Why Early Stage Scoliosis Intervention is a Scoliosis Patient’s Best Friend

The main issue with scoliosis is that it is genetic.  This does not necessarily mean that you will get scoliosis condition, but you are at a higher risk for getting the condition. The good news is that environmental factors play a part in whether the genetic 'scoliosis' gene expresses itself. I consider this good news because these factors are within the realm of your control. In doing things and/or avoiding others you may affect the nature, timing and extent of your “scoliosis treatment” or if a discussion about scoliosis surgery will even be necessary in the future.

Consider a test called Scoliscore.  Today we have the ability to test scoliotic genetic factors.  The test is simple to perform.  The child that presents with a small scoliosis (under 25 degrees) spits into a cup.  From the saliva, the lab can tell what is the propensity of the child's curve to progress to 45 degrees or greater before they have stopped growing.  A scale of 1 to 200 is used.  The closer your child is to 200 the more likely it will progress to that degree.  

The question I often hear is, “why should I do something for my kid’s scoliosis if the curve is less than 25 degrees?  The surgeon said that we should wait and see, and if the curve progresses beyond 25 degrees then they can be braced. There is no need to worry” (yet!)

Personally, in answering that question, I would consider what is the cost of doing nothing?  What is the cost of 'waiting''? Especially given today's early stage scoliosis intervention treatment options. 

The fact is, all big curves start out small, so why wait for it to become big? Act on the curve when it is small so you have a fighting chance of it not become big. The bigger the curve, the more complex of a case it is to treat.  Once the curve approaches 25 degrees, the curve starts to reach a new level of complexity and becomes much more difficult to stabilize.  When the curve is small, the chance of it becoming straight is much more likely than a curve that is 50 degrees. This is one of the reasons Early Stage Scoliosis Intervention (ESSI) has come about.

What is ESSI?  Basically, it is a program that works at reducing curves that are 25 degrees or less.  It is a one week (5 consecutive days) course of treatment that focuses on the neuro component of the scoliosis. During this week, a child can spend 20 to 40 hours in a week being treated.  By the end of the program you now have a reduced scoliosis and home scoliosis exercises to fight this condition until skeletal maturity.  ESSI may need to be repeated, depending on the age of your child.

We also have scoliosis treatment options for curves that are greater than 25 degrees called scoliosis boot camp.  This is a 2-week course of treatment that is 60 to 80 hours.  These kids may also require some follow up treatment, depending on the age and degree of curve.  These cases may also require additional home exercise equipment.

The current model is observation up to 25 degrees, then hard bracing 25 to 45 degrees, then surgery.  In today's world, it does not have to be. We have choices! Good choices. And, one thing we know...a head start on whatever you do in life, for any treatment, for any ailment, will have a much better outcome then waiting until it progresses.  Choose wisely and you will experience the same.

About the Author:

Treating Scoliosis.com offers alternatives to scoliosis surgery when treating scoliosis of the spine in adults and children. Visit http://www.treatingscoliosis.com for more information on non-invasive scoliosis treatment plans.