Scoliosis Care at Life Expressions Family Chiropractic
Also referred to as a sideways curvature of the spine, scoliosis primarily affects girls and is often diagnosed and most progressive between the ages of 10 and 14. Though girls are mostly affected, boys are also affected and diagnosis can often be missed because it’s not as common. Scoliosis affects people of all ages, even before the age of 10 and sometimes even infants, so proper evaluation is important, especially if there is a family history of scoliosis. Because scoliosis checks are no longer performed in schools, many people are unaware they have scoliosis and are often diagnosed after the most progressive stage.
The Importance of Getting Checked
If you have children between 10 and 14, it’s important that your child be assessed for scoliosis by someone that regularly works with scoliosis patients. Early detection is extremely important. If a scoliosis diagnosis is missed, it has the potential to progress and moderate to severe scoliosis can be more difficult to manage even with the best technology. If there’s a history of scoliosis in your family, your child should start getting checked before 10 years of age and more frequently. With proper intervention, it’s possible to offset potential progression.
Adult scoliosis is often an unaddressed health complication. Many adults that were diagnosed with scoliosis as children have continued throughout their adult life without any continued care to manage their scoliosis. Based on outdated recommendations, it’s common that adults are unaware of options they have. With new technology and protocols, adult scoliosis can now be managed with multiple noninvasive, nonsurgical interventions that allow patients to live a healthier and more active life and be proactive in their approach to their scoliosis diagnosis.
What to Expect
New patient paperwork will be emailed prior to your first appointment. A separate scoliosis screening sheet will be included when necessary based on your medical history. If you’ve seen other medical professionals for scoliosis, a medical release will also be included so that other medical records and diagnostic imaging can be referenced by our office. If this is the first time you’re being evaluated for scoliosis or another spinal condition, diagnostic imaging will be necessary and our office will refer you for the necessary tests once the initial examination is completed.
Before your first visit, Dr. Mandy will review your health history and any additional information and/or imaging from previous providers. During your first visit, Dr. Mandy will meet with you to discuss your concerns, perform an in depth examination and review your information with you. Upon completing this visit, a second visit will be scheduled to discuss recommendations regarding your diagnosis, potential progressions and what care will most benefit your specific and individual situation.
If you’re local, please allow 30 to 45 minutes for the first appointment. If you’re coming from out of town, Dr. Mandy will combine visits one and two into a single appointment. Please allow 45 minutes to an hour for the combined visit.
Dr. Mandy will go through your examination findings as well as any diagnostic imaging results and give you treatment options depending on how mild or severe the scoliosis is. Often, a combination of care protocols are recommended. Those options will typically include at home protocols that you’ll receive instruction on, chiropractic recommendations, and sometimes an overcorrected Scolibrace. Financial information will also be discussed at this appointment.
If Dr. Mandy recommends bracing, a brace scan will be necessary. Please allow 30 to 45 minutes for this separate appointment. Special instructions will be given to you regarding what to wear and what to bring with you. We take various posture images and complete a three-dimensional body scan with 3D imaging technology. This is much different than using plaster casting, manually measuring and using corrective pads with a general bracing shell and will provide a more specific and corrective brace made to fit only you.
Once the scans and imaging are complete, they’re sent to Scolibrace to custom make the brace and will be ready for fitting in 3-5 weeks. Once the brace arrives at our clinic, you will have a separate appointment to fit the brace. Any and all modifications to the brace are made in our clinic, which makes it easier to manage as you navigate the first months of wearing a new brace.
How Does CBP Treatment Work?
To address all the tissues involved in spinal scoliosis, CBP emphasizes step-by-step structural rehabilitation, including
- An initial period of restorative chiropractic care to increase neurological function, reduce pain intensity, frequency and increase spinal range of motion
- Mirror Image® adjustments, using techniques such as Tonal Techniques, Drop-Table and Activator Methods®
- Mirror Image® exercises designed to stretch and strengthen shortened muscles that have weakened in areas where they’ve adapted to an abnormal posture
- Mirror Image® Traction
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a brace?
How long does a patient need to wear it?
Why do you take follow-up X-rays?
Does the brace include a monitor?
How often does a patient need to come in if they’re seeing a different chiropractor?
Book an Appointment
If you or your child has scoliosis we want to help. Contact Life Expressions Family Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment.
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