Contents:
- Medical Video: Non-Surgical Management of Scoliosis - Boston Children's Hospital - Orthopedic Center
- Scoliosis treatment that can be done
- 1. Medicine
- 2. Therapy
- 3. Maintain weight
- 4. Corset support
- 5. Operation
Medical Video: Non-Surgical Management of Scoliosis - Boston Children's Hospital - Orthopedic Center
Scoliosis is a disorder in which a person has an abnormal spinal curve. This can cause back pain in adults so pain medication is sometimes needed. Depending on the severity of the curve of the bone, there are several things that are often used as a way to deal with scoliosis.
Most cases of scoliosis can be treated with drugs and natural methods, but already severe conditions usually require surgery.
Scoliosis treatment that can be done
1. Medicine
If scoliosis causes pain in the back, you can use both over-the-counter and prescription pain medications. The type of drug you can use is an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
If your pain is severe and may have something to do with arthritis or nerve clamping, your doctor may give you epidural steroid injections or facet block injections that can reduce inflammation in the back and temporarily relieve pain.
2. Therapy
Some therapies can be used to treat back pain due to scoliosis, and prevent the spine from turning further. Therapy can also help strengthen the spine and keep it flexible.
Some types of therapy are commonly used:
- Physical therapy: Regular exercise can strengthen muscles, relax tissue, and increase flexibility. This physical therapy includes several stretching movements (stretching) and strength training (strengthening).
- Water therapy: This therapy can help you exercise more comfortably without pain, while reducing pressure on the joints.
3. Maintain weight
If you are overweight, this can put extra pressure on your joints and spine. So, scoliosis sufferers must be careful and always maintain weight so as not to overdo it.
4. Corset support
Wire support or brace corset shaped can be used on your body to deal with scoliosis. In scoliosis patients of children and adolescents, this support corset can prevent the backbone curve from getting worse. However, in adults, the purpose of wearing brace is to reduce pressure on the joints and relieve pain in the lower back.
5. Operation
If the above methods do not work out the problem due to scoliosis, or if your scoliosis is severe, your doctor may advise you to undergo scoliosis. Most scoliosis sufferers do not need surgery, unless the pain is very disturbing or posture due to scoliosis makes it difficult for you to carry out daily activities.
If you decide to operate, the results can change your life. Sometimes, scoliosis surgery takes a long time (more than 8 hours) so it is separated into two small surgeries.
There are 6 types of scoliosis surgery that can be done:
- Microdecompression (for idiopathic scoliosis) and decompression (for degenerative scoliosis): This aims to lift the nerves' pressure to permanently relieve pain. The risk is that your spinal curve can get worse.
- Stabilization: this operation uses a device that is installed to stabilize the spine, so that over time it can return to its correct position.
- Fusion: this technique uses the patient's bones or artificial bones can be used to repair the spine to stay in a straight position.
- Osteotomy: the doctor will cut and straighten your spine.
- Vertebral column: this technique is used if an osteotomy cannot be done to correct scoliosis.
