E 188 Scoliosis and Kyphosis Management

Join Dr. Justin Trosclair in an engaging podcast as he unravels the mysteries of scoliosis, from early detection to cutting-edge treatments. Discover the keys to preventing curve progression, relieving pain, and achieving better posture, whether you’re a healthcare professional or someone seeking to understand and manage scoliosis.

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Dr. Justin Trosclair shares important information on scoliosis and kyphosis management.

In a recent solo episode, Dr. Justin Trosclair delved into the intricate world of scoliosis. This engaging and informative podcast caters to healthcare professionals and patients alike, offering a comprehensive exploration of scoliosis, its detection, treatment options, and the paramount importance of early intervention. Let’s take a closer look at the key takeaways from this enlightening discussion.

Understanding Scoliosis

Scoliosis, as Dr. Trosclair explains, is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. It can occur in various regions of the spine and typically manifests itself during periods of growth in children. Interestingly, the condition often worsens during growth spurts, making early detection and intervention crucial.

In adults, scoliosis takes on a different form, often arising from spinal degeneration that leads to the collapse of the spine. It’s important to note that scoliosis can vary greatly in its presentation and severity.

Identifying Scoliosis

Detection is the first step in effectively managing scoliosis. Dr. Justin highlights the importance of X-rays in revealing scoliosis, especially when it comes to detecting spinal rotation. In cases where spinal rotation isn’t a factor, such as postural issues, treatments like massage and adjustments may be sufficient.

Pain is a common symptom associated with real scoliosis cases, underscoring the necessity for early detection and intervention.

Scoliosis in Children

Scoliosis is most prevalent in specific age groups, with girls aged 10-12 and boys aged 11-13 being at the highest risk. However, rare cases can emerge in even younger children. Curves may deviate to the left or right, prompting further investigations into potential underlying issues.

Among the various forms of scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis is the most common, lacking a known cause. Dr.Justin stresses the importance of early intervention, emphasizing that preventing curve progression is a key goal.

Treatment Options

The choice of treatment for scoliosis depends largely on the degree of the curvature. For curves measuring less than 10 degrees, a combination of manual therapy, exercise, and adjustments may be adequate. However, as the curvature increases, more intensive interventions become necessary.

  • Curves between 10 and 25 degrees may require bracing.
  • Severe curves, exceeding 25 degrees in the thoracic region or 20 degrees in the lumbar region, often necessitate bracing.
  • Extreme curves, surpassing 60 or 50 degrees, may warrant surgical consultation.

Identifying Scoliosis Signs

Scoliosis manifests itself through various signs that include uneven shoulders, hip elevation, and visible humps when bending forward. These telltale signs can be readily observed through a thorough assessment.

It’s worth noting that scoliosis is not uncommon, affecting approximately 2-3% of children aged 10-15. The prevalence tends to increase during periods of rapid growth. Additionally, having a family history of scoliosis elevates the risk.

Benefits of ScoliBrace

ScoliBrace serve a multifaceted purpose in scoliosis management. They not only improve posture and balance but also mitigate the risk of falls, particularly in older individuals. While the altered shapes of spinal bones contribute to scoliosis, bracing can help correct these structural abnormalities.

Degenerative Scoliosis

In older individuals, scoliosis can take on a different form known as de novo scoliosis. This age-related, degenerative-based scoliosis warrants careful consideration and specialized treatment approaches.

In the following sections, we will continue our exploration of scoliosis, delving deeper into the importance of early detection, the role of school screening programs, and the significance of tailored interventions for adults. We will also discuss bracing, alternative treatments, and the relationship between sports and scoliosis. So, stay with us as we journey through the fascinating world of scoliosis management.

About the Author
Dr. Justin Trosclair, D.C., an expert in Chiropractic Care, has been focusing on back and neck pain relief for over 12 years and has delivered treatment to more than 6000 patients. With advanced training in treating disc derangement conditions, you can count on him to keep up to date with the latest research in physical medicine for spinal pain. He has 5 years of hospital experience in China, is currently working in Germany, and had a private practice in Colorado for 6 years. Dr. Trosclair hosts a doctor to doctor interview podcast called ‘A Doctor’s Perspective‘ with over 220 episodes. During his free time he wrote 3 books. Today’s Choices Tomorrow’s Health (rebooting health in 4 categories), a Do-It- Yourself acupressure book for 40 common conditions called Needle-less Acupuncture, and a step by step guide to look like a local for Chinese dinner culture called Chinese Business Dinner Culture. If you have kids, you may be interested in his 6 series tri-lingual animal coloring book series (english, spanish and chinese).