Scoliosis Pain? Understand Your Treatment Options
Scoliosis management is complex, and it is mainly dictated by the type of scoliosis encountered. There are syndromic, congenital, neuromuscular, or idiopathic. The seriousness of the curvature and skeletal maturity, which help predict the likelihood of development, influence treatment options for idiopathic scoliosis. As “obtained best results in 10-25 degrees scoliosis, which is a suitable indicator to start therapy before more structural alterations within the spine establish,” non-surgical treatment (conservative treatment) should be proactive with intervention undertaken early.
The Following Types of Treatment Options Have Been Used Historically:
- Observation
- Bracing
- Physiotherapy with a focus
- Surgery
Treatment for Adults is Mainly Focused on Reducing Pain:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Bracing
- Exercise
- Surgery
Treatment for idiopathic scoliosis is also determined by the degree of the curvature, the spine’s ability for further growth, and the likelihood of the curvature progressing.
Scoliosis that is less than 30 degrees deviated has historically been managed primarily by observation. However, rapid growth has been associated with the advancement of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, implying that statement alone is insufficient because progression might occur quickly during a pubertal growth spurt. Another study found that people with scoliosis have a higher peak rate of development throughout puberty than those without, compounding the problem of rapid scoliosis progression.
Exercises For Those With Scoliosis
Lying in the prone position and executing alternate shoulder flexions and hip extensions is a spinal muscle workout.
When used in conjunction with bracing and other traditional treatments, scoliosis-specific exercises have improved treatment outcomes.
Scoliosis-specific workouts include Schroth techniques, which aim to address aesthetic disparities and strengthen muscles and connective tissue that may have atrophied due to scoliosis and asymmetric posture.
Should use Schroth exercises and other scoliosis-specific exercises in conjunction with bracing and other standards of care. They need to be performed under the supervision of a trained professional to ensure that the activities are practical and target the individual’s curve pattern, strengthening the correct muscles. A vital preventive measure is to support the spinal muscles.
Self-care
Scoliosis-related disability and physical limits resulting from treatment-related surgery can significantly impact an individual’s capacity to conduct self-care tasks.
Attempting to prevent future curvature of the spine is one of the initial treatments for scoliosis.
It is usually accomplished in one of three ways:
- Depending on the size of the curvature
- Surgery
- Specialized padding for postural alignment
By maintaining range of motion, preventing rib cage distortion, and lowering pain during tasks like bending or lifting, stopping the advancement of scoliosis can avoid the loss of function in many daily activities.
Occupational therapists are frequently engaged in the selection and manufacture of bespoke cushions. These personalized postural supports can be utilized to keep the present spinal curvature or can be changed to help with the curvature correction. By preventing rib cage distortion and maintaining an active range of motion in the arms, this type of treatment can help a wheelchair user maintain mobility.
Occupational therapy treatment can include a variety of tactics for additional self-care chores (such as clothing, bathing, grooming, personal hygiene, and nutrition).
You can utilize various assistive technologies and tactics to increase independence in activities such as dressing and grooming.
Adaptations in the Bath
- A bath bench
- Grab bars in the Shower Area
- A Handheld Shower Nozzle
An occupational therapist may advocate a long-handled reacher to help self-dress by avoiding unpleasant actions like bending over; they can use a long-handled shoehorn to put on and remove shoes. Specialized cutlery, culinary equipment, or dishes can help with activities like cutting meat and eating.
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