Scoliosis treatment is crucial for managing and correcting spinal curvatures effectively. At Gangnam Seran Clinic, we specialize in early diagnosis and personalized care to ensure optimal outcomes for our patient.
What is Scoliosis?
The spine typically appears straight when viewed from the front. However, scoliosis affects the spine by causing it to curve due to vertebral rotation, often taking on an S or C shape. Scoliosis is diagnosed when the spinal curvature measures 10 degrees or more. This curvature can occur on either side of the spine and may affect different areas on both sides. Both the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) regions can be impacted by scoliosis. Over 80% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. Other causes include degenerative disc disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, and genetic conditions.
Types of Scoliosis
Idiopathic Scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis accounts for over 80% of cases, and its exact cause remains unknown. However, it commonly develops in early adolescence, around age 10. Growth spurts can exacerbate the condition. Children with significant growth potential are at the highest risk. In infants under 2 years old, this type is called infantile idiopathic scoliosis. Options like scoliosis braces can slow or prevent worsening. Surgical intervention may be necessary if the curvature exceeds 50 degrees. Without treatment, curves can worsen over time, leading to progressive torso imbalance. Curves over 80 degrees can reduce lung capacity, causing breathing difficulties.
Congenital Scoliosis
Congenital scoliosis results from spinal malformations present at birth. It can be diagnosed in early infancy if external signs are present, though many cases are identified later in childhood. As the child grows, the curvature can worsen, causing bodily asymmetry. Typically, a “watch and wait” approach is taken. Surgery is only considered if the curvature worsens significantly, posing a risk of persistent deformity and future pain.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Children with underlying neuromuscular disorders are at higher risk for developing scoliosis. Maintaining a straight spine requires normal muscle balance and strength. Conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy often involve muscle weakness and imbalance, leading to spinal curvature.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
Common symptoms of scoliosis include:
- Uneven shoulder height
- Head not centered with the rest of the body
- Differences in hip height or position
- Asymmetry in shoulder blade height or position
- Uneven positioning of arms when standing straight
- Height differences in the sides of the back when bending forward
- Rib protrusion or asymmetry when viewed from the front or back
These symptoms can resemble other spinal conditions or injuries. Always consult a physician for a proper diagnosis. Symptoms not typically associated with idiopathic scoliosis, such as lower back pain or leg pain, require immediate medical evaluation to determine their cause.
Stages of Scoliosis
Scoliosis progresses through four stages based on the condition of the spine and pelvis.
Diagnosing Scoliosis
Early detection of scoliosis is crucial for successful treatment. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, X-rays are the primary diagnostic tool for scoliosis. X-rays measure the degree of spinal curvature. For non-idiopathic curvatures, atypical curvature patterns, or congenital scoliosis, additional diagnostic procedures may include:
- MRI: Uses large magnets and a computer to create detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
- CT Scan: Combines X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal or axial images (often called slices) of the body, showing detailed images of bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
At Gangnam Seran Clinic, scoliosis diagnosis involves various assessments tailored to the patient’s condition, including:
- X-ray: Detect anatomical abnormalities
- Exercise Test: Assess range of motion capabilities
- GPS (Whole-body photo): Identify visible deformities
- Pain Response Test: Locate areas of injury
- Gait View (Dynamic foot pressure test): Analyze weight distribution and normal foot pressure
- Center: Check deep muscle balance
- Manual Test: Identify functional issues
- Qualisys: 3D motion analysis
Scoliosis Treatment Methods
Scoliosis Treatment 1 : Observation and Monitoring
The goal of treatment is to halt curve progression and prevent or improve physical deformities. Regular observation and repeated tests may be necessary to monitor whether the spine continues to curve.
Scoliosis Treatment 2 : Bracing
Bracing is recommended for actively growing adolescents. During growth spurts, scoliosis angles can worsen along with height growth. Therefore, bracing is used to physically prevent worsening. Scoliosis braces or orthoses must be worn for extended periods to be effective. Braces exert corrective pressure on the growing spine, preventing further curvature. They do not improve the angle but act as a “shield” to stop further worsening.
Scoliosis Treatment 3 : Surgery
Severe scoliosis or curvatures exceeding 50 degrees in children may require surgery.
Scoliosis Treatment 4 : Conservative Treatment
Non-surgical treatments include exercise therapy and manual therapy, essential for scoliosis patients. Gangnam Seran Clinic provides personalized manual therapy, exercise therapy, and specialized machine treatments (such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, high-frequency therapy, Indiba, and laser therapy) based on the patient’s condition to prevent worsening and improve outcomes.
Gangnam Seran Clinic was the first in South Korea to start conservative correctional treatment. Traditionally, scoliosis was monitored with periodic X-rays until the angle exceeded 40-50 degrees, at which point surgery was performed. However, Dr. Kim Soo-yeon, the chief physician, has proven that correctional treatment through conservative methods can improve scoliosis angles without surgery.
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