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January 29, 2010 - 10:02am
Bracing and Surgery?
Bracing and surgery are still working under the premise that scoliosis is primarily a spine problem......I think it is primarily a neurological problem with primary effects on the spine.
It is a big difference in thought pattern, which results in a big difference in how one approaches the problem, which makes a big difference in how one solves the problem.
Everyone wants to put the cart before the horse by jumping right into comparing results, when we should be comparing ideas, theories, and treatment applications based off them. Once the problem and processes are full vetted and agreed upon; THEN we can start comparing treatment outcomes. Measure twice and cut once.
We need to start re-thinking "the scoliosis problem" from the ground up and let go of the obselete/false thought paradigms of the past.
I'm not crazy.....just taking the path less travelled and I'm willing to bet that it will make all the difference.
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Interesting...what do you propose doing about the abnormal curvature that causes the spine nerve roots to become compressed?
I have no medical training. Comments are based on personal experience and lots of research and reading.
PLIF @ L4-5 with Peek cage, rods and screws Jan 2008
Lami-foraminotomy L5-S1 Jan 2009
Fusion L3-S1 coming up -- 1 June
Hi Gwennie17,
Thanks for responding....This is a topic of discussion that should be near and dear to all of us.
The neurological dysfunction seems to be involving the CNS (central nervous system AKA: the brain and spinal cord) rather than the peripheral nervous system (spinal nerve roots). This is why blind populations are 5 times more likely to develop scoliosis than the general population, but hearing impaired populations are only 25% as likely to develop scoliosis when compared to the general population. The difference lies in the brain's orientation to gravity and the mechanisms it uses to do it.
The "Sensory Intergration Theory" basically describes a situation in which the brain begins to "mis-interpet" gravity and thus mis-aligns the upper and lower torsos in relation to each other; obviously a spinal curvature connecting the 2 major center masses (the head and pelvis) is the result. Therefore looking at an early stage scoliosis development could metaphorically be compared to looking at the wind through a window. Obviously you can't see the wind, but you can tell how hard it is blowing and in what direction by observing the EFFECTS of the wind on other objects (trees, grass, ect). So viewing a developing scoliotic curvature on an x-ray is merely observing the EFFECTS of body's attempt to orient the spine to gravity on the spine.
Armed with the understanding that the spinal curvature is a symptom and not a cause, one can very quickly realize why bracing is relatively ineffective and why the surgical procedures have so many poor long-term outcomes.
The good news is that a new understanding of the condition also opens up new hope and ideas for treating the condition in more effective and less invasive ways. Neuromuscular re-education rehab programs are really breaking new ground and are starting to prove an effective approach for the treatment of scoliosis....Especially if it is applied in the early stage development of the condition.
and how does this pertain to YOU specifically?
JEAUX - I am not a medical professional. BUT, I DID stay in a Holiday Inn last week...
Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.
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Hi Jeauxbert,
The concept of scoliosis as primarily a neurological condition that has its effects primarily on the spine specifically pertains to all of us simply, because it could signal a complete change of direction in how we go about treating the condition.
The screening protocols, treatment schedules, and treatment methodology could and would have to be completely re-thought and re-implemented.
The good news is that it opens up and entirely new world of new treatment ideas and concepts that have yet to be explored....it could lead to a better way.
Scoliosis is curvature of the spine, only from side to side in addition to top to bottom on the human back. The condition begins, usually in the thoracic or middle back region, in childhood when a child is developing. When physicians examine a child, they can often see physical abnormalities such as uneven shoulders or hips or the prominence of ribs.
There are also studies on patients who wore the brace for 23 hours out of every day, seven days a week, and continued to worsen. Patients for whom bracing fails to prevent the progression of their scoliosis are often left with only one option- surgery.
Double spam links, this post above, and the one above it from August.....
Brenda
ACDF C5/6 2/08 - C6/7 8/09 - Neuropathy right arm and both legs - Cervical Myelopathy
10-11-11 PCF C4-T2 - C4-C7 Lamies; Surgery #2 Emergent removal large Hematoma!
L2/3/4 & L5/S1 fusions and Laminectomy on hold till neck fused.
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