable but the progression and worsening of the condition can be managed through braces, traction chairs, eating healthy and nutritious food and remaining physically active.