Scoliosis Specialists

Scoliosis specialists are doctor’s who have dedicated their lives to finding and improving methods of curing spine curvature. They may be physicians that can treat the problem by diagnosing it and requiring a brace to be worn or surgeons who correct the spine using surgical procedures. They are most often orthopedic surgeons, medical doctors who deal with muscle, bone, and joint surgery. Children are usually tested for scoliosis in school. If it is believed that they have the affliction, then they are sent for X-rays. If the X-rays corroborate the original diagnoses then they will be sent to an orthopedic doctor to be examined.

Diagnoses

Scoliosis specialists must determine to what extent the spine has curved and must estimate the extent of curvature that may take place in the future. Generally, the child will have to wear a brace for two years or until the condition is corrected within the bounds of satisfaction by the doctor. If the amount of curvature is severe, usually above 40 degrees, the child will be sent to an orthopedic surgeon in order to undergo corrective surgery. The first method used to determine if there are problems is Adam’s Forward Bending Test. This is usually performed by a nurse at school and can only determine minor spine issues, just enough to see if a visit to a scoliosis specialist is warranted. From here, the specialist has many tests at his or her disposal, such as the plumb line test, scaliometer, and X-rays/MRI. The plumb line test is a simple test that requires a plumb line. If the back is straight, the plumb line will be straight; if there is a problem, it will hang either to the right or left of the middle of the back. Scaliometers are used to measure the size of a rib hump should one be seen. They are painless and non-invasive. X-rays and MRIs are the most important method as they show the doctor specifically where the problem is and the exact extent that the spine is curved.

Chiropractic

There are even chiropractors who are scoliosis specialists and have developed methods which they belief can cure or decrease the curve of the spine. A chiropractor can adjust the spine so that the vertebrae are moved back into place. A brace will still be required to hold the vertebrae in place and help the spine grow into the proper alignment.