How To Stop the Progression of Scoliosis

If you take care of someone with scoliosis, you know that most cases are idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. Even if there is a cause, you likely could not have done anything to prevent it. Once a patient is diagnosed with scoliosis, the best treatment is to prevent it from getting worse. Find out how to stop the progression of scoliosis.

Scoliosis Bracing

Bracing is often a recommended treatment to avoid surgery. People with scoliosis wear the brace for at least 14 hours a day to help straighten their spine. You can find many different scoliosis brace options that will put pressure on the spine so that it grows straighter.

Physical Therapy

Specific therapies for scoliosis can help your loved one prevent the progression of their condition. You should seek treatment from an experienced therapist with training in the Schroth Method and SEAS Approach. With the Schroth Method, patients learn to use their muscles as a brace. The SEAS Approach asks the patient to perform lifestyle functions while holding a corrected posture.

Practice Good Posture

While having good posture alone will not prevent the progression of scoliosis, bad posture can worsen it. Ensure that your loved one sits up straight. Remind them of the benefits of good posture often, so they maintain as straight a spine as they can. Consider how you can make good posture easy or fun for them to do.

Get Enough Nutrients

Eating the right foods and getting enough nutrients does not prevent scoliosis or reduce its progression, but most doctors will recommend good bone health regardless. Someone with scoliosis may receive a test for vitamin D deficiency before their doctor places them on vitamin D or calcium to help with bone strength.

Figuring out how to stop the progression of scoliosis can feel hopeless, and no one wants to let the condition worsen enough to require surgery. Both you and your loved one want to enjoy the quality of life you both deserve without the discomfort and limitations of scoliosis. Remind them how important it is to keep up with these interventions to improve their quality of life.