In the United States, scoliosis treatment focuses very heavily upon the actual spinal deformity itself, regardless of whether the treatment is conventional or alternative.
There is a lot of research out there to suggest that scoliosis is a multi-system disease with a likely neurological and/or endocrine origin. However, treatment here in the US almost solely focuses on the spine curvature itself, and virtually neglect the other known deficits in a patient with scoliosis.
Here is a partial list of other (non-spinal) malfunctions in a scoliosis patient:
Asymmetrical brain development
Excess levels of growth hormone
Sympathetic hypertonia
Neurotransmitter imbalances
Visual disturbances
Increased cytokine production (inflammation)
The spinal curvature itself is unfortunately the most identifiable outward symptom of scoliosis. However, in light of the list above, it probably does not have as much impact on the patient’s health and quality of life as those signs and symptoms above. This is assuming that the curvature is not severe enough to cause significant breathing problems, at which point surgery becomes necessary. However, medical literature has suggested that the outcomes of scoliosis surgery are still acceptable when the curvature is between 70-100 degrees. This means that it may not be necessary to have scoliosis fusion surgery when the curvature is below 70 degrees.
In my experience, most patients report that there most important treatment goal is improved quality of life. Achieving this goal becomes far easier when physicians and therapists treating scoliosis patients take the time to evaluate and treat all of the non-spinal factors associated with scoliosis, in addition to the usual and customary spinal factors.
Our Centers focus on treating the entire scoliosis patient using the ARC3D scoliosis therapy. If you’re considering surgery for scoliosis, or want more out of your current treatment, we can seamlessly integrate the ARC3D concepts into your current treatment plan by your current provider.
