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  • Scoliosis of the Spine

     

    Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for individuals with scoliosis. While physiotherapy cannot cure scoliosis, it can help manage the condition, alleviate pain, improve posture, and increase strength and flexibility.

    Here are some ways in which physiotherapy can be beneficial for scoliosis:

    1. Exercise programs: Physiotherapists can design specific exercise programs tailored to an individual's needs and the severity of their scoliosis. These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles that support the spine, improving flexibility, and promoting better posture.

    2. Manual therapy: Physiotherapists may use manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretching to reduce muscle tension and improve mobility in the spine.

    3. Postural education: Physiotherapists can provide guidance on maintaining proper posture during daily activities, sitting, standing, and sleeping. They may recommend ergonomic modifications to work or home environments to support good posture.

    4. Breathing exercises: Certain breathing exercises can help improve lung capacity and respiratory function, which can be affected by the curvature of the spine in severe cases of scoliosis.

    5. Pain management: Physiotherapists can use various modalities such as heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to help manage pain associated with scoliosis.

    6. Bracing support: In some cases, a physiotherapist may work in conjunction with an orthotist to ensure the proper fit and function of a scoliosis brace. They can provide guidance on wearing and caring for the brace and monitor its effectiveness.

    It's important to note that the treatment approach may vary depending on the severity and progression of scoliosis. In more severe cases, where the curvature continues to progress despite conservative measures, a referral to an orthopedic specialist or surgeon may be necessary.

    If you or someone you know has scoliosis, it is recommended to consult with a qualified physiotherapist who specializes in scoliosis treatment. They can assess your condition, develop an appropriate treatment plan, and provide ongoing support to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

     
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    <p>&nbsp;<a href="https://rheumatology-now.com/local/local-rheumatologists">Rheumatologist</a>, discusses diagnosis of congenital scoliosis.</p>

     Rheumatologist, discusses diagnosis of congenital scoliosis.

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    <p><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/rheumatologist">&nbsp;Rheumatologist,</a> discusses long-term management of scoliosis.</p>

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  • Diagnosis of Congenital Scoliosis

    It is indeed important to consult with various healthcare practitioners when dealing with scoliosis, regardless of whether it is congenital or idiopathic. Let's break down the key points mentioned in your statement:

    1. Congenital Scoliosis: This refers to scoliosis that is present at birth and is typically diagnosed by a pediatrician who notices a curvature in the baby's spine. Congenital scoliosis is believed to occur during the second to seventh week of fetal development. In some cases, it may even be detected during in-utero testing, such as an ultrasound.

    2. Rehabilitation and Healthcare Practitioners: When managing scoliosis, it is beneficial to consult with different healthcare professionals. This may include a massage therapist, personal trainer, and physiotherapist. Each practitioner can contribute their expertise in addressing specific aspects of scoliosis management, such as pain relief, exercise programs, and physical therapy.

    3. Types of Scoliosis: Approximately 80% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. Idiopathic scoliosis can develop at any age, but the most common form occurs during adolescence, typically between the ages of 11 and 16. Regular examinations, both by a healthcare provider and self-monitoring, are important to track the progression of the curvature.

    4. Diagnosis: Scoliosis can be initially identified by various individuals, including school therapists, phys ed teachers, or family physicians. If scoliosis is suspected, a family physician may request a scoliosis-specific X-ray to assess the curvature of the thoracic and lumbar spine while the person is standing.

    5. Treatment and Monitoring: Treatment for scoliosis depends on the severity of the curvature and the likelihood of progression. Mild and stable scoliosis may not require specific treatment but will require regular observation. However, if the scoliosis is progressively worsening, further attention and potentially additional interventions may be necessary to prevent associated symptoms.

    6. Seeking Medical Advice: If you suspect you have scoliosis due to asymmetry in your posture or if someone has mentioned an abnormal curve in your spine, it is recommended to see your family physician. They can perform an examination, answer your questions, and guide you in the appropriate direction for further evaluation or treatment. In some cases, a rheumatologist may provide specialized information on conditions, side effects, symptoms, and treatments related to scoliosis and other spinal conditions.

    Remember, the information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It's always best to consult with qualified healthcare practitioners for personalized guidance regarding your specific condition.

  • Diagnosis of Congenital Scoliosis

    Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. While it is true that a percentage of scoliosis cases are congenital, meaning individuals are born with the condition, it is important to note that most cases of scoliosis are not congenital. The exact cause of non-congenital scoliosis is often unknown, but it can develop during childhood or adolescence.

    Diagnosing congenital scoliosis in newborns is not typically done in the delivery room, but rather during regular check-ups and physical examinations by healthcare professionals. Pediatricians and other healthcare providers monitor the development of a baby's spine as part of routine care.

    Regarding the timing of scoliosis formation, it is believed that the abnormal curvature occurs during the early stages of fetal development, specifically between the second and seventh week in utero. However, the exact causes and mechanisms behind congenital scoliosis are still not fully understood.

    When it comes to managing scoliosis, the specific treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may not require any intervention, while more severe cases may require bracing or even surgery. In some instances, healthcare professionals such as family physicians, physiotherapists, registered dietitians, and athletic therapists may collaborate to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

    While a healthy diet and regular exercise are beneficial for overall health, there is no specific diet or exercise regimen that can cure or reverse scoliosis. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall well-being and potentially help manage the symptoms associated with scoliosis.

    If you suspect you or someone you know has scoliosis or if you have concerns about the condition, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations based on the individual's specific situation.

     


    So the spine, when it starts to segment itself, it can be problems with segmentation, so some levels don’t divide. Or one half of the spine grows faster or doesn't grow at all, turning this straight line into a curve. And so sometimes the scoliosis is even picked up by in-utero testing, for example, an ultrasound may be able to identify this.

    The other 80 percent are cases where at birth, there is no scoliosis. It comes on. The most common form is the idiopathic, cause is not known. It can happen during infancy. It can happen during childhood.

    The most common form is as an adolescent, so somewhere between ages of 11, to 15, 16. Typically, girls reach skeletal maturity, meaning they stop growing when they are 16 or so. Boys go a bit longer. They grow until 20 or 21, when they reach skeletal maturity.

    After that, the skeleton doesn't grow, so scoliosis doesn't progress, unless there is a secondary cause, be it injury, or be it a mass in the spine or a neurological damage, those are the acquired forms.

    Speaking about the idiopathic scoliosis, the ones that are the most common, the ones that are diagnosed in teenage years, they’re often done by a family physician, or sometimes by a school therapist or a phys ed teacher. They see the scoliosis, they send them to the family physician.

    Often, the family physician asks for a scoliosis specific X-ray film, a film that covers the thoracic spine and the lumbar spine, with the person standing. It can be done in different planes.

    The important thing when it comes to idiopathic scoliosis, is to do serial examination. This will be done by your doctor, but you can keep an eye on it yourself as well. The idea is that a scoliosis that is fairly stable is not going to increase in curve over time, so it doesn't need any specific treatment. It can be observed.

    But a scoliosis that keeps increasing over time, both looking at it, and on X-ray, is something that will potentially need more attention because it may potentially be associated with symptoms.

    If you think you have a scoliosis, either because you’ve seen asymmetry of your posture yourself, or if someone has commented that you may have an abnormal curve in your spine, see your family physician. They can examine you and answer your questions.

    You might visit a rheumatologist for information on what is, conditions, side effects, symptoms and treatments related to congenital scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis, and other spinal conditions.   Often seeing a local family physician or a physiotherapist in conjunction with a registered dietitian and athletic therapist is a great option to take control of this condition. Smart Food Now and exercise is also optominal for overall health.   

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