WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?
Scoliosis is most commonly perceived as a sideways curvature of the spine. However, in reality, it is much more complex. Scoliosis is not a curve as much as it is a helix; a three-dimensional “coiling” of the spine. As the spine rotates, it can cause changes in the appearance of the ribs, shoulders, and hips, which can lead to health problems, general discomfort and noticeable changes in appearance.
Will my Scoliosis Get Worse?
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The rationale behind observing mild scoliosis is that, once a patient reaches the age of 18, scoliosis will not progress. However, this is not supported by research. It has been known since 1969 that scoliosis can continue to progress after skeletal maturity.
Collis & Ponseti followed 215 cases of scoliosis after maturity and documented an average worsening of 15 degrees. Weinstein et al showed that 68% of cases of scoliosis progress after skeletal maturity.
Korovessis et al reported a mean progression of 2.4 degrees per year over the course of 5 years in skeletally mature patients. Danielson & Nachemson found that 36% of adolescents with scoliosis had progressed by more than 10° after 22 years.
3 Stages of Scoliosis
Mild Scoliosis
Mild scoliosis carries a significant risk of progression (up to 22%). Once the
scoliosis passes 20°, risk of progression
more than triples to 68°.
Moderate Scoliosis
Research suggests that if the Cobb angle is initially diagnosed at 25° or higher, it will most likely progress.
Severe Scoliosis
Without treatment, further progression is almost certain. Severe scoliosis carries a 90% risk of progression.
The Low Down On Surgery
Four Facts Of Surgery
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Scoliosis can continue to get worse even after spinal fusion.
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Over 20% of patients require more than one operation.
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40% of patients are legally disabled 16 years after the procedure.
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It does not cure the disease of scoliosis but rather replaces one deformity (a flexible, curved spine) with another (a straighter, fused spine).
Effects Of Surgery
There are many different types of scoliosis surgery. Most involve replacing the spinal discs with bone chips harvested from the hip and using a combination of rods, hooks, and screws to hold the spine in place while it fuses solid. This can lead to a permanent decrease in spinal flexibility and ranges of motion. Sometimes, additional re-operations are necessary if the spine doesn’t fuse properly. The most common side effect of scoliosis surgery is wound infection. Neurological deficits are rare but serious. Overall, the mortality rate of scoliosis surgery is very low.
The CLEAR Approach
CLEAR scoliosis treatment does not involve drugs, surgery, or injections, nor does it involve maneuvers that twist or turn the patient’s head. Since scoliosis is a multifactorial condition, the CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Protocol is designed to address many different factors simultaneously. It includes scoliosis-specific physical therapy exercises, specialized chiropractic adjustments, and balance training exercises.
The CLEAR Approach
CLEAR recognizes that scoliosis is a complex spinal disorder, and the evaluation and treatment protocols we have developed reflect this fact. The CLEAR process for evaluating a scoliosis patient is based on 76 different objective radiographic measurements and a detailed, scoliosis-specific physical exam. We utilize an advanced system of three-dimensional x-ray analysis to customize each treatment plan according to the exact needs of the individual. All chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy exercises, and other therapies are prescribed according to each patient’s unique spinal configuration.
For more information, please refer to Rates of complications in scoliosis surgery, or To operate or not - a debate article.
CLEAR TREATMENT
The CLEAR Treatment begins with a complete physical examination and a series of x-rays. The information from the physical examination and x-rays is used to create an individualized treatment plan for every patient.
TREATMENT SESSIONS
Treatment sessions last approximately two hours, and consist of three phases, informally termed, “Mix, Fix, and Set”, as seen below.
