Spinal Dynamics is the only SpineCor certified bracing
center in Idaho!
Created and researched by
two orthopedic surgeons, the SpineCor bracing method is an adjustable, non-invasive technique that
provides a flexible alternative
for correction that continues with movement and growth. It is
easy
to use, comfortable to wear, and most importantly, successful in its results.
Proven effective for
children and adults.
“After suffering with Scoliosis for over 50 years, the SpineCor back brace and the Spinal Dynamics treatments have given me
welcome relief from pain.
This has been a blessing for me.” SpineCor Research and Case Studies
Read the following case studies documenting our patients results
at Spinal Dynamics:
In the past, hard braces and surgery were some of the only choices for adolescent scoliosis patients, leaving few options for treatment. Adult scoliosis patients had even less choices as they face more of the effects of the disease, compounded with the effects of aging. Spinal Dynamics utilizes the newest research in innovative technology for bracing as well as corrective traction (CBP™) for adolescent and adult scoliosis providing phenomenal results.
Click to read more…
Scoliosis is classically defined as an abnormal curvature of the spine from side-to-
side. Scoliosis patterns often
involve an abnormal shift, bend and rotation in the
spinal column. Signs of scoliosis may include abnormal
posture,
such as a high
shoulder, unlevel pelvis, short
leg, shifted
rib cage and scapular winging. However,
it is diagnosed
and measured from
X-rays.
Scoliosis can have a great impact on a person’s life from the production of pain and
spinal degeneration later in life, to physiological and psychological effects such as
respiratory function, heart function, neuropathy and depression. In addition, it can
affect and limit a patient’s mobility as well as aesthetic presence with severe
postural disturbances.
Severe Adult
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a progressive disease that can continue as the patient matures. It is important that it is treated early and monitored aggressively. Conservative treatment outcomes are much more favorable if it is diagnosed and treated prior to 30 degrees.
Who does it affect?
There are many different kinds of scoliosis, however Adolescent
idiopathic is the most common and is usually first diagnosed in
children ages 10-18. Females have a risk of curve progression
8 times higher than males. In addition, over 30% of adolescent
idiopathic scoliosis patients have some family history of scoliosis
indicating a strong family connection and likely genetic component.
Types of Scoliosis:
Congenital/Infantile/Juvenile:
Congenital scoliosis develops due to improper vertebra formation during early development. The cause is unknown and can be associated with our cause several health conditions including neuromuscular disease such as cerebral palsy, lung conditions, heart conditions and mental conditions. Infantile scoliosis is diagnosed between ages 0-3. Juvenile scoliosis is diagnosed between ages 3-10.
Adolescent Idiopathic:
The most common type of scoliosis, typically diagnosed between ages 10-18. Though research is being done to determine the cause, it is deemed “idiopathic” because we are unable to determine the cause of most scoliosis in this category. Treatment outcomes improve greatly the sooner it is diagnosed.
Adult Scoliosis:
Scoliosis can be presents in adults due to neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy as well as delayed onset and degenerative denovo scoliosis. Adult scoliosis typically causes pain as well as increased degeneration in the spine. In addition, adult scoliosis can affect other areas of the spine such as the neck and back curve from the side. Curves over 30 degrees are known to progress 1-3 degrees per year even in adulthood.
Treatment Options at Spinal Dynamics: SpineCor Brace
What is SpineCor:
SpineCor bracing was developed and researched by Canadian orthopedic surgeons Dr. Charles Rivard, M.D. and Dr. Christine Coillard, M.D. It’s an innovative flexible bracing alternative designed to allow the patient to move freely and engage the neuromuscular system for improved correction.
In the past, rigid braces have only been able to address the component of spinal deformity in scoliosis.
The SpineCor brace is the first and only true dynamic scoliosis brace and is therefore able to address three additional components of scoliosis progression including growth asymmetry, postural dysfunction and neuromuscular dysfunction.
It consists of a pelvic base, bolero (back piece) and high density elastic straps which are placed according
the specific curve category diagnosed. It can be worn under clothes easily. The elastic bands allow the patient to move freely and perform all daily activities and exercise. The core of the brace is the elastic bands that resists as the
patient moves. They function to pull the patient into their corrective pattern of motion and stimulate the vertebral bodies growth center and neuromuscular (brain/body control) re education.
It has been shown effective for the treatment of curves from 15-50 degrees. Its effectiveness for stabilization and correction in adolescents is greater in curves that are below 30 degrees and in young skeletal maturity. It has been extremely effective for stabilization and pain reduction in adult scoliosis.
Why SpineCor:
The interaction of the brace with the patient’s corrective movement is what makes it unique. Due to its dynamic principals, the SpineCor brace allows for gradual correction while strengthening the patients muscles in their corrected pattern of motion as well as engaging neuromuscular programming in the brain. Rigid braces do not allow motion, therefore do not allow for the neuromuscular component of correction. In addition, the lack of motion in rigid braces allows for decreased strength and muscle atrophy and often the curve will return or progress after the brace has been removed. Engaging the neuromuscular component provides increased ability for stabilization after brace removal. In fact a study showed correction to be stable in 93% of cases five years past treatment. In comparison, a
study found 80% of patients in the Boston brace progressed to surgery.
Results:
SpineCor brace is proven effective by its results:
♦Based on the SRS (scoliosis research society guidelines, initial research shows a 59% correction/stabilization rate with only an amazing only 1% progression past 45 degrees. A recent study from 52 treatment centers, containing curves from 20 degrees to 50 degrees, showed a 57% correction rate, 32% stabilization rate on only 11% worsened. ♦SpineCor has been shown to be at least 3x as effective in preventing scoliosis progression as the most common rigid TLSO brace (Rigid TLSO shows 17% correction/stabilization rate)
♦Studies show a high percentage of stabilization and correction post SpineCor bracing. Correction has been shown to be stabile in 93% of cases five years post treatment
Treatment Options at Spinal Dynamics: CBP Corrective Traction
Corrective Traction:
At Spinal Dynamics we are equipped to offer the latest in mirror image corrective scoliosis traction,
based on researched principals. We utilize “stress” x rays in which we put the patient into their estimated corrective pattern of motion. The outcome of these x rays helps us to determine the reducibility of the curve and the pattern of motion that gives the best corrective outcome. If the patient is a candidate for care, they are prescribed a corrective traction to remold spinal structure, as well as corrective exercises based on their unique corrective pattern of motion.
This method of therapy has been extremely effective for reducing and stabilizing adolescent and adult scoliosis. Outcomes improve if applied early in curve development.
Other Treatment Options/Outcomes:
Watch and Wait:
One of the long standing treatment options is to “watch and wait”. Often times this is prescribed because the curve is not considered severe enough to do surgery. Beyond surgery, some physicians may not be aware of other conservative treatment options. As with any disease, early detection increases positive outcomes for treatment. It is important and effective to treat minor curves with conservative treatment to decrease the risk of surgery.
Bracing Options: There are several rigid bracing options available. All options decrease
the patients mobility
and therefore do not address the neuromuscular
component and can induce muscle weakening/muscle atrophy. The most
common rigid bracing option is the Boston
brace (TLSO).
This brace is
uncomfortable to wear and leads to poor compliance, In addition, its
primary purpose is stabilization, not correction, and causes muscl atrophy
leading to rib deformation and curve regression post bracing. In fact in a
comparison
study in Journal of Orthopedics, it was shown to that 80% of patients progress to surgery
post bracing. Other rigid bracing options include
providence brace (worn only at night, better compliance and better outcomes),
Wilmington brace, Milwaukee brace and Charleston brace.
Boston Brace
Surgery:
If a patients curve increases past 50 degrees, then they are a candidate for surgery. The typical scoliosis surgery involves metal implants on the spine attached to one or two metal rods. The outcomes expected are about 60% curve reduction. There have been new innovative surgeries such as sliding rods and less invasive procedures as well. As with all surgery, there can be significant side effects. Make sure to discuss these with your surgeon prior to surgery.
Physical Therapy/Chiropractic:
Traditional chiropractic adjustments (not including corrective traction), physical therapy and yoga/pilates can be an option for pain relief, strength and mobility. There is no scientific evidence of curve correction with these alternative treatments.
Scoliosis
Surgery
Home Screening Tips:
Early detection can help lessen the effects of Scoliosis. Please check your child regularly for signs of Scoliosis.
If you are unsure, please schedule a free scoliosis screening with our office. Here is what to look for:
The head should be lined up over the rib cage and trunk
The shoulders should be level and even
The hips should be level and even
The rib cage/torso should be symmetrical as the patient bends with their arms down
If any of these positions don't look right, please call to schedule for further testing to determine if you have scoliosis.
Severe Adult
Bracing Options:
The typical scoliosis surgery involves metal implants on the spine attached to one or two metal rods. The outcomes expected are about 60% curve reduction. There have been new innovative surgeries such as sliding rods and less invasive procedures as well. As with all surgery, there can be significant side effects. Make sure to discuss these with your surgeon prior to surgery.
