Several theories have been proposed to explain the cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However there is limited data on the impact of Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency on scoliosis. We know from previous studies that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are prevalent in adolescents, including AIS patients. In fact, it has been shown that
The Cobb angle is used to measure the size of the scoliosis curve. It is often a major fixation for the patient and/or the parent. The Cobb angle is often used as a way of measuring success of treatment seeing the main goal is often to correct or stop curve progression. The Scoliosis Research Society
This month we are going to show you a little more about the work we do in the world of scoliosis. Schroth and SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) physiotherapy are both used in our clinic. We develop a program specific to the individual. The goals of treatment include: improve aesthetics, stabilise and sometimes improve
Parents of children with Idiopathic Scoliosis often have great intentions when instructing them to ‘straighten their back’. Parents are naturally concerned about the progression of the scoliosis. They can often be thinking about the condition even more than the child does. However, what actually happens to a child’s posture when we give them quick posture
Scoliosis has been estimated to affect up to 68% of the population of 60. It is frequently associated with a reduced quality of life. Some adults that live with scoliosis were diagnosed at a much younger age. Others are diagnosed for the first time with a new scoliosis. This is called ‘de novo scoliosis’. The
Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) occurs in about 5% of the adolescent population. The Cobb angle is often used to help determine the course of treatment. Generally, curves below 25 degrees are treated with Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises (PSSE). This can include physical therapies such as Schroth. Once a curve gets to about 45 degrees the word
Body image is not simply the perception of appearance. It is a multi-faceted construct that requires attention in scoliosis. Body image is defined as ‘a multidimensional psychological experience of embodiment that comprises evaluative thoughts, beliefs, feelings, behaviors’. It is strongly related to self esteem and quality of life. Adolescence is a period marked by important
Idiopathic Scoliosis (IS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine. It is characterised by a lateral curve with a Cobb angle fo 10 degrees or more. Bracing is one type of conservative therapy used for scoliosis. There are many different brace designs. They all have the same objective: to restore the normal contours and alignment
For years there has been the dogma of ‘no evidence’ about the efficacy of bracing and specific exercises for scoliosis. We have recently overcome the bracing dogma. We now have evidence that bracing is effective as a conservative treatment for scoliosis. Unfortunately the dogma against the benefits of Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises (PSSE) for scoliosis still
Does AIS have a single cause or multiple causes all with the same end result? Why are there so many similarities between AIS patients, yet we still don’t have a cure? This question is the basis for so much research into scoliosis. However, the answer people select has consequences in the design of research. For