Types of scoliosis treatment in children and adults

Scoliosis is a type of spinal disorder. The characteristic symptom of this musculoskeletal disorder is making the spine curve sideways; it can form the letter S or C. In addition, scoliosis can also cause discomfort or back pain. So, what are the ways to cure scoliosis? Come on, look at the following scoliosis treatment list.

Common scoliosis treatment

Untreated scoliosis can lead to scoliosis complications. Starting from changing the appearance of the body to causing breathing problems. So that this does not happen, sufferers of this skeletal system disorder need to undergo treatment. For more details, let's discuss one by one the ways to deal with scoliosis.

1. Pain relievers

In mild cases, scoliosis treatment can be done without having to undergo surgery. Yes, this scoliosis cure relies on medicines to relieve pain and discomfort in the back. The types of drugs you can use are anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

These drugs you can get either with or without a doctor's prescription. If the pain medication does not relieve the symptoms of scoliosis, the doctor may prescribe a higher dose or replace the medication with another, stronger type.

2. Support girdle therapy

Therapy is a way to cure scoliosis naturally. The treatment of these spinal disorders relies on the use of a support device called a bracing . This support corset is placed along the back to prevent the curvature of the spine from getting worse.

The most common type of brace chosen is made of plastic and contoured to fit the body of use. Bracing is worn on the body then can be covered with clothes and worn almost every day on a routine basis.

3. Physical therapy for scoliosis

Scoliosis therapy can also take other forms, namely physical exercise, such as yoga, pilates, or stretching exercises. However, every choice of movement must be determined by a therapist who is an expert in spinal problems. The goal of therapy is to increase flexibility and strengthen bones.

The benefits of scoliosis patients who undergo yoga are not only that. In this physical exercise, you are also taught to reduce back pain by meditating. With this technique, your mind will focus on being calm, which will relax your muscles and reduce pain.

Reporting from CHOC Children's, there are several exercise movements to help cure scoliosis, such as:

Pelvic tilt

Try sleeping on your back with your knees bent and your feet touching the floor. Smooth your back so that it touches the floor, and tighten the muscles around your stomach and buttocks. Hold for 5 seconds, breathe normally. Repeat this movement 10 times (1 set), do 2 sets per day.

Cat-camel

Position your body facing the floor with your hands in front of you touching the floor and your legs bent. Then, take a deep breath until your spine rises upward. Then exhale, and return to the starting position. Repeat this movement 10 times every day.

Double-leg abdominal press

Position your body lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet touching the floor. Put both hands at your sides. Then, lift one leg off the floor and place it on the knee of the other leg.

In this position, your bent knees and hips form a 90 degree angle. Hold for a few seconds and do alternately.

Then, return to its original position. Raise your legs with your knees bent in the air. Raise your hands and place them on your knees. Hold for 3 breaths. Repeat this movement 10 times (1 set). In a day, you can do 2 sets.

4. Massage by an orthopedist

Apart from taking pain relievers, you can also try scoliosis treatment with massage. However, the massage given to this problematic spine should not be arbitrary.

It is feared that indiscriminate massage could worsen curvature of the spine or cause other problems. This method of healing the symptoms of scoliosis should be done by an orthopedist who knows the correct massage technique.

5. Surgery for the treatment of scoliosis

If the above methods do not work to solve the problem caused by scoliosis, or if your scoliosis condition is severe, your doctor may recommend that you undergo scoliosis.

Most people with scoliosis do not need surgery, unless the pain is very disturbing or the posture caused by scoliosis is making it difficult for you to carry out your daily activities. Or when the curvature of your spine is greater than 45-50 degrees, you risk disrupting normal lung function.

If the doctor decides to have surgery, the results can change your life. Sometimes, scoliosis surgery takes a long time (more than 8 hours) so it is separated into two minor surgeries.

Some types of surgery as a way to cure scoliosis are:

In situ spinal fusion

This scoliosis treatment surgery is performed to straighten a slightly curved spine to the side. The procedure involves dissecting the spine and placing special instruments (rods, hooks, or screws) as supports for the spinal graft.

Hemi-epiphysiodesis

The goal of scoliosis treatment is to stop the abnormal growth of one side of the spine so that the curvature does not get worse. This procedure is usually performed for patients who have an imperfect spine (a congenital defect condition).

Hemivertebra resection

Surgery is usually performed on people with abnormally shaped spines. The abnormal part of the spine will be removed, then the bone part will be reconnected. Often times a support instrument is installed.

In most cases, patients who undergo surgery must be hospitalized for 3 to 4 days. They are also not allowed to go to school or work for 4 to 6 weeks. However, they can start daily activities after 2 to 6 weeks of surgery.

Scoliosis treatment considerations

The ways to treat scoliosis spine disorders are very diverse. However, treatment options are usually based on the consideration of an orthopedic doctor.

Some things that doctors consider in determining how to cure scolios spine disorders, including:

• Gender

Girls or women with scoliosis usually have to get treatment as soon as possible, because the disease progresses much faster than boys and men.

• Age

Scoliosis in children who are still experiencing bone growth is usually strongly advised to use a support brace therapy.

• The severity of the curvature of the spine

The doctor will check the degree of curvature of the patient's spine. Based on the magnitude of this degree, the doctor can determine which scoliosis treatment is most appropriate.

• Curvature of the spine

The curvature of the spine can form the letter S or C. This pattern of curvature of the letter S tends to be progressive and is worse in condition than the letter C pattern.

• Excessively curved location of the spine

Scoliosis that affects the middle of the spine (thorax) gets worse more often than it does at the top or bottom.