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Bracing

 

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BRACING, HELPFUL OR NOT ?

Scoliosis is a multifactorial disease that effects the entire body including the spine. Usually the curvature of the spine is the first concern of a scoliotic patient. In the past (since 1940’s) bracing was used before surgery. The original idea was to hold the spine from progressing until surgery could be performed.

The literature showed that bracing would hold the spine from progressing 50% of the time. Later on the literature said that bracing had no effect on scoliosis. The most recent literature now shows that bracing is effective.

The next question is which one and why. The particular brace used by our office not only holds the spine from progressing but also reverses. (Depending on usage and compliance to the System)

Table 1 : Initial Characteristics of Idiopathic Scoliosis Patient Population

Initial Cobb Angle (Deg) Cobb Angle Minimum During Treatment Percent Reduction
n Mean Stdev Mean STdev Mean STdev
All Patients
Thoracic
Thoracolumbar
Lumbar
Double		 195
72
58
22
43		 29
30
25
24
32		 8
8
8
6
7		 18
20
13
16
23		 10
10
8
7
11		 38
35
50
36
31		 26
24
26
25
26
Less than 30°
Thoracic
Thoracolumbar
Lumbar
Double		 115
37
44
18
16		 23
24
22
22
24		 5
4
4
4
5		 13
15
10
15
15		 8
7
7
7
9		 45
41
54
36
42		 28
26
27
27
32
Greater than 30°
Thoracic
Thoracolumbar
Lumbar
Double		 80
35
14
4
27		 36
36
36
33
37		 4
4
4
2
4		 26
26
23
21
28		 8
8
6
6
8		 28
28
35
37
23		 20
21
19
18
18

195 Patients - 8 went to surgery

We have discovered that by doing the protocol in conjunction with the brace can reduce the time of the program needed by 1/3. Bracing, chiropractic care, nutrition, exercise and therapy are all needed for the best results.

 

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