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Here at Scoliosis Specialists our experts specialize in the corrective treatment of Scoliosis and Kyphosis.
Clinical Scoliosis Exam
This is where we will assess the contours of the spine using a Scolio-meter, which is a device to determine the inclination at certain segments of the spine.
Postural Exam
During this exam we will assess the shifts, rotations and contours of the patients posture using a visual inspection and a laser inspection. Certain types of scoliosis create certain postural deformities, which assist in the classification of the scoliosis.
X-Ray Examination
We will take 3 x-ray views during this exam. These three views combined allow us to get a very good idea of the classification of scoliosis. The back to front standing view allows us to measure the curves using the Cobb analysis. From the side view, we see if the normal curves are too flat, too curved or normal. Finally, the laying view allows us to determine the flexibility of the curve, which helps in determining the prognosis for correction or stabilization.
Once all of these exams are completed, doctors enter all the data into what is called the Scoliosis Assistant Software, which helps us in the classification of the scoliosis and the chances of reducing the curves. We explain the costs of the brace and potential for insurance reimbursement at the initial consultation.
Adult Treatments
The process of treatment in adults is similar to bracing children except the goal is support and cessation of chronic pain. The SpineCor dynamic corrective brace provides the spine with support but it doesn’t limit the movement of the spine. This allows for better natural support of the spine and less pain while the muscles strengthen in the correct position.
Case Study from a 26 Year Old Female
The patient’s initial x-ray shows a 32° right thoracic scoliosis. In the SpineCor Pain Relief Brace 1 month after fitting the x-ray shows an improvement of 8 ° to 24°. Her pain relief of 1-2/10 and spinal correction have been maintained for over 2 years by using the SpineCor Pain Relief Brace on an occasional basis.
Early detection and treatment with the SpineCor scoliosis brace for children provides the best opportunity to fix pediatric scoliosis before spinal surgery is required. The smaller the degree of curve, the better the prognosis for correcting and stopping progression of scoliosis. Scoliosis requires prompt and regular attention. During growth spurts, curves can progress quickly. Also, it is easier to change the direction of a curve that is still growing than one that has stopped growing.
Pediatric Treatment Goals
In Contrast to those rigid braces like Rigo Cheneau and Milwaukee the SpineCor Brace allows for full mobility and can be hidden beneath clothing. It is more comfortable to wear compared to traditional braces and allows pediatric patients to remain active in sports and exercise.
Scoliosis surgeries can be a very invasive and costly treatment for Scoliosis. Most patients are left with life-long impacts such as spinal rods or tethered rope implants. These surgeries can be necessary for certain individuals whose Scoliosis has progressed to such a drastic degree. At Scoliosis Specialist we pride ourselves in saving thousands of patient’s from undergoing the life long effects of these invasive surgeries.
FDA Approved Treatment
With over 26 million spent in research and development the SpineCor brace reached FDA approval as a non-invasive treatment option for Scoliosis & Kyphosis.
SpineCor Dynamic Brace – A soft custom fit brace for daily use that can be worn under any clothing. – Custom Fit to each individual patient – Machine Washable for clean daily use – Fully Concealable under clothes or uniforms
CMP Hard Brace – For more advanced or unique cases a CMP hard brace can be recommended for night time use. – Custom fit 3-D printed for the exact fit. Then under doctor supervision can be manipulated to allow for proper adjustments to be made as your spine straightens.
SpineCor® Scoliosis Brace was developed in the early 1990s after rigorous research and clinical trials by a team of 65 researchers based at Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montreal, Canada. Although originally used as a brace for scoliosis for children with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), it became clear that the SpineCor brace greatly reduced related pain in adults, as well. Today, Scoliosis Specialists doctors see an even mix of pediatric scoliosis and adult scoliosis patients.
SpineCor treatment differs from conventional rigid or semi-rigid braces for scoliosis, which restrict motion, causing muscle atrophy. SpineCor inhibits the progression of spinal deformity. Furthermore, it allows full range of motion while balancing and strengthening musculature, improving posture and reinforcing and integrating neurological feedback.
The SpineCor concept is unique in the fact that the results are achieved not so much by the brace but by the interaction of the brace with the patients Corrective Movement. Researchers at the St. Justine Children’s hospital in Montreal Canada developed corrective movements for all types of idiopathic scoliosis to “open up” or correct the curves. The patient is then braced in that corrective movement and held there 20 hours per day by the elastic bands that make up the scoliosis brace. Elastic bands provide the efficacious action in the brace. As the patient goes through the movements of the day, they stretch the elastic bands and the bands then resist and pull them back into the corrective movement. This stimulates the growth centers in the deformed vertebra and it stimulates the neuromuscular system. Over time, the gentle resistance of the brace and the reprogramming of the bodies neuromuscular pattern stabilizes and corrects the scoliosis in 89% of patients. Get these phenomenal results!
In order to bring about the desired results the SpineCor brace must be worn 20 out of 24 hours per day. This is less than rigid braces. Patients get two (2) hour breaks per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. SpineCor research has determined that the minimum time period for bracing is 18 months, but most cases will average 24 months. It depends on the amount of skeletal maturity when the patient is ready to wean from the brace. Below is the progression of follow up visits after the initial visit, and what occurs on each of those visits.
On your first visit to our office, we perform three types of exams. It is necessary for the patient to wear form fitting clothing. Girls should wear tighter shorts and a sports bra and boys should wear shorts like bicycle shorts. Loose clothing will hinder our postural and clinical exams.
I. Clinical exam: This is where we will assess the contours of the spine using a Scolio-meter, which is a device to determine the inclination at certain segments of the spine.
II. Postural exam: During this exam we will assess the shifts, rotations and contours of the patients posture using a visual inspection and a laser inspection. Certain types of scoliosis create certain postural deformities, which assist in the classification of the scoliosis.
III. X-ray exam: We will take 3 x-ray views during this exam. They are a back to front standing X-ray of the full spine, a standing side view of the entire spine and a laying front to back view of the full spine. These three views combined allow us to get a very good idea of the classification of scoliosis. The back to front standing view allows us to measure the curves using the Cobb analysis. From the side view, we see if the normal curves are too flat, too curved or normal. Finally, the laying view allows us to determine the flexibility of the curve, which helps in determining the prognosis for correction or stabilization.
Once all of these exams are completed, doctors enter all the data into what is called the Scoliosis Assistant Software, which helps us in the classification of the scoliosis and the chances of reducing the curves. Once we complete these exams we should know if the patient is a good candidate for the SpineCor brace or not. If a patient is a good candidate then we will schedule a date the following week to return to fit the brace. If a patient is not a good candidate then they will be referred to the proper provider for further consultation. We explain the costs of the brace and potential for insurance reimbursement at the initial consultation.
In order to ensure maximum patient improvement, Scoliosis Specialists follows a proven, pre-defined follow-up process. Our scoliosis doctors schedule these appointments, starting between 4-12 weeks following initial scoliosis bracing with SpineCor. Here is an overview of the follow-up visits: Visit#2 (1 month following initial brace fitting) First of all, we analyze SpineCor Brace Setup; Pre-adjustment clinical measurements taken; without brace clinical exam performed; brace adjusted based on the brace provider’s evaluation; post-adjustment clinical measures taken. Visit#3 (3 months following initial brace fitting) Review the SpineCor Brace Setup; Pre-adjustment clinical measurements taken; without brace clinical exam performed; brace adjusted based on the brace provider’s evaluation; post-adjustment clinical measures taken; After brace adjustment, we take a PA x-ray in brace, and with a shoe lift if prescribed, it should show a reduction or stabilization of the original Cobb angles.
The SpineCor Corrective Pediatric Brace helps children of all ages. The most common age group is adolescents ages 12-16. The SpineCor scoliosis brace is most effective when bracing starts before the 1st growth spurt, in what is called Risser 0. However, the SpineCor scoliosis brace has been shown to be effective in more advanced years of maturity, Risser Signs 1-3, as well. Compliant patients get better results. Teenagers not committed to wearing the brace jeopardize potential treatment success. For most patients, the SpineCor brace is the most comfortable, wearable, efficient and successful brace available. Therefore, the acceptance rate is high.
No adult scoliosis brace treatment is more effective. The SpineCor adult scoliosis brace targets pain relief by providing postural rehabilitation and spinal offloading. Scoliosis in adults is typically the result of having the disease as a child. The degenerative processes of abnormal aging exacerbate the disease. The scoliosis can result in chronic pain, leg discomfort, digestive, and lung complications. Adults with Scoliosis are successfully treated with the SpineCor Dynamic Scoliosis Brace. However, the goal of adult scoliosis treatment is not to correct the adult scoliosis. Correction is not always possible with a brace, but rather a means to support the spine and alleviate pain. The SpineCor Pain Relief Back Brace is a neuro-muscular-skeletal rehabilitation tool for treating abnormal spinal loading and abnormal posture. It is not a simple back support brace.
Brace fitting day is a big day. Bring the whole family and even closest friends of the patient. The support group provide moral support and can assist the patient in wearing the brace. Introduce SpineCor First of all we will introduce the patient to their scoliosis brace and show them all the components. For girls there will be a body suit provided by SpineCor. Patients wear the body suit under the brace to keep the components from rubbing. Boys should look at getting undershirts and underwear to wear under their brace. Before we begin fitting, we instruct the patient and their family on the corrective movement. This is the series of movements that the patient performs to correct their scoliosis. Each time the brace is put on the patient performs corrective movement, so it is essential that everyone is familiar with that movement. Once we have mastered the corrective movement then we will begin fitting.
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Want your X-Rays analyzed by a Scoliosis Specialist?
Our certified Scoliosis Specialists have seen thousands of X-Rays and treated every type of Scoliosis. viewing these X-Rays allows us to calculate curve and estimate future progression based on patients age and type of Scoliosis.
Want to speak with a specialist?
We offer a free virtual or in-person consultation with one of our experts who just treats Scoliosis. We offer this consult free of charge to help those struggling with Scoliosis speak with a doctor. *By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from the business only for appointment confirmations and reminders purposes