Definition
a deviation of the spinal curve, producing body disfigurement
The scoliotic curve may affect the cervical, thoracic, lumbar or combination of any of these areas of the spine.
Description
There are two types of scoliosis: adolescent onset and late stage degenerative.
- Adolescent: With scoliosis screenings at schools and by primary care physicians in annual check-ups, you probably knew you had scoliosis early on. Adolescent scoliosis affects 10% of people and occurs 7 times more frequently in girls than in boys. It is a lifetime-condition demanding gentle, watchful care during its growing years (the late teenage years). Whatever your curve at the end of the growth years, it is permanent and will not likely progress. Some severe cases may require surgery to slow or stop the curve's progression.
- Degenerative: In late stage degenerative scoliosis, you may not recognize your spine's curve unless you experience some back pain or other symptom. Late stage degenerative scoliosis develops with aging, resulting in stenosis of the spinal canal.
Regardless, Cox Technic seeks to maintain mobility and function in the scoliotic spine and carefully monitor the progression of the curve. You will be encouraged to implement exercises (Mehta particularly), nutrition, bracing and Cox Technic. If surgery becomes evidently required, a referral will certainly be made.
Scoliosis Condition Description
Examination
A thorough, clinical examination of the affected area(s) of the spine that may include imaging is important to your recovery.
Treatment
In office, Satterwhite Chiropractic uses Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to widen the canal space, drop the intradiscal pressure and increase the disc height to relieve pain and encourage as much mobility into the scoliotic spine as possible.
You will welcome the Cox Technic manipulation that gently "pulls you apart," as many patients describe the treatment or say they need. Depending on the area(s) of the spine affected, the appropriate Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression protocols, possibly combined with other forms of care, will be applied. Depending on the severity of your pain and symptoms, gentler Protocol I Cox Technic may be applied until 50% relief of pain or more restoring Protocol II may be applied to guide your recovery. You may lie facing down, up or on your side for treatment.
In office adjunctive care may hasten your recovery.
At Home Care
At home you may want to avoid sitting for long periods of time, wear a support brace if recommended, take nutritional
supplements that help rebuild disc cartilage, do
exercises -
particularly Mehta exercises * - that strengthen your spine, sleep on a supportive mattress, sit in an ergonomically designed chair, and modify your daily activities as needed.
* Mehta Exercises - named after researcher Ruth Mehta who described these exercises as "side-shift therapy" - strengthen the musculature of the scoliotic spine, particularly on the convex side of the scoliosis. (1) Research does show that exercise is beneficial to the scoliotic spine. (2, 3)
Procedure: Tighten the quadratus muscles on the convex side of the scoliotic curve by lifting the hip to the rib. Hold for 2 to 4 seconds. Relax. Repeat 25 times a day. This can be done while standing, sitting or lying down. It strengthens, mobilizes and even opens the concavity of the curve. Do this only under the direction of your doctor.
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by
Dr. James M. Cox I."