Mark Morningstar DC, PhD
Journal of Scoliosis Rehabilitation. October 4, 2013.
Abstract
Objective: Non-surgical treatments for idiopathic scoliosis have shown tenuous results in the literature. Among non-surgical options, bracing has been the most studied. Although many bracing studies have shown positive results, problems with compliance, construction, and follow-up make the true value of bracing difficult to discern from observation or exercises. This study illustrates the use and results of a novel activity suit use for idiopathic scoliosis.
Clinical Features: A total of 62 patient records with a history of idiopathic scoliosis were retrospectively selected from a single multidisciplinary medical clinic.
Intervention & Outcomes: Patients were fitted for a scoliosis activity suit which was worn for one year. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and at one year to evaluate progress. Improvements in Cobb angle and angle of trunk rotation (ATR) were observed in all patient categories except for adolescent double major curves. Self-rated improvements in pain and daily function were observed in all adult patient curve patterns. Scoliosis correction was observed in 48% of the entire cohort, with 42% of curves stabilized or unchanged after one year. A combined total of 6 patients failed the treatment.
Conclusion: Although short term treatments for scoliosis have resulted in positive outcomes, none of these changes have been supported by long-term follow-up studies. Scoliosis treatment involving chiropractic rehabilitation should focus on obtaining long term outcomes for skeletally immature patients, and avoid reporting only short term outcomes in both the adolescent and adult scoliosis populations.
Key Words: Chiropractic, Exercises, Posture, Rehabilitation, Scoliosis
