Expert answers: Common questions and misunderstandings about scoliosis

The long summer vacation has come to an end. During that time, we met patients with various types of scoliosis and experienced the ups and downs of treatment. Based on the treatment experience during the summer vacation, we have summarized some of the questions about scoliosis that parents are concerned about, and in the form of popular science, we will take everyone into the rehabilitation of scoliosis and answer everyone's questions.

1. Is the treatment of scoliosis mainly based on physical therapy? Or is it mainly based on scoliosis braces?

The treatment of scoliosis requires a combination of comprehensive assessment data and the patient's own needs in order to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan.

(1) For mild scoliosis, physical therapy can be chosen for improvement, including gymnastics training, breathing therapy, traction, etc., which aims to enhance the strength and flexibility of the muscles around the spine and improve the stability of the spine.

(2) For moderate or severe scoliosis, scoliosis braces are one of the important treatments. They can correct spinal deformities and control the progression of scoliosis by applying external force.

However, the specific treatment plan needs to be considered comprehensively based on multiple factors such as the patient's scoliosis degree, age, physical condition, etc., and sometimes multiple treatment methods need to be used in combination.

2. How long should the interval between wearing and removing the orthosis be before taking X-rays?

Based on previous rehabilitation experience, we usually recommend:

(1) Take an X-ray immediately after wearing the orthosis to ensure that the force point position and size of the orthosis are correct and can play an effective corrective role.

(2) After wearing the orthosis for 3 to 6 months, take X-rays to observe the therapeutic effect of the orthosis and the progression of scoliosis.

(3) Taking an X-ray 48 hours after the orthosis is removed can help understand the condition of the spine after the orthosis is removed.

However, X-rays have radiation, which can endanger human health and safety. For this reason, our team introduced a 3D ultrasound spine assessment scanning device.

Through two-dimensional images, it can intuitively understand the general condition of the spine, preliminarily judge the correction effect, and understand the general improvement effect of the spine while reducing the number of X-ray radiation.

3. Is scoliosis a single biological problem of the spine?

Scoliosis is not just a problem of the spine itself, it is also closely related to the biomechanics of the lower limbs. Abnormal force lines and muscle imbalances in the lower limbs may affect the stability of the spine and lead to worsening of scoliosis.

Therefore, when conducting scoliosis assessment screening, we not only focus on the condition of the patient's spine, but also test the biomechanics of the lower limbs to fully understand the patient's overall condition.

4. How long does it take for scoliosis treatment to be effective? Do I need to change the orthosis during treatment?

The treatment period for scoliosis is relatively long, and the brace is usually required to be worn for one and a half to two years, with a follow-up examination generally required after three to six months of wearing.

After wearing it for 8 months or 1 year, the orthosis needs to be adjusted or replaced according to the patient's individual situation.

The treatment effect of scoliosis varies from person to person, depending on the degree of scoliosis, the treatment method, and the patient's cooperation. Generally speaking, it takes a period of treatment to observe obvious results, and patients and parents need to have patience and confidence.

In short, scoliosis is a disease that needs to be taken seriously. Parents should learn more about the relevant knowledge, discover problems in time and seek professional treatment. We will also continue to work hard to provide patients with more scientific and effective treatment plans and rehabilitation guidance.