Treatment of scoliosis in adults

Scoliosis treatment in adults in Kyiv: a complex of services at the PRIZMA Medical Centre

The PRIZMA Medical Centre offers patients in Kyiv a range of services for the treatment of curvature of the spine in adults. We use the conservative methods in the treatment of scoliosis. They are directed at slowing down the progression of destructive changes and allow avoiding the possibility of surgical treatment. Medical practice uses the most advanced techniques focused on restoring the anatomically correct balance of the body’s position and improving its functional characteristics.

Treatment is carried out on an individual basis. The signs and degrees of scoliosis are identified, and static and dynamic monitoring is carried out. We do everything we can to make sure that the patient can recover as quickly as possible and get back to a full, active life.

The particular features and symptoms of scoliosis

Scoliosis is a structural progressive spinal condition that is characterized by morphological changes in the spinal column and worsens over time. These pathological processes lead to a curvature or deviation of the spine in three dimensions: the frontal, sagittal and transversal planes. According to statistics, about 2-3% of all adults in the world have obvious signs of scoliosis.

Scoliosis is diagnosed at the PRIZMA Medical Centre by an orthopedist-traumatologist. Initially, a visual examination is carried out. The patient is asked to stand with the back to the doctor and relax the spine enough to take on a typical body posture. The presence of scoliosis will be indicated:

• protrusion of the angle of the left or right scapula;
• different distance from the arm pressed up against the side to the waist on the right and left sides;
• the position of one shoulder is higher than the other;
• curvature of the spine, which is visible with a slight forward bend.

Often signs of scoliosis in adults can be found during a routine examination. The doctor makes the diagnosis based on a thorough, overall examination, he can also additionally prescribe scoliogram X-ray. If the deformity is severe, a rib column, pelvic distortion and vertebral wedge can also develop. Quiet often this pathology is accompanied by problems in the development of the internal organs.

Causes of scoliosis

Scoliosis of the spine is divided into two types:

1. Congenital. Caused by abnormalities in the fetus’ intrauterine development. It is caused by an underdevelopment of the spinal vertebrae, their excessive number, wedge-shaped vertebrae, etc.
2. Acquired. Developed as a result of the presence of flat feet, different leg lengths, weakness of the back and other physiological conditions. It can also be the consequence of certain diseases rachitis, radiculitis, poliomyelitis and other anomalies or injuries. You can get scoliosis if you don’t take care of your body posture.

In the childhood years, scoliosis of the spine can develop as a result of intense growth or imbalanced physical activity. Adult patients mostly have this condition as a result of trauma or long-standing bad habits. Scoliosis in adults may also be diagnosed when the curve that already existed during adolescence progresses or because of degenerative changes of the spinal discs or facet joints, after childbirth, during the menopause, or as a result of serious injuries.

Scoliosis degrees

Depending on the grade of deformity of the spine, medicine classifies the four degrees of scoliosis:

1. 1st degree of scoliosis: the angle of deformity does not go over 10 degrees. It is characterized by an asymmetrical position of the scapulae and shoulder blades, slight displacement of the spinous processes and the presence of a muscular ridge (visible when bending over).
2. 2nd degree scoliosis (mild scoliosis): a spinal curve that measures between 10 to 25 degrees. The spinal curve, the appearance of rib hump, asymmetrical arrangement of the supra-shoulders and shoulder blades, and pelvic distortion are observed.
3. 3rd degree scoliosis (moderate scoliosis): a spinal curve that measures between 25 to 50 degrees. In addition to the symptoms, mentioned above, this grade of scoliosis may be accompanied by a shortening of the trunk, legs, chest deformity, and deviation of the body position from the vertical.
4. 4th degree scoliosis (severe or very severe scoliosis): the angle of a spinal curve goes over 50 degrees. All deformities are severe. The trunk has a definite deviation toward the main arch.

Scoliosis is accompanied not only by deformational changes in the spine, but also by destructive changes in the chest.

Different kinds of scoliosis

The method of treatment of scoliosis directly depends on the location of the pathology. The following kinds of diseases are distinguished:

1. Upper thoracic spine (cervical)
2. Thoracic spine (chest and upper back region)
3. Thoracolumbar
4. Lumbar (lower back)
5. Combined (several curvature vertices)

Conservative treatment of scoliosis

Surgical treatment of scoliosis is carried out when the patient has the 4th degree of scoliosis. This is an extreme measure, which is only needed if conservative methods do not lead to the expected results (do not stop the progression of the scoliosis).

The PRIZMA Medical Centre applies conservative methods recommended by SOSORT, the International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment:

• ISST (International Schroth 3D Scoliosis Therapy)
• SEAS
• Best Practis Schroth metod

The Schroth Method is a non-surgical option for scoliosis treatment and it uses a set of exercises customized for each patient to return the curved spine to a more natural position. In addition to physical activity, this individual program of exercises also includes breathing technique. We will teach you the technique of the exercises and check that they are performed correctly. This program can be carried out independently by the patient at home. Depending on the complexity of the situation, thoracic bracing, physiotherapeutic procedures (massage), manual therapy for scoliosis can also be performed.

Conservative treatment of scoliosis is aimed at:

• pain relief
• avoid surgical treatment
• slow down and stop the progression of the pathology
• stabilization, correction of the spine in three planes
• restoration of full mobility of the chest and respiratory function
• correction of trunk symmetry
• postural awareness, control of postural changes
• inclusion of physical exercises in the daily life of the patient
• choosing or individual manufacturing of a thoracic brace and teaching how to use it

What do we offer?

Are you wondering if thoracic scoliosis in adults can be treated? The answer is yes, if you seek professional help at the PRIZMA Medical Center in Kyiv. We treat curvature of the spine in accordance with advanced modern methods. It includes:

• diagnostic examination;
• providing the patient with up-to-date information about their health condition and the changes caused by scoliosis;
• choosing a conservative treatment method individually for each patient, making a step-by-step therapy plan;
• conducting training sessions with a rehabilitation therapist;
• making a programme of exercises at home and teaching how to properly carry them out;
• control of the changes in the body as a result of conservative therapy;
• selection or individual manufacturing of a corrective brace, if necessary, and training on how to use it.

You can get additional consultations and make an appointment with the specialists of the PRIZMA Medical Center by phone or through the feedback form.

scoliosis specialist

Зубец
Олександр Павлович

Orthopedic traumatologist

Шатохіна
Тетяна Ігорівна

Rehabilitologist

Мищенко Валерия

дерматолог

вардинская наталия

дерматолог

Косовец Елена

дерматолог

вардинская наталия

дерматолог