Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine, or backbone. People with scoliosis develop additional curves to either side and the bones of the spine twist on each other, forming a “C” or an “S” shape in the spine.
Scoliosis affects about 2% of women and 0.5% of men, and yet the cause of most scoliosis remains unknown and is still under study. Interestingly, more than 80% scoliosis patients are adolescent girls.
There are several types of scoliosis, based on the cause and age when the curve develops:
- Functional: an abnormal curve develops because one leg is shorter than another.
- Neuromuscular: either the bones of the spine fail to form completely or they fail to separate from each other during fetal development. This type of scoliosis develops in people with other disorders including birth defects, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or Marfan’s disease.
- Degenerative: occurs in older adults. It is caused by changes in the spine due spondylosis, a type of arthritis. Other degenerative conditions include osteoporosis and tumours on the spinal column. Vertebral compression fractures, as a result of accidents, also play a role in degenerating tissues.
Depending on the severity of the curve and the risk for it getting worse, scoliosis can be treated with observation, bracing, or surgery.
Dr. Richard Tavares—Dr. Rick the Chiropractor—is a SpineCor® Accredited chiropractor. SpineCor is a dynamic corrective brace, meaning it moves with the patient. It is not a rigid brace that inhibits movement. Other advantages of the SpineCor® brace include: it is cooler to wear; it allows total freedom of movement, and can be worn under regular street clothes. Patients report that the brace is not uncomfortable to wear.
Physically, the brace is a series of made-to-measure strips of fabric that are then fitted even more closely to each patient.
Most important, SpineCor® has shown to be effective in 89% of cases, either by stabilizing the curve or reducing the angle of the curve of the spine.
To learn more, click on: www.SpineCorporation.com