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 Stopping the Scoliosis Progression Cycle
 ESSI Treatment Centers
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5 Steps to Early Stage Scoliosis Intervention
Become informed, take action, follow the path to a better way.
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What are the risks?
What's really happening?
What should I do?
What can I do?
What should I expect?Risks, signs, and symptoms of scoliosis
The "typical" early stage scoliosis patient fits into the following profile:• Female
• Between the ages of 8-14
• Pre-menses
• Thin or lanky body shape
Risks of scoliosis progression
While even mild cases of early stage scoliosis (0-19 degrees) carry a significant risk of further curve progression (up to 22%) once the spinal curvature reach the 20 degree mark in patients with developing spines (skeletally immature) the risk more than triples to 68%.
0-19° = 14-22% 20-29° = ~ 68% 30+° = 68-90%
Find your ScoliScore™
ScoliScore™ is a clinically validated, multi-gene test that provides a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the likelihood of spinal curve progression for patients who have been diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). ScoliScore™ is available at our clinics. Learn more about this breakthrough technology.Discover the health risks associated with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis
Aside from the more apparent affects scoliosis has on those who suffer from it there are many additional risks. Click here to learn more.Recognizing the signs
Knowing what signs to look for can give you the upper hand in preventing the progression of scoliosis. (hover over points)
Will spinal bracing prevent irreversible body disfigurement from scoliosis?
No. The use of rigid or soft bracing for the treatment of mild or moderate scoliosis has been demonstrated to have little to no effect on the curvature itself and may even make the permanent body disfigurement worse than doing nothing at all. The image below clearly shows a dramatic increase in the rib hump development and body disfigurement while the patient is in the brace than out of the brace.
Do I need to visit an Orthopedic doctor?
The short answer is…..Maybe. Both of the Early Stage Scoliosis Intervention treatment centers (located in Lancaster, Pa and Green Bay, Wi) offer the Scoliscore™ AIS prognostic test. This saliva collection test can compare the patient’s genetic predisposition against 53 known genetic markers to produce a high, intermediate, or low risk determination of the curvature progressing to the point where surgical intervention is necessary. This information is an invaluable tool in determining the level and intensity of treatment plan the patient requires. Find out more about the ScoliScore™ AIS prognostic test. Creating a "village of experts"
Developing a working relationship and consistent treatment plan with the patient’s orthopedist and an early stage scoliosis intervention specialist may provide the patient with the best opportunity to reduce, stabilize, and minimize the risk of further progression. Find out what to expect from your visit to the Orthopedic specialist, as well as the 5 most important questions to ask about you or your child's scoliosis condition.
Treatment Schedule Comparison
Traditional Scoliosis Treatments 
Early Stage Scoliosis Intervention 
Can I combine spinal bracing with the early stage scoliosis intervention program?
While the brace cannot be worn during the actual treatment, patients may chose to wear the brace at night or during no treatment time. The use of “forced correction” is generally not recommended due to its general ineffectiveness, potential to increase body disfigurement, and its tendency to cause muscle atrophy (weakness) in long term users. Learn more."20/25 vision" – The ongoing post treatment plan until skeletal maturity
"The treatment goals for an early stage scoliosis intervention program should be to hold the curvature under 20 degrees during the growing years and have the curvature measure no more than 25 degrees by the time the patient reaches skeletal maturity"While there is still no cure for adolescent idiopathic (unknown cause) scoliosis, theories abstracted from current research suggests the natural course of the condition can be altered with an active rehabilitation program that targets the involuntary postural control centers in the patient's brain. For many early stage scoliosis patients, treatment will be a necessary and ongoing process until they reach skeletal maturity (16-17 for females and 18-20 for males). And some patients will require ongoing treatment throughout life. However, the risk of progression significant curve progression in skeletally immature patients and skeletally mature patients can greatly reduced by developing a "20/25 vision" ongoing treatment plan during their "growing years" and before skeletal maturity.
Learn more about the Early Stage Scoliosis Intervention treatment goals.
Sample home rehabilitation schedule
Morning or immediately after school: Wear posture re-training weights for 15-20 min and perform customized spinal exercise program: 25-30 min (total) in morning or after school
Evening before going to bed:
Wear posture re-training weights for 15-20 min and perform customized spinal exercise program
Spinal molding program in bed 15-20 min: 30-40 min (total) in evening
Generally this routine is required for at least 90-120 days before scoliosis stability is achieved; At that point, a re-evaluation can determine further recommendations.
