How Is The Severity Of Scoliosis Classified?
Mild scoliosis: Cobb’s angle of less than 20° requires physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises.
Moderate scoliosis: Cobb’s angle of more than 20° requires scoliosis rigid bracing.
Severe scoliosis: Cobb’s angle of more than 45° with progressive curvature during a growth spurt or even after bracing requires further evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon. Surgery is indicated.
When Should I Look Into Scoliosis Bracing?
Because scoliosis bracing can help to ensure the spinal curvature does not worsen, it is important to get fitted for one as soon as the practitioner sees fit. This is especially important in the case of children with scoliosis, as the condition is known to worsen when they undergo growth spurts in their early pre-teen years - ages 10 to 12 for girls, and ages 11 to 13 for boys.
What Are Some Benefits of Scoliosis Bracing?
Scoliosis bracing prevents the condition from worsening, saving cost and avoiding the trauma of surgery. Depending on the patient’s age range, degree of curvature, and bone maturity, bracing may be included as part of a holistic treatment plan. Other benefits of bracing include:
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Reduction of Cobb’s angle (pre-skeletal maturity)
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Halting and prevention of curve progression
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Spinal derotation
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Improved postural appearance
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Improved self-management and understanding of the spine
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Improved overall aesthetic of the spine and body
What To Expect When Getting Fitted For A Scoliosis Brace
Adjustment at Spinalive entails consultation with our Scoliosis Specialist practitioners. X-rays are required for us to study the spine’s degree of curvature. Depending on the degree of curvature and taking into account the age, gender, and lifestyle of the patient, the scoliosis specialist will then choose the right brace.
The recommended brace type entails a truly 3- dimensional over-corrective approach. This will correct the patients’ "mirror image" in the coronal and transverse planes, while aiming to maintain or improve sagittal alignment. The brace is rigid, durable, and lightweight, made as plastic vests that are custom-fitted for each patient. The fitting of the brace will take some time, and frequent readjustments will take place in order to minimise the curvature of the spine.
Scoliosis Bracing For Children
Spines afflicted by scoliosis curve and twist to the side. Our 3-dimensional rigid brace exerts pressure where needed to straighten and unwind the curve. It uses pressure zones and expansion areas to positively influence the spine in three dimensions. It also has open areas that allow the body to expand during breathing and exercise.
Children who undergo scoliosis bracing often also do special types of scoliosis specific exercises to stop their degree of curvature from worsening. The brace aligns the bones in the spine, while a physiotherapist helps to train and strengthen the muscles. Together, these treatments can improve a child’s posture. Typically, the brace must be worn twenty two hours a day.