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Current research in the U.S. and Britain is showing that idiopathic
scoliosis is a multifaceted disease that compromises all five of
the bodys systems: neurological, digestive, hormonal, muscular
and osseous (bone). These newer insights about the impact of the
disease of scoliosis on a patient recognize that the bodys
systems work together in an integrated fashion. When one of the
bodys systems suffers a malady it can create problems with
one or more of the bodys other systems.
Older 20th century based philosophy about scoliosis treatment considered
only the osseous part of the equation, with the focus of treatment
being just on stopping skeletal curvature from progressing. The
attention was on supporting the spine, while ignoring the bodys
four other systems.
Take, for example, bracing, an important component in the non-surgical
treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. Its purpose was to keep the curve
from progressing while the patient is growing. Studies have shown
bracing to be an effective treatment halting the progression of
many a scoliosis curve; and thats great. However, after skeletal
growth has concluded and the brace removed, the curvature is expected
to return. While bracing has traditionally been used to prevent
things from getting any worse, there had not been simultaneous courses
of action taken in non-surgical scoliosis treatment to attempt to
make things any better.
The new thinking in idiopathic scoliosis research holds that helping patients achieve their own level of optimal health
in each of their five body systems can result in more effective non-surgical
treatment.
The Scoliosis Care Foundation supports research and non-surgical
treatment for idiopathec scoliosis that takes into account all of
the bodys systems.
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