Scoliosis, or the curvature of the spine, is known to cause severe back pain. That is why if you have this condion, you need to look for the best mattresses for scoliosis so you will be able to sleep at night. For decades, the medical community has struggled to come up with effective treatments for this condition. Up until a few years ago, it was believed that surgery was the only method of dealing with scoliosis. However, these days, we have other possible treatments for scoliosis, in addition to surgical procedures. Therefore, if you are battling with this issue, and looking for a way to deal with it permanently, your choice will include surgical and non-surgical options.

The condition

When it comes to Scoliosis itself, it can start in infancy. However, it is much more prevalent in adolescents. Studies have shown that women are more likely to develop this condition than men. Women also suffer from higher-degree curves as well, usually in excess of 30 degrees.

The most common type is the Idiopathic Scoliosis. It is commonly accepted that it is hereditary. In most cases of scoliosis, body asymmetry is fairly common. In the majority of mild cases, it is not so noticeable. In more severe cases, postural weakness, severe back pains and body deformity may be present. Most of the time, this condition requires follow-up procedures, so as not to become worse. When it comes to mild cases, non-surgical treatments have shown great effectiveness. However, for severe cases, surgical interventions are still the number one option.

Non- surgical treatments

Every standard, non-surgical treatment starts with an X-ray diagnosis and involves the patient wearing a spinal brace to correct the spinal deformity.

Chiropractic and physical therapies

Milder cases of scoliosis have been shown to decrease with a variety of physical therapies, as well as chiropractic care. While the majority of doctors prefer to prescribe physical therapy as an element of a general pain management strategy. It is not always necessary to combine it with other treatments. Contrary to the common belief, special physical therapies and chiropractic treatments have proven their capability to alleviate or eliminate back pain, as well as correct the spinal curvature.

Physical therapy is most effective when it is focused on the relaxation of the strained muscles. For this matter, yoga can be helpful, as well. Chiropractic, on the other hand, is mostly focused on improving the nerve function and restoring proper alignment. If you are suffering from a mild Scoliosis condition, you may also benefit from traction treatments; These are focused on stretching the spine, its surrounding muscles and ligaments, and increasing the disc space.

Even though there is still not enough scientifically proven data that shows the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments for Scoliosis. They are still quite popular these days. Their popularity lies in the fact that they are affordable, perfectly safe and effective for dealing with mild cases.

Surgery

Surgical procedures for scoliosis should be considered for the following reasons:

1. If the non-surgical treatments have failed

2. If there is a severe body deformity

3. To avoid the progressive increase of the curvature angle

The most commonly performed surgical procedure is spinal fusion. This procedure is accomplished with the use of implants, spinal rods, and bone grafting. In order to straighten the spine, spinal rods are placed through the hooks. Once that phase is finished, bone grafts are placed, so as to contribute to the fusion of the spine. A few months after the surgery, the bone grafts will heal properly and become solid. Fused areas will feature a reduced range of motion, whereas non-fused ones will have a normal range.