Receiving a scoliosis diagnosis can be an emotionally challenging experience. Besides worrying about pain and its impact on your daily life, you may also wonder if there is a treatment that can improve your condition. The good news is there are various treatments for scoliosis. However, the right one will depend on a few factors.
In this article, we will shed light on the factors influencing treatment choices and the available scoliosis treatments in Singapore to help you gauge what’s appropriate.
Factors Influencing Choice of Scoliosis Treatment
Severity
The severity of the spinal curve is one of the primary factors influencing treatment decisions. Doctors measure the curve in degrees using X-rays. For mild curves under 20 degrees, observation may be all that is necessary, pending any future development. Treatment might be needed for moderate curves (20-40 degrees) to prevent further progression, while severe curves (over 40 degrees) often require surgical intervention.
The more severe the curve, the more likely it is to cause complications such as pain or breathing difficulties, prompting the need for a more intensive treatment plan.
Age
Age-related considerations will significantly influence which treatment option is best suited for you. Younger patients, whose bones are still growing, are at higher risk for spinal curve progression. For them, bracing may be recommended to prevent worsening.
Conversely, adults may experience slower progression, and scoliosis treatment for them often focuses on managing symptoms, like back pain, rather than halting the curve progression.
Curve Progression
Another critical factor in deciding the proper scoliosis treatment is the likelihood of the curve worsening over time. Some curves remain stable, while others progress rapidly. Regular monitoring with X-rays will help doctors determine if the curve is progressing.
If your curve is worsening, more aggressive intervention may be needed, even if the curve started as mild.
Overall Health
Your general health and physical condition are considered when choosing a scoliosis treatment. For patients with underlying medical conditions or limited physical abilities, surgery might present additional risks, and non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or bracing may be more appropriate.
Patient Preferences
Your preferences and lifestyle goals matter when choosing scoliosis treatment. Some patients prefer non-surgical approaches, even if they take longer or are less definitive, while others may opt for surgery to correct the curve more effectively.
Discussing your expectations and comfort levels with your specialist is essential. Patient-centred care aligns treatment options with your goals and personal preferences, ensuring the chosen approach fits your lifestyle.
Scoliosis Treatment Without Surgery
For many patients, non-surgical treatments effectively manage scoliosis, especially in mild or moderate cases. The following options focus on reducing symptoms, preventing curve progression, and maintaining overall function.
- Bracing: Bracing is commonly used for children and teenagers whose bones are still growing. While braces won’t correct an existing curve, they can help stop further progression. Braces are typically worn for several hours each day and removed only for specific activities.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy builds strength in muscles around the spine, improves posture, and alleviates pain. Targeted exercises enhance core strength and flexibility, stabilising the spine and potentially slowing curve progression.
- Pain management: For those experiencing discomfort due to scoliosis, pain management may include medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or even spinal injections to relieve pain.
- Observation: In cases where the curve is mild and not expected to worsen, observation through regular check-ups and imaging might be all that’s necessary. If there is no curve progression, no further treatment may be needed.
Scoliosis Surgery Is Needed If…
Although many patients benefit from non-surgical approaches, surgery may be required when the spinal curve is significant, progressing, or causing debilitating symptoms that other scoliosis treatments have not alleviated.
- Curves greater than 40-50 degrees: Surgery is often recommended for curves over 40-50 degrees, as these are more likely to worsen with time and have a higher risk of complications like chronic pain or difficulty breathing. Surgical correction can help stabilise the spine and prevent future issues.
- Rapidly progressing curves: If your spinal curve is getting worse despite non-surgical treatments, surgery may be necessary to halt its progression. This is especially important if the curve is expected to worsen with growth or age.
- Severe pain or functional limitations: In cases where scoliosis causes significant pain or limits mobility, surgery may lend relief and improve overall quality of life. If conservative treatments like physical therapy and pain management are ineffective, surgical intervention could be the next step.
- Nerve or organ compression: Severe curves can compress nerves or organs, leading to symptoms such as numbness, weakness and breathing difficulties. Without treatment, they can result in long-term damage. To relieve the pressure and prevent further complications, surgery is necessary.
Spinal fusion is the most common treatment of scoliosis, where the affected vertebrae are fused together to stop the curve’s progression. Your specialist may also suggest minimally invasive spine surgery, if your condition allows it, for the quicker recovery time and lower risk of complications.
Scoliosis Treatment in Singapore
Scoliosis treatment depends on multiple factors, and with various options available, it’s essential to work closely with your specialist to find the right treatment for you.
At Achieve Spine and Orthopaedic Centre, we understand that scoliosis treatment can’t follow from a one-size-fits-all approach. Our experienced specialist can help scoliosis patients in Singapore improve their quality of life through effective, personalised care. Whether you need non-surgical treatments or minimally invasive spine surgery, we are here to support you at every step.
