An orthopaedic doctor will choose the best treatment course for curved spine problems after you are diagnosed with scoliosis. Your age, the kind of scoliosis you have, the measurement of your back’s curve, and any other medical disorders you may have will all influence how your disease is treated. Paediatricians consider the patient’s estimated growth when they are deciding on the treatment plan.
The doctors will also take into account the symptoms that can be produced by severe curvature, including discomfort, limited physiological functions, and breathing difficulties. The three types of scoliosis treatment are:
Observation
90% of scoliosis patients have mild curvature, which doesn’t necessitate treatment. Your paediatrician may advise you to wait and observe if your child’s condition worsens before further action. Scoliosis can be “idiopathic,” which means doctors don’t know what is causing it in some children. Doctors will closely monitor the backbones of children with curves below 20 degrees. The curve may remain similar or get worse as a child’s body changes when puberty hits.
Back Support
To slow down your child’s spinal curvature growth, your child’s doctor may suggest that they use a back support if the angle is between 20- 40 degrees. On the other hand, this will not be able to rectify a curvature by itself. Braces can be created out of hard plastic. These can either be hard or elastic, depending on your preference. They are permitted to wear the brace for around 16 to 23 hours a day. The ultimate goal is to prevent surgery by keeping the curve in control.
Surgery
A decline in lung function is possible when a curve is between 45 to 50 degrees in angle. Spinal fusion surgery has been demonstrated to slow the progression of curves in these types of instances. The tiny curved bones of the spine get joined in this procedure. In time, these vertebrae get fused to form one bone. The curvature of the spine should remain stable because growth in this section has already been halted. A bone graft will be needed, and the procedure will take between 4-8 hours. After surgery, your child’s doctor will help you determine when your kid can return to school.
For Scoliosis with Degenerative Changes
You may be prescribed physical therapy, massages, and exercises by your doctor if you have degenerative scoliosis treatment as an adult. Short-term use of an over-the-counter pain reliever and a brace may help ease your discomfort. A neural or epidural block injection can provide temporary satisfaction from back pain.
Degenerative scoliosis may result in pain in your legs and back. As a result, you may experience a decline in your overall well-being. Consider an operation if your nonsurgical treatments have failed. Your spinal alignment and pressure of the nerve get improved by the surgery, which reduces pain. This can be accomplished by fusing the spinal bones.
Many follow-up appointments with your doctor and physical therapist are required following spinal surgery. Discuss what help you will need as you recover from your surgery with your friends and family. After the surgery, most people like to stay in a rehabilitation hospital or nursing home.
What other options are there?
People living with scoliosis may want to consider chiropractic treatments, multivitamins, or electrical stimulation as possible treatment options. Spinal curvature can’t be stopped with any of these methods. Consult your child’s paediatrician before attempting any of these home cures.
Scoliosis is not directly affected by exercise, although staying fit and maintaining a healthy weight is vital at any age. Running, playing soccer and walking are good ways to strengthen your bones. If you have scoliosis when you get older, this is highly crucial.