Structural Scoliosis vs Nonstructural Scoliosis

South Florida Scoliosis Center - Adams Test - Scolimeter

by Dr. Alex Greaux (First published as guest author for Clear Institute)

Generally speaking, there are two categories of scoliosis – structural scoliosis and nonstructural scoliosis, often known as functional scoliosis, which is actually more of a posture problem or muscle imbalance rather than a true scoliosis. A true structural scoliosis involves spinal rotation in addition to a side-to-side curve of the spine of 10 degrees or more. By definition, nonstructural scoliosis isn’t truly a scoliosis because it does not include rotation of the spine, and it appears to go away when the body is in various positions. 

Throughout this article, we’ll discuss the difference between structural scoliosis and functional scoliosis, how to tell the difference between the two, and common methods of treatment for each. 

What is the Difference?

The main difference between structural scoliosis and nonstructural scoliosis is whether or not there is rotation of the spine. In other words, nonstructural scoliosis is when the spine appears to be curved, but this curve is most often due to postural problems or irregularities elsewhere in the body. [1]

According to SPINE-Health, “If a person with nonstructural scoliosis were to bend forward or lay down, the scoliosis curve would likely go away while held in that position.” [2] When doctors see this happen, it is a strong indication that the individual does not have a true scoliosis with rotation of the spine, but rather that their scoliosis is functional and related to posture or something else going on within the body.

Functional scoliosis is most often classified as compensatory, postural, or transient. Compensatory classification is when the body is compensating for something else going on, such as a difference in leg length or an unlevel pelvis. 

Postural classification is due to poor posture from bad habits or muscle imbalance. Posture related curves are often the easiest to correct. By correcting the muscle imbalance associated with a posture related curve, you can typically get full resolution to this form of functional scoliosis.

Transient functional scoliosis is typically a temporary response to pain in the body, most often caused by a herniated disc. An individual may completely change their posture based on the pain they are experiencing, which could cause a curve without rotation in their spine. 

Postural Changes and Symptoms

Scoliosis is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. This classification is based on the degree of curvature present in the Cobb Angle. 

  • Mild scoliosis is a curve of 10 to 25 degrees. 
  • With moderate scoliosis, the Cobb Angle has a measurement of 25 to 40 degrees. 
  • Scoliosis is classified as severe when a curve is 40+ degrees in an adolescent and 50+ degrees in an adult. 

Dr. Alex Greaux being quoted

Most individuals are diagnosed with scoliosis when they are in the moderate stage, with a curve between 25 and 40 degrees. Once a curve has reached this degree, it is much easier to spot posture changes with the naked eye, which is likely why most individuals are diagnosed with scoliosis at this stage. 

Posture Changes and Signs to Look For

  • Clothing suddenly fitting differently or or unevenly
  • Issues with balance or coordination
  • Uneven shoulders, waist, or hips
  • Ribs stick out more on one side versus the other 
  • Prominent shoulder blade on one side
  • Asymmetrical space between the arms and the body
  • Legs seem to be different lengths
  • The head appears to be off center compared to the body [3]

Both structural scoliosis and nonstructural scoliosis can have an extreme impact on posture. 

Because scoliosis can affect posture in many different ways, for an untrained eye, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a true structural scoliosis and something that is more of a functional scoliosis or posture related problem. 

One simple way professionals determine if a curve is a true scoliosis or a posture problem is to have the patient lie down. If the curve is still present when the individual is lying down, it is likely a true scoliosis and not a functional scoliosis or a posture related curve. 

3-Dimensional Condition

Rotation of the spine is what makes structural scoliosis complex, because it is a 3-dimensional condition rather than a 2-dimensional condition. When a patient’s spine rotates, specifically their thoracic spine, their torso and ribs can also rotate, causing a concave side and a convex side. 

This rib deformity is frequently seen in thoracic scoliosis. A rib and/or shoulder blade sticking out more on one side versus the other is extremely common with a thoracic curvature. 

Top view of diagram of scoliosis patient

Lumbar scoliosis often goes unnoticed because it does not involve the ribs and can, therefore, be difficult to spot since a prominent rib or shoulder blade is not involved.  

Treatment

Depending on the severity level of scoliosis, traditional treatment recommendations often include watch-and-wait, traditional bracing, or invasive scoliosis surgery. With cases of thoracic scoliosis, traditional bracing can often increase the deformity instead of decreasing it. A good alternative to traditional bracing is a 3-D corrective brace, such as the ScoliBrace. Some CLEAR Scoliosis Centers use this as a compliment to the CLEAR approach.

The alternative approach practiced by CLEAR-certified doctors is a noninvasive approach that combines in-office chiropractic care, passive rehabilitation, active rehabilitation, and a custom prescribed home exercise program unique to each patient’s individual case. This approach is effective for both structural and nonstructural scoliosis. 

Nonstructural Scoliosis Treatment

Since nonstructural scoliosis is typically related to posture issues or muscle imbalance, a complete resolution is often possible with this type of curve. The CLEAR Scoliosis-Specific Exercise Program plays a huge role in correcting posture related scoliosis by addressing underlying posture problems or muscle imbalance. 

Sensorimotor re-integration strategies involve balance training and postural remodeling. These strategies combined with other modalities within the CLEAR approach can also help correct posture related curves. 

Structural Scoliosis Treatment 

CLEAR treatment for structural scoliosis includes advanced chiropractic adjustments, a comprehensive soft tissue rehab component, sensorimotor re-integration strategies (balance training and postural re-modeling), and whole-body vibration therapy. 

Our evidence-based approach is used by CLEAR-certified doctors around the world. In our study of 189 scoliosis patients over 3198 visits, over 95% of patients reported positive results following the CLEAR method. [4]

Before developing a custom treatment plan, a CLEAR-certified doctor will complete a thorough assessment, exam, and scoliosis x-ray series (if necessary) to determine the severity of the scoliosis and any potential complicating factors. 

Once the doctor has all of the information they need, they will recommend a treatment plan based on their findings. Depending on the severity of scoliosis and the level of certification a doctor has received, they may recommend a Standard Care Treatment Plan or an Intensive Care Treatment Plan. 

While all treatment plans are unique based on the patient’s case, the doctor’s training, and the doctor’s recommendations, Standard Care Treatment Plans are most often recommended for local patients with mild or moderate scoliosis. 

Conclusion

Structural scoliosis involves rotation of the spine, which is what makes it a true scoliosis. Nonstructural scoliosis involves only a lateral curvature of the spine; it doesn’t involve rotation. 

If you see a scoliosis where the person lies down and the curve goes away, that is typically defined as a nonstructural or postural scoliosis where it is due to muscle spasm or a postural problem.  

While watching-and-waiting, traditional bracing, or invasive surgery are the typical traditional approaches to treating structural scoliosis, the CLEAR approach is a noninvasive alternative to treat scoliosis. It involves a Scoliosis-Specific Exercise Program that is customized for each patient based on their case. This exercise program is beneficial for individuals with structural scoliosis and nonstructural scoliosis, which isn’t a true scoliosis at all. 

The CLEAR approach to treating scoliosis has been highly successful, with 95% of patients reporting positive results. If you have received a recent scoliosis diagnosis and would like to explore alternative treatment options, CLEAR Scoliosis Institute is a great place to start.   

Sources

[1] Functional vs Structural Scoliosis: What’s the Difference? 

[2] Types of Scoliosis

[3] How Does Scoliosis Affect Your Posture?

[4] Patient-reported side effects immediately after chiropractic scoliosis treatment: a cross-sectional survey utilizing a practice-based research network

This Year 3,000,000 Children Will Be Diagnosed with Scoliosis

What to do in the event of a positive diagnosis

According to Johns Hopkins University, 3 million children between the ages of 10 and 12 will be diagnosed with Scoliosis this year. Children at middle schools across the country will be screened for scoliosis – If your child returns from school with a positive diagnosis or even mentions back pain, don’t panic! Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine and not uncommon in children. Viewed from an X-ray, Scoliosis curves might look like an “S”, or a “C” shape depending on the particular case. Scoliosis can result in a reduced range of motion, cardiovascular problems, and pain from inflammation or spasms. Research has proven, it is easier to lower the degree of the curve while the curve is small and the child is young. Before your child hits puberty and his or her growth plates are locked in place is the ideal time for treatment. With the school year in full swing, as well as sports, activities, and summer vacation coming along, the goal is to keep our children healthy. As parents and partners, at South Florida Scoliosis Center we make sure the solutions for Scoliosis are easy and available to all!

Following are our various Scoliosis Treatment Programs designed for Children and Teens:

  • Teen Curves Camp: a 5-10 day summer camp where kids encourage one another as they straighten their spines using state-of-the-art equipment. Goals of this individually customized physical therapy are to provide pre-emptive treatment for curves below 25 degrees, reduce curves below 25 degrees, and provide a long-term plan for your child’s scoliosis treatment. We also have treatment and intensive care treatment for children and teens during convenient after school hours.
  • Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment for children and teens: developed to reduce and/or correct Scoliosis in all ages without the use of bracing or surgery. Patients perform a two-week treatment plan tracked by x-rays taken before and after the treatment. Following the two weeks patients return home with an in-home rehabilitation program.
  • Scoliosis treatment for children and teens: a comprehensive program, including x-rays, a variety of customized physical therapies, follow-ups, and at-home participation. After initial x-rays, we begin physical therapy, make chiropractic adjustments, and then “set” the spine in its corrected position. We follow-up with our patients, performing post-treatment x-rays and tracking at-home therapies.
At South Florida Scoliosis Center we continuously develop our treatment programs to encompass minor curves below 25 degrees to severe curves above 40 degrees. We will assess your teen’s probabilities for scoliosis progression, provide a long-term plan for treatment, and reduce and/or eliminate curves all together. From moderate instances that are easier to manage to severe cases where pain is present, we have reliable treatments prepared to help your child overcome Scoliosis. In the event that your child is one of the 3 million children diagnosed with Scoliosis this year, we are here to help you keep them healthy.
South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment. South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad. For information on available treatments for scoliosis, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com

Ask me about:

Back to Schooliosis: How to Keep Your Child Safe with Scoliosis

Back to SchooliosisPack up the beach toys and bring out the books. It’s time to go back to school and your child is going to a new grade! A new school year means new backpacks, new teachers, and a whole lot of homework. Although we are well aware of how homework affects the stress levels of our children’s brains, we also need to be aware of how homework is affecting the stress on our children’s backs.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association your child’s backpack should never exceed 10-15% of their body weight. However, with long lists of school supplies, and practically non-existent locker availability, your children are often forced to bear more than the suggested amount. This could be extremely damaging, especially in the case of children with scoliosis. It may seem like a difficult issue to remedy, but if you follow these simple steps you are well on your way to providing a safer and more stress-free school experience for your child.

Simple Steps for Backpack Success

  1. Lighten the load – This seems like the most obvious thing, but you’d be surprised how much your child is carrying in their backpack that they don’t need. Make it easier for your child by helping them get organized and knowing what they need to bring to school ahead of time, so that they are not lugging everything back and forth every day.
  2. Set an example – You are your child’s greatest role model. You can encourage them to practice healthy posture habits by doing so yourself, and talking to them about it. Good habits start at home!
  3. Buying the Right Backpack – finding a supportive and comfortable backpack is crucial to ensuring your child’s safety. Here are some things to look for when choosing a new backpack.
      • Lightweight – Not all packs are created equal. Compare the weights of various backpacks and try to go for the lightest one to make sure the backpack itself is not adding too much to the load.
      • Padding – One of the problems with backpacks is that if they are not properly padded, they can restrict circulation in the shoulder area. Make sure the backpack has two wide padded shoulder straps.
      • Multiple Compartments – This is often overlooked as an essential part of a safe backpack. Multiple compartments allow for proper organization of materials, and will more evenly distribute the weight in the pack.

School has just begun – take advantage of this opportunity and make sure you get the right backpack for your child!

Always encourage your child to tell you about any discomfort concerning his backpack and pay attention to any symptoms he or she may be experiencing.

For more information about taking on the school year with scoliosis, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.

South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment. South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.

For information on available treatments for scoliosis, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com


Ask me about:

Dreaming of Gold doesn’t have to be a Scoliosis Nightmare

Scoliosis and Gold

For years, Scoliosis has been a real concern for Olympic athletes such as:

Usain Bolt – The most decorated sprinter of all time, Jamaican four-time Olympic gold medalist sprinter, Olympic record holder reigning Olympic champion in the 100 and 200 metres and the 4×100 meter relay

Alexandra Marinescu – Romanian Olympic gymnast and European Junior Champion at age 12

Jon Olsen – United States freestyle swimmer and five time Olympic medalist

Jennifer Thompson – United States swimmer, and one of the most decorated Olympians in history, 12 time Olympic medalist, including eight gold in the 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 Summer Olympics.

Although Scoliosis is a very serious and sometimes limiting condition, these professional athletes were able to overcome the difficulties it brought and go on to live their athletic dreams.

In the past, scoliosis would have been considered a great threat to the careers of many athletes. Thankfully, advancements in the field have discovered considerably better options for the treatment of scoliosis. Non-invasive, non-surgical and non-bracing alternatives eliminate the need to wear bulky braces that cause embarrassment or self-consciousness. No longer is it necessary to go through surgical procedures that will fuse permanent rods along the spine causing multiple complications throughout adulthood. Our Clear certified treatment is effective and completely non-invasive.

As of July of 2013, South Florida Scoliosis Center has become one of 18 clinics worldwide to be able to provide Intensive Care Treatment for Scoliosis. Generally a one to two week program of intensive therapy designed to reduced the curvature of a scoliotic spine. Our Intensive Care Patients have come from far away countries such as Anguilla, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dubai, Curacao, Denmark, Israel and more to enjoy the benefits of our intensive care treatment program. Now if Usain Bolt had had that option- imagine the possibilities…

If you or your athlete has been diagnosed with scoliosis, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.

South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment. South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.

For information on available treatments for scoliosis, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com


Ask me about:

 

Bracing and Surgery are No Longer Shailene Woodley’s Only Options

Photo Credit: Apega / WENN

Photo Credit: Apega / WENN

When she was 15 years old, Shailene Woodley, was diagnosed with scoliosis. The Divergent Series and The Fault in Our Stars actress had a 38-degree curve when she was diagnosed with the most common case of scoliosis, idiopathic.  This type of scoliosis has no known cause.  As treatment for her scoliosis, Woodley was given a back brace stretching from her chest to her hips. Woodley wore the brace 18 hours a day for two years.  The actress once said in an interview that the brace was “…like wearing a tacky, disgusting, plastic corset for 18 hours a day.”  She also explained that when she first started wearing the brace it was difficult to breathe and eat.  Woodley also stated, “…the only thing they sort of know works is the brace.” Woodley is now 24 years old.  With the passing of almost 10 years, there has been incredible advancements in the types of treatments available to people suffering with scoliosis.  Wearing a brace for countless hours over several years or numerous surgeries are no longer the only viable options for scoliosis patients.  People suffering from scoliosis do not have to subject themselves to such inconveniencing and uncomfortable treatments.

Instead of the more aggressive and invasive treatment options like bracing and surgery, there are other treatments available.  South Florida Scoliosis Center implements the CLEAR methodology, which includes three main steps: 1. Mix, 2. Fix, and 3. Set.  In the first step, Mix, the patient warms up their spine using different techniques, such as Cervical Traction, Vibrating Traction, and the Active Rehabilitation Chair.  The second step, Fix, consists of the chiropractic adjustments specified for each patient based on their initial x-rays.  In step three, Set, the spine is set in its corrected position.  This process involves spinal weighting, vibration therapy, the Scoliosis Traction Chair, and gait therapy.  Follow-up and dedicated home care are both essential to the process.  Unlike surgeries and bracing, the CLEAR Methodology System is an active process.  The patient’s participation and dedication to the process are both crucial to the effectiveness of the treatment.

If left untreated, scoliosis can lead to several health issues.  It can cause deformity of the spine, pain as well as cardiac, respiratory and digestive problems.  Many doctors still suggest the bracing and surgical alternatives as in the case with Shailene Woodley.  South Florida Scoliosis Center focuses on a non-bracing, non-surgical plan through the CLEAR Institute methodologies.  Through this system, our physicians assist patients in reducing the curvature of the spine and correcting mechanical problems of scoliosis.

If you or a family member has recently been diagnosed with scoliosis, know that wearing a brace or having a rod fused to the spine through surgery are not the only treatment options available.

South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment. South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.

For more information, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.


Ask me about:

 

This is How Scoliosis Affects Confidence

scoliosisandconfidenceHas scoliosis caused a decline in confidence for a family member or a friend? Has his or her self-esteem gone down? Have they stopped pursuing their goals? Are they spending less time going out and doing activities they love because they are worried their curve will show? Coping with a scoliosis diagnosis can be a burden, and it can have just as many emotional effects on a person as physical effects.

Scoliosis is diagnosed when an individual’s spine has a side to side curvature.  On an x-ray, the spine takes on an “S” or “C” shape.  Scoliosis can affect the shape of an individual’s back, shoulders, rib cage and hips.  These changes may lead to self-esteem issues and further challenges for the individual. Many times people with scoliosis are unwilling to pursue activities that may expose the curvature of their spine.  Physical activities are further limited if a brace is used as treatment.  A scoliosis diagnosis can place a large amount of stress and anxiety on an individual and may cause them to withdraw from social interactions and stop pursuing their goals and interests.

In order to show support for a person with scoliosis, communicate to them that you understand their feelings.  Talk to them about the condition and the available treatments.  They may have fear that they will not be able to achieve their goals with scoliosis, but don’t allow them to push aside their aspirations.  Encourage them to keep working toward their goals by providing them with examples of people that have gone on to accomplish remarkable feats.

Here are some outstanding examples:

Olympic Swimmer Natalie Coughlin

Coughlin wasn’t diagnosed with scoliosis until she was 30 years old when her curvature was 27° – the x-ray and the shape of her spine shocked her.  Coughlin didn’t let her diagnosis stop her.  At the 2008 Beijing Games, she became the first female U.S. Olympian to win six medals during one Olympic Games.  Coughlin also tied with two other Olympians for the most all-time medals by a female swimmer.  She continues to pursue her dreams by preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Olympic Sprinter Usain Bolt

Bolt was born with scoliosis, and he did not let it stop him from becoming known as the world’s fastest man.  He won three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games in the Men’s 100m, the Men’s 200m, and the Men’s 4x100m Relay.  He defended each of these titles at the 2012 London Games.  Bolt has also won several medals at World Championships between Olympic Games.

Olympic Swimmer Jennifer Thompson

Just like fellow swimmer Natalie Coughlin, Thompson did not allow scoliosis to affect the pursuit of her dreams.  Thompson is a twelve time Olympic medalist, including eight gold medals from the 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 Summer Olympics. She is one of the most decorated Olympians in history because she chose to fight for her dreams despite challenges brought on by her scoliosis.

Scoliosis may be an extra obstacle on the journey but it is not a dead-end. Each of these athletes is proof that anything is possible. Next time your family member or friend is feeling down about their scoliosis remind him or her of this: With the right treatment and the right attitude, anyone can triumph over scoliosis. If you, yourself, are dealing with the emotional effects of scoliosis think of these athletes as well, and know that if you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything.

 

For more information, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.

South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment.

South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.

Restoring the Hopes and Dreams of My Beautiful Ballerina

2015-12-03-ballerinaIn mid-October, 2015, my 13-year-old daughter was complaining of pain on her upper right side. She is a pre-professional ballerina and chiropractic care is a regular part of her care, however, her pain did not subside upon treatment. Fortunately for us, her local chiropractor did a further examination in order to assess the source of the discomfort.  When he had her take a forward bend, he found pronounced uneven muscle structure and impressed upon us that we must see the pediatric orthopedist immediately for a further scoliosis assessment.

The very next morning I contacted the orthopedist as I had been instructed, but I also contacted an acquaintance whose daughter had recently been through very serious back surgery for scoliosis. We met for coffee a couple days later and she was kind enough to share her experience. In that moment, I learned that “scoliosis is serious business.” Just like my daughter, my friend’s daughter manifested scoliosis at 13. My friend sought the medical advice and services of the same orthopedist to whom I had been referred. According to the orthopedist’s instructions, they first waited and watched the scoliosis rapidly progress to which the doctor responded with a brace that proved ineffective. Consequently, at 15 years of age, my friend’s daughter had a difficult time walking and the doctor performed a severe surgery to fuse together her spinal column and fill her full of 3 inch screws and long metal rods. Based upon my friend’s testimony, I was appropriately terrified at the prospects for my own 13 year old daughter.

While waiting for the ominous appointment with the orthopedist, I sought anyone with information regarding scoliosis treatment alternative to surgery, and of course I consulted “Dr. Google”.  Playing with different key word searches, I stumbled upon the CLEAR Institute for Scoliosis Treatment which led me to services of Dr. Alexander Greaux and the South Florida Scoliosis Center – a practice dedicated to the treatment of scoliosis with groundbreaking, non-surgical therapies. While I did find other sources of chiropractic and physical therapy related scoliosis treatments all around the country, it was the manner of advertisement of the CLEAR therapies that really drew me in. As a corporate attorney with a good deal of experience in litigation, I have been trained to be on the lookout for statements of guarantees, exaggerated claims of success and other forms of “puffery” in marketing and advertising for products and services. What really impressed me about the CLEAR Institute and Dr. Greaux was the measured manner in which they described their success in treating scoliosis patients. I also appreciated the honesty with which they explained the challenges they face in conducting long-term studies that would more accurately report on, and better define the parameters for non-surgical scoliosis treatment modalities.  This, I thought, is the more trustworthy presentation of information I had seen in my research, and for this reason I sought out the care of Dr. Greaux.

It was now five days since the discovery of scoliosis by the chiropractor, and my anxiety level was only rising. When I contacted Dr. Greaux’s office, the staff was kind and understanding, and I was relieved that they were as anxious as I was to have my daughter assessed and treated as quickly as possible. Four days later, and still waiting to see the orthopedist, Dr. Greaux found that my daughter had a 22 degree lower lumbar curve with compensatory curving in the thoracic region and some rigidity in her neck. He also kindly explained that although the curve was on the cusp of moderate, my husband and I should take this situation very seriously because our daughter had every risk factor expecting this curve to grow rapidly into a surgical situation.  Although my anxiety exploded into panic, Dr. Greaux remained calm and talked us through the treatment options and the benefits and burdens of each. We decided to bring her back for a one-week intensive of therapy to take place soon after, and headed to our appointment with the orthopedist in between.

The orthopedist predictably found the same 22 degree “s” curve and recommended nighttime bracing together with the “watch and see” approach. Like Dr. Greaux, he warned that our beautiful ballerina could very quickly grow crippled. My research taught me that bracing does nothing to reduce curvature and that the curve could continue to grow nonetheless – a troublesome prospect with which the orthopedist agreed. At this news, my husband and I were even more determined to go through with the therapy, and our daughter enthusiastically agreed.

The therapy program prescribed by Dr. Greaux required two sessions a day at 2.5 to 3 hours each.  I’m not going to minimize it; the therapy was painful, exhausting and more than challenging for our little girl.  There were even times when tears escaped because she was so determined to go through with it but her little body would protest being made straight. Nevertheless, every single member of the staff, and especially Dr. Greaux, was overwhelmingly attentive, tender, sympathetic and supportive of the process. At the end of the week intensive, my daughter’s reward was that her curve had reduced from 22 degrees to 15 degrees!!! She also achieved substantial progress in increasing the proper mobility and shape of her neck.  We are overjoyed! While she is momentarily out of the danger zone, we most certainly recognize the importance of continuing the home therapy precisely per the instructions of Dr. Greaux, or else the curve could once again escalate into total devastation. We are so grateful to Dr. Greaux and all of his staff for their hard work and dedication to pioneer advances in non-surgical scoliosis treatment, especially in the face of hostility from many orthopedic surgeons. In fact, my husband, daughter and I cannot wait for our next appointment with the orthopedist so we can share our own success story with the hopes of persuading him to reconsider his position that “therapy is a scam.”  Meanwhile, we intend to continue to tell everyone we possibly can about Dr. Greaux and the CLEAR Institute to spread hope and awareness for non-surgical scoliosis treatment options.

* To protect the privacy of our patients the image used in this post is not an actual picture of our patient but a representation of the same.


Ask me about:

For more information, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.

South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment. South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.

The Text Neck Epidemic is Spreading

Text Neck SFSCThe Text Neck epidemic is spreading far and wide! Children as young as seven years old are using mobile devices and developing the condition.  Almost anywhere you go, you will most likely see someone texting on their phone or maybe playing a game on their tablet.  With the rise of technology such as new smartphones, laptops, and tablets, Text Neck has become a more common occurrence.  The condition is most often seen in teenagers, but even younger children are starting to show signs of it.

What is Text Neck?

Why does it matter?

  • Text Neck can cause several symptoms including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, numbness and/or tingling sensations, arm pain, and back pain.
  • The abnormality in the cervical spine curvature can add stress to the spinal cord and the carotid arteries, which may lead to issues such as dizziness, fatigue, nervousness, and changes in blood pressure.
  • The stress from Text Neck may also affect the release of endorphins and serotonin, which could result in anxiety.

What can I do to avoid Text Neck?

  • When texting, hold your phone at eye level.
  • Raise your computer monitor to eye level.
  • Avoid using your laptop, tablet, or phone while lying down.
  • Avoid looking down at your devices for extended periods of time.
  • Keep your head up!

Help yourself avoid Text Neck by following the above tips and encourage your kids to follow them as well when using their electronic devices!

If you think your child is dealing with symptoms of Text Neck contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.

South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment.

South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.