Bracemaker The Basics of Scoliosis

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Bracemaker is a Blog dedicated to those who are interested in pediatric orthotics, especially with adolescent, pediatric, and infantile scoliosis.

I am a Certified and Licensed Orthotist with thirty four, 34, years of experience in the field.
I think I have been to every course that has been offered in the scoliosis bracing arena, except the Scopes tension based system. I will have to leave that to someone else.

I will be posting pictures and information on this blog as I have time.

My purpose is to pass on what I have learned over the years, if you are a parent, a teen with scoliosis, or an orthotist with a question, or information about scoliosis, just post the the comments section and I will reply for all to see.

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Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. If your child has scoliosis, the view from behind may reveal one or more abnormal curves.

Scoliosis runs in families, but doctors often don't know the cause. More girls than boys have severe scoliosis. Adult scoliosis may be a worsening of a condition that began in childhood, but wasn't diagnosed or treated. In other cases, scoliosis may result from a degenerative joint condition in the spine.

Fortunately, most cases of scoliosis don't get worse, and periodic checkups may be all your child needs. Children with a more severe curve that continues to increase may require a brace, surgery or both.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is a forward rounding of your upper back. Some rounding is normal, but the term "kyphosis" usually refers to an exaggerated rounding, more than 40 to 45 degrees. This deformity is also called round back or hunchback.

With kyphosis, your spine may look normal or you may develop a hump. Kyphosis can occur as a result of developmental problems; degenerative diseases, such as arthritis of the spine; osteoporosis with compression fractures of the vertebrae; or trauma to the spine. It can affect children, adolescents and adults.

Mild cases of kyphosis may cause few problems. But severe cases can affect your lungs, nerves and other tissues and organs, causing pain and other problems. Treatment for kyphosis depends on the cause of the curvature and its effects.