By Dr Kevin Lau
Scoliosis is known by the curvature of a person’s
spine. The areas commonly afflicted are the middle or side bones of the spine. Scoliosis
can be discovered at birth, while in the womb the bones of the spine fail to
form properly or the ribs fuse together leading to congenital scoliosis. The
condition poses minimal risk to infants and young children of both genders.
Neuromuscular scoliosis refers to muscle problems
such as poor muscle control, muscle weaknesses and muscle paralysis caused by certain
diseases (spina bifida, muscular dystrophy and
polio). Idiopathic scoliosis has no cause and is frequently observed in
adolescents, the majority being young girls. The spinal curves worsen as
adolescents grow. The braces are less helpful to overweight
patients afflicted with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Treatment
varies
according to the cause of the scoliosis, the size and location on the spine and the growth rate of the patient.
For curves between 24 to 40 degrees in adolescents, body braces are advised by
doctors to stop the advancement of spine curving. Boston Brace, Milwaukee Brace, Wilmington Brace and Charleston Brace are
the different types of braces. Each brace
has an individual function and the patients’ health care provider has to choose
the most suitable one for the patient.
Medical reports say the
scoliosis brace does not reverse the curve; instead it applies pressure at
certain points to straighten the spine. The importance of the brace is that it
is adjustable as the patient matures.
The standard treatment prescribed is a scoliosis
brace that corrects moderate curves of 24 to 40 degrees in adolescents. This
treatment is recommended despite the lack of evidence to validate its
prescription and the debate is still ongoing. Though hard and elastic braces
have been shown to correct spinal curvature, the research does
not provide definite answers. More investigation is needed to determine
conclusively if body bracing is good for scoliosis patients.
The preference for scoliosis bracing is in small
part due to subpar research on the effects of scoliosis
exercise in the 1960’s to1970’s. It is
important to consider the supervision of these research studies. The
participants were instructed to engage in scoliosis exercises which were not directed
towards relieving scoliosis curvature or pain. The orthopedic scoliosis
specialist community took the research as the basis to advocate scoliosis
bracing over exercise.
Recent long-term studies published in research
journals cast doubt on the usefulness of the scoliosis brace treatment,
especially on its supposed ability to halt the scoliosis spine progression,
preventing the patient from needing scoliosis surgery or significantly altering
the condition.
At the 2010 SOSORT meeting in Montreal, a speaker
presented findings that demonstrated the possible negative impact scoliosis
braces may have on an individual. When scoliosis braces were used on rat tails,
which are structurally similar to the human spine, the rate of disc deformity
increased. Moreover, the curvature of the scoliosis spine had an
elevated chance of worsening.
Aside from the limited probability of the braces actually
working, there are other reasons for the immense aversion to wearing it. The
brace is constructed to attach against the skin to firmly hold the spine in
place. It has been known to cause great discomfort as well as skin problems
since the plastic brace is fitted very tightly. The plastic fittings chaff the
skin and are responsible for skin irritations and skin breakouts. The areas
have to be given time to heal before the device can be worn again. The brace is
also responsible for darkening of patches of the skin. Health care
professionals advise patients to wear a cotton shirt underneath the brace, but
that does very little to help.
Weather conditions further enhance the distress; given that
hot or humid conditions can be very uncomfortable, patients have to take
excessive measures to keep their skin cool and dry.
Scoliosis brace treatment is not flexible. It has to be worn
for the prescribed period of time each day, which means the patient has to be
careful on the removal and fixing of the brace. Most patients find it
bothersome to remove the brace for bathing and then to re-attach it again. The
biggest issue adolescents have with the scoliosis brace, it is too noticeable.
The brace is even obvious under clothing, undermining the patient’s confidence.
Many patients reported feeling self-conscious and “weird” after a few weeks of
wearing the brace. They began to resist the treatment, seeing it as an imposition
and a very unwanted interference in their already difficult lives.
In light of these latest developments, patients should
explore other options rather than expensive and invasive scoliosis braces. “Health in Your Hands: Your
Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment” by Dr Kevin Lau D C, Kevin
Lau is a good book that underlines a comprehensive and easy plan to prevent
and treat scoliosis.
It is divided into three sections and each
section offers something to the reader.
With purchase of the book, readers will be privy to vital information
that will help them manage their scoliosis condition.
The book offers the following;
- In-depth explanation
of the causes and research on the scoliosis condition. The common symptoms
of scoliosis.
- Critical analysis
on bracing and surgery. Answering questions such as why they are
unsuitable and ineffectual.
- Information on the
latest treatments including a discussion on their various aspects.
- A scoliosis
assessment to determine the quality of life teenagers will have in their
later years.
- An extensive nutritional
program. In addition to details on the consequences of a proper lack of
nutrition especially how it effects the normal growth of the spine.
- Comprehension on
the movement of muscles and ligaments on scoliosis patients.
- Elucidates good,
strengthening exercises for the spine and routines you can follow within
your schedule. All the exercises are detailed in simple diagrams.
- Tips and body
mechanics to amend your posture as well as to ease back pain are mentioned
in the book. Additionally, the best sitting, standing and sleeping
positions are given.
- Inspirational
stories and case studies that will enable readers to gain experience and
enlightenment.
The dietary
program outlined in the book is what the Aboriginal groups of Australia and
tribes from native Africa have been surviving on. Their community has a very
low occurrence of scoliosis and they are relatively healthy. Dr Lau describes
his book as cohesion between modern medicine and ancient wisdom, combining the
best from each for a healthier lifestyle.
People suffering from scoliosis have found relief
from their problems within the book. It is well-researched and designed to
provide maximum benefit to the readers. Chiropractors even recommend it to their
patients. The book is handy for both patients and health care professionals to
incorporate into a fitness and health regime.
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