scoliosis report · 2018-08-04 · this theory is behind the biomechanics of a progressing...

Scoliosis Report A Helpful Guide For Your Scoliosis Diagnosis

Anchor Bay Spine Center51145 Washington St. Suite C, New Baltimore

(586) 716-8338 • www.reducescoliosis.com

Hello from Anchor Bay Spine Center!We hope this report will fully inform you about scoliosis so that you can make an educated decision about which options are best for you. Let’s get started!

Goals of this Report• Answer the Question: What is Scoliosis?• Demonstrate What To Look For and When• Explain Associated Health Risks• Lay Out Available Treatment Options

According to the Scoliosis Research Society, scoliosis is defined as: “lateral spinal deviation when measured by X-ray is greater than 10 degrees.” Scoliosis consists of a lateral curvature of the spine with rotation of the vertebrae within the curve.

There are various types of scoliosis (includes but not limited to):• Congenital: You are born with this type of the condition.• Early Onset: Affecting ages 0-10, this type occurs before puberty.• Adolescent: From pre-puberty to full growth (usually from 11 to 16), the chance of the scoliosis

worsening usually occurs during this time. • Degenerative: Adult scoliosis associated with pain and arthritis. • Neuromuscular: Scoliosis caused by neurological or muscular condition.

Scoliosis Quick Facts• Scoliosis currently affects up to 3% of the US population, which is around 10 million people.

You likely know somebody who has been affected by scoliosis.• 80% of the time we do not know what truly causes it. Scoliosis is considered an idiopathic disease.• Scoliosis treatment is usually needed for girls more often than boys by an 8:1 ratio.• Posture issues, backpacks, and accidents do not cause scoliosis!

What is Scoliosis?

What to Look ForSigns of Scoliosis

Uneven shoulders

Curve in spine

Uneven hips

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Have person stand and look from the back:• Is there a head tilt? • Look at the shoulders; Are they even?• Look at the hips; Is one hip higher than the other?• Is one shoulder blade sticking out compared to the other one?

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Associated Health Risks

The Vicious Cycle of Scoliosis This theory is behind the biomechanics of a progressing scoliosis.1. There is a triggering event (80% of the time we can’t determine the triggering event)2. This event will cause vertebrae wedging, which will cause spinal curvature. 3. Over time, this spinal curvature will cause spinal rotation due to asymmetric loading of the spine. 4. This uneven loading will cause one side of the spinal muscles to be strong and short and the other

side to be weak and long.5. On the top and bottom of the vertebrae are growth plates. If too much pressure is pressed on these

areas, this will cause the growth plates to close and stop growing. In a growing scoliotic spine, one side of the growth plate (the concavity of the spine) will have too much loading on it and will cause asymmetrical growth in the individual due to one side of the growth plate closing.

6. This will cause increased wedging of the vertebrae and the cycle continues.

Scoliosis EffectsAccording to the National Scoliosis Foundation…• 100% of patients develop balance/coordination dysfunction• 80% of females patients develop chronic menstrual irregularities• 50% of patients develop chronic digestive problems• 90% of patients develop chronic back and neck pain

The Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation states that: “Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can have significant consequences on self -esteem and mood.”

Vicious Cycle Theory

Wedging of vertebrae

Triggering Event

Spinal Curvature

AsymmetricLoading

AsymmetricGrowth

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Treatment Options

Wait and See Approach This approach is usually used when the curve is below 20 degrees. The patient receives no corrective treatment. There is a small chance that the curve could stay the same. The unfortunate risk is that the scoliosis may get worse, quickly (we have seen curves progress 30 degrees or more in 6 months). X-Rays are usually done every 6-12 months.

Hard Bracing ApproachMedical communities recommend this method after the curve reaches 25-45 degrees. The benefit is that the brace can halt or slow progression. The drawback is the time required to wear the brace is up to 23 hours. Compliance is usually low and some studies have found bracing to be generally ineffective.

Fusion Surgery ApproachThis approach is usually recommended after curve reaches 50 degrees. The benefit is a straighter spine. The surgical risks include that spinal movements are compromised forever, as well as a higher rate of disability and complications compared to non-scoliosis surgery methods. Recovery can also be painful. *There is no evidence why 50 degrees is the magic degree for surgery.*Weiss, Goodell. Rate of Complications in Scoliosis Surgery-A Systemic Review of the PubMed Literature. Scoliosis.2008; 3-9. Doi 10.1186/1748-7161-3-9.

Scoliosis Activity Suit with Scoliosis RehabThis method combines a lightweight Scoliosis Activity Suit (SAS) with scoliosis rehabilitation to help reduce and de-rotate the scoliosis, strengthen weaken spinal muscles, stretch tight muscles and retrain the postural centers in your brain to hold you in a more optimal position. The risks include that the treatment is new, may cause muscle soreness and be ineffective in some cases. The benefit is that it has statistically been proven to be 85% effective in stopping progression, reducing pain and reducing the scoliosis curve. This method is surgery free, drug free and usually does not require a heavy brace. People who have successfully used this method range in age from 5 to 85.

For patient results, visit www.reducescoliosis.com.


Rehab Involved in the S.A.S Method(Not all patients will use all methods)

Soft Tissue WorkUse of various rehab instruments such as a wobble chair and passive scoliosis blocking to loosen up the muscles and ligaments involved with the scoliosis before active rehabilitation starts.

Spinal ManipulationThis puts the spine in a more optimal position.

Pettibon Weighting System (PWS)The PWS causes active isometric spinal rehabilitation that strengthens weak postural muscles and aids in putting the spine in its proper place.

Neuromuscular Re-Education of Postural ReflexesYour posture is at the mercy of your postural reflexes. This means your posture is under unconscious control and we must re-educate your postural reflexes to have long term success with scoliosis.

Scoliosis Activity Suit (SAS)This lightweight suit (weighs around 1 lb) aids in de-rotating the spine, puts the spine in a more optimal position, can decrease the scoliosis curve from 15-90% and increase postural muscle activity. The SAS can be worn during physical activities. The suit’s function is to help alleviate pain, stop curve progression and reduce the scoliosis curve. This soft lightweight suit helps with putting the spine, muscles and discs in a more optimal position for the patient.

Torso Trainer (TT)This long lever orthosis helps strengthen the weakened area(s) of a patient’s scoliosis, derotate the curve, and elongate the spine. Patients often use a balance disc and head weight harness to help with balance and retrain the brain to hold the spinal and postural muscles in a better position.

SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) exercisesThis international approach focuses on self-correction, posture, stabilization exercises that improve balance and neuromuscular control while at the same time emphasizing a cognitive-behavioral approach between patients and their families to improve results.


NOTE: Compliance is of the utmost importance. Home care is necessary and mandatory. If the patient is not committed to rehab practices, the chance of success decreases significiantly!

Anchor Bay Spine Center Success Stories

Before

BeforeBefore

Before

Before

After

AfterAfter

After

After

9 year old with 20 degree curve

64 year old with severe left translation and 19 degree curve




8 degrees after 18 months of care

Much straighter spine and 10 degree curve

after 6 months of care

1 degree after 4 months of care



“ I am so glad my daughter did this treatment. She went from a 21 degree curve to 5 degrees!”– Dawn Bazzi

“ I did not have scoliosis surgery thanks to Dr. Art.”– Mary Ann Bowling

“After this treatment, I am pain-free during cheerleading.” – M.W.

“I would recommend this anybody thinking about surgery or bracing. Both my daughters saw a significant reduction in their curve with the treatment and rehab.” – Rob Dominas


Testimonials

What Next?

FAQ

Look over this information and decide which option is best for you and your family. If you have any questions about the treatment options give us a call at 586-716-8338 to schedule a free consultation with the doctor. He will help go over your options.

Realize that if you are a candidate for this care, home care is necessary and requires compliance. If a full commitment is not made to this therapy, the chances of a successful outcome reduce dramatically. The basic philosophy for patient care should be “as much as necessary but as little as possible.” If another doctor wants to overtreat or medicate you, be wary!

If you decide that this type of scoliosis rehab is for you and are committed to do the at home rehab –Great! You can schedule a no cost* consultation and Scoliosis Activity Suit/Torso Trainer fitting to see if you are a candidate for care. Please give us a call at 586-716-8338 or email [email protected]. *Restrictions Do Apply.

How do I know if I am a candidate?After the consultation, exam, X-Rays, SAS and/or Torso Trainer (TT) fitting, the doctor will decide if you are a candidate. About 88% of patients that walk through our door are candidates.

What does the evaluation and fitting include?• Scoliosis Consultation: The doctor will discuss with the individual about their scoliosis, their history,

their goals and what to expect with this treatment.• Scoliosis Evaluation: In this evaluation the doctor will check balance, posture, breathing, muscle and

neurological testing.• X-Ray of Spine: The X-Ray views will reveal how your spine looks, how much skeletal growth is left and

how flexible your spine is. This part is key in deciding if you are a candidate for care.

Can I participate in this treatment with a hard brace?Yes, we have patients who a combination of the hard brace and our rehabilitation program.

Do you take insurance and are there payment plans available?Yes, we take most insurance plans. Our staff would be more than happy to check your insurance. We do our best to make sure people get the care they need and have payment plans available for various budgets. We also offer Care Credit which is a third party company that provides credit for health cost for up to 12 months interest free.

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Our best advice for you is…


For Your FREE scoliosis consultation, exam and scoliosis activity suit fitting, Call 586-716-8338 and reserve your earliest appointment!

Appointment dates fill up quickly. To avoid waiting, call soon!

You’ve not tried everything until you’ve had a

scoliosis evaluation with Anchor Bay Spine Center!

Remember,

No out of pocket costs = NO OBLIGATION!

You have nothing to lose!

Due to the extensive time involved in the nature of this offer, this

offer is limited to only 10 individual appointments per month.

• (586) 716-8338 •

scoliosis report · 2018-08-04 · this theory is behind the biomechanics of a progressing...

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