Back to Schooliosis: How to Keep Your Child Safe with Scoliosis

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Back to SchooliosisPack up the beach toys and bring out the books. It’s time to go back to school and your child is going to a new grade! A new school year means new backpacks, new teachers, and a whole lot of homework. Although we are well aware of how homework affects the stress levels of our children’s brains, we also need to be aware of how homework is affecting the stress on our children’s backs.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association your child’s backpack should never exceed 10-15% of their body weight. However, with long lists of school supplies, and practically non-existent locker availability, your children are often forced to bear more than the suggested amount. This could be extremely damaging, especially in the case of children with scoliosis. It may seem like a difficult issue to remedy, but if you follow these simple steps you are well on your way to providing a safer and more stress-free school experience for your child.

Simple Steps for Backpack Success

  1. Lighten the load – This seems like the most obvious thing, but you’d be surprised how much your child is carrying in their backpack that they don’t need. Make it easier for your child by helping them get organized and knowing what they need to bring to school ahead of time, so that they are not lugging everything back and forth every day.
  2. Set an example – You are your child’s greatest role model. You can encourage them to practice healthy posture habits by doing so yourself, and talking to them about it. Good habits start at home!
  3. Buying the Right Backpack – finding a supportive and comfortable backpack is crucial to ensuring your child’s safety. Here are some things to look for when choosing a new backpack.
      • Lightweight – Not all packs are created equal. Compare the weights of various backpacks and try to go for the lightest one to make sure the backpack itself is not adding too much to the load.
      • Padding – One of the problems with backpacks is that if they are not properly padded, they can restrict circulation in the shoulder area. Make sure the backpack has two wide padded shoulder straps.
      • Multiple Compartments – This is often overlooked as an essential part of a safe backpack. Multiple compartments allow for proper organization of materials, and will more evenly distribute the weight in the pack.

School has just begun – take advantage of this opportunity and make sure you get the right backpack for your child!

Always encourage your child to tell you about any discomfort concerning his backpack and pay attention to any symptoms he or she may be experiencing.

For more information about taking on the school year with scoliosis, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.

South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment. South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.

For information on available treatments for scoliosis, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com

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Dreaming of Gold doesn’t have to be a Scoliosis Nightmare

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Scoliosis and Gold

For years, Scoliosis has been a real concern for Olympic athletes such as:

Usain Bolt – The most decorated sprinter of all time, Jamaican four-time Olympic gold medalist sprinter, Olympic record holder reigning Olympic champion in the 100 and 200 metres and the 4×100 meter relay

Alexandra Marinescu – Romanian Olympic gymnast and European Junior Champion at age 12

Jon Olsen – United States freestyle swimmer and five time Olympic medalist

Jennifer Thompson – United States swimmer, and one of the most decorated Olympians in history, 12 time Olympic medalist, including eight gold in the 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 Summer Olympics.

Although Scoliosis is a very serious and sometimes limiting condition, these professional athletes were able to overcome the difficulties it brought and go on to live their athletic dreams.

In the past, scoliosis would have been considered a great threat to the careers of many athletes. Thankfully, advancements in the field have discovered considerably better options for the treatment of scoliosis. Non-invasive, non-surgical and non-bracing alternatives eliminate the need to wear bulky braces that cause embarrassment or self-consciousness. No longer is it necessary to go through surgical procedures that will fuse permanent rods along the spine causing multiple complications throughout adulthood. Our Clear certified treatment is effective and completely non-invasive.

As of July of 2013, South Florida Scoliosis Center has become one of 18 clinics worldwide to be able to provide Intensive Care Treatment for Scoliosis. Generally a one to two week program of intensive therapy designed to reduced the curvature of a scoliotic spine. Our Intensive Care Patients have come from far away countries such as Anguilla, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dubai, Curacao, Denmark, Israel and more to enjoy the benefits of our intensive care treatment program. Now if Usain Bolt had had that option- imagine the possibilities…

If you or your athlete has been diagnosed with scoliosis, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.

South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment. South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.

For information on available treatments for scoliosis, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com

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Bracing and Surgery are No Longer Shailene Woodley’s Only Options

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Photo Credit: Apega / WENN

Photo Credit: Apega / WENN

When she was 15 years old, Shailene Woodley, was diagnosed with scoliosis. The Divergent Series and The Fault in Our Stars actress had a 38-degree curve when she was diagnosed with the most common case of scoliosis, idiopathic.  This type of scoliosis has no known cause.  As treatment for her scoliosis, Woodley was given a back brace stretching from her chest to her hips. Woodley wore the brace 18 hours a day for two years.  The actress once said in an interview that the brace was “…like wearing a tacky, disgusting, plastic corset for 18 hours a day.”  She also explained that when she first started wearing the brace it was difficult to breathe and eat.  Woodley also stated, “…the only thing they sort of know works is the brace.” Woodley is now 24 years old.  With the passing of almost 10 years, there has been incredible advancements in the types of treatments available to people suffering with scoliosis.  Wearing a brace for countless hours over several years or numerous surgeries are no longer the only viable options for scoliosis patients.  People suffering from scoliosis do not have to subject themselves to such inconveniencing and uncomfortable treatments.

Instead of the more aggressive and invasive treatment options like bracing and surgery, there are other treatments available.  South Florida Scoliosis Center implements the CLEAR methodology, which includes three main steps: 1. Mix, 2. Fix, and 3. Set.  In the first step, Mix, the patient warms up their spine using different techniques, such as Cervical Traction, Vibrating Traction, and the Active Rehabilitation Chair.  The second step, Fix, consists of the chiropractic adjustments specified for each patient based on their initial x-rays.  In step three, Set, the spine is set in its corrected position.  This process involves spinal weighting, vibration therapy, the Scoliosis Traction Chair, and gait therapy.  Follow-up and dedicated home care are both essential to the process.  Unlike surgeries and bracing, the CLEAR Methodology System is an active process.  The patient’s participation and dedication to the process are both crucial to the effectiveness of the treatment.

If left untreated, scoliosis can lead to several health issues.  It can cause deformity of the spine, pain as well as cardiac, respiratory and digestive problems.  Many doctors still suggest the bracing and surgical alternatives as in the case with Shailene Woodley.  South Florida Scoliosis Center focuses on a non-bracing, non-surgical plan through the CLEAR Institute methodologies.  Through this system, our physicians assist patients in reducing the curvature of the spine and correcting mechanical problems of scoliosis.

If you or a family member has recently been diagnosed with scoliosis, know that wearing a brace or having a rod fused to the spine through surgery are not the only treatment options available.

South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment. South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.

For more information, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.

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This is How Scoliosis Affects Confidence

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scoliosisandconfidenceHas scoliosis caused a decline in confidence for a family member or a friend? Has his or her self-esteem gone down? Have they stopped pursuing their goals? Are they spending less time going out and doing activities they love because they are worried their curve will show? Coping with a scoliosis diagnosis can be a burden, and it can have just as many emotional effects on a person as physical effects.

Scoliosis is diagnosed when an individual’s spine has a side to side curvature.  On an x-ray, the spine takes on an “S” or “C” shape.  Scoliosis can affect the shape of an individual’s back, shoulders, rib cage and hips.  These changes may lead to self-esteem issues and further challenges for the individual. Many times people with scoliosis are unwilling to pursue activities that may expose the curvature of their spine.  Physical activities are further limited if a brace is used as treatment.  A scoliosis diagnosis can place a large amount of stress and anxiety on an individual and may cause them to withdraw from social interactions and stop pursuing their goals and interests.

In order to show support for a person with scoliosis, communicate to them that you understand their feelings.  Talk to them about the condition and the available treatments.  They may have fear that they will not be able to achieve their goals with scoliosis, but don’t allow them to push aside their aspirations.  Encourage them to keep working toward their goals by providing them with examples of people that have gone on to accomplish remarkable feats.

Here are some outstanding examples:

Olympic Swimmer Natalie Coughlin

Coughlin wasn’t diagnosed with scoliosis until she was 30 years old when her curvature was 27° – the x-ray and the shape of her spine shocked her.  Coughlin didn’t let her diagnosis stop her.  At the 2008 Beijing Games, she became the first female U.S. Olympian to win six medals during one Olympic Games.  Coughlin also tied with two other Olympians for the most all-time medals by a female swimmer.  She continues to pursue her dreams by preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Olympic Sprinter Usain Bolt

Bolt was born with scoliosis, and he did not let it stop him from becoming known as the world’s fastest man.  He won three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games in the Men’s 100m, the Men’s 200m, and the Men’s 4x100m Relay.  He defended each of these titles at the 2012 London Games.  Bolt has also won several medals at World Championships between Olympic Games.

Olympic Swimmer Jennifer Thompson

Just like fellow swimmer Natalie Coughlin, Thompson did not allow scoliosis to affect the pursuit of her dreams.  Thompson is a twelve time Olympic medalist, including eight gold medals from the 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 Summer Olympics. She is one of the most decorated Olympians in history because she chose to fight for her dreams despite challenges brought on by her scoliosis.

Scoliosis may be an extra obstacle on the journey but it is not a dead-end. Each of these athletes is proof that anything is possible. Next time your family member or friend is feeling down about their scoliosis remind him or her of this: With the right treatment and the right attitude, anyone can triumph over scoliosis. If you, yourself, are dealing with the emotional effects of scoliosis think of these athletes as well, and know that if you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything.

 

For more information, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.

South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment.

South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.