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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThese facts have implications for how mature patients with scoliosis should be managed. Contrary to what is often concluded, when a child with scoliosis matures they should still be actively monitored and, if the curves are large enough, treated to, at the very least, prevent progression. It has been my experience that the goals of treatment can, and should be, more optimistic than just holding the curve in place. Oft times curves can be improved very significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to mature and even older adults, it is all too common to see the consequences of scoliosis being neglected until such time as surgical intervention is necessary. Unfortunately, older adults typically experience significant chronic pain, postural deterioration and some degree of disability associated with scoliosis. The reason scoliosis worsens with age has to do largely with how the condition causes an acceleration of degeneration in the spine. Degeneration is almost always progressive and causes curves to worsen, can cause spinal instability, and can even predispose people to spinal fractures. All of these circumstances can be mitigated to some degree by being vigilant about, and attentive to, the needs of patients with scoliosis, even when they are older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In older adults, though it is possible to see some improvement in scoliotic curves, the goals of treatment are generally to reduce pain, prevent progression of curves, create spinal stability, improve posture, and minimize any disability. These goals are accomplished by combining specific types of chiropractic care, physical rehabilitation exercises, and sometimes bracing. I have seen bracing make an almost astounding difference, even for scoliosis patients in their 70s and 80s. Bracing usually allows a person to stand more upright, improves breathing and cardiac function, reduces pain, and prevents patients from getting worse as they age. We recommend and utilize a particular bracing product called ScoliBrace which provides a true three-dimensional, super-corrective approach to scoliosis. The idea behind bracing, and all of the other modalities used to treat scoliosis, is to allow people to live long, pain-free, and productive lives. I think that one of the main points to be made is that if you are an adult with scoliosis, there is cause for vigilance, but also a cause for hope. You simply need to seek out those who can see the condition for what it actually is, and then explore and implement all available options for treatment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"