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

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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

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

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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.

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This is How Scoliosis Affects Confidence

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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.

Why Let Scoliosis Limit Expectations for Yourself?

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sfsc-coughlin-lee scoliosisDoes dealing with scoliosis add limitations on what you believe you can achieve? Well, don’t let scoliosis set the bar for your expectations of yourself!

You are not alone on your journey with scoliosis.  Approximately 6 million people in the US suffer from scoliosis.

Included in that 6 million dealing with scoliosis are Olympic Swimmer Natalie Coughlin and Professional Pool Player Jeanette Lee.

Olympic Swimmer Natalie Coughlin wasn’t diagnosed with scoliosis until she was 30 years old.  When she first got an x-ray, her curve was 27°, and she was shocked at the sight of her spine. Coughlin proves you can accomplish incredible things despite scoliosis.

  • She became the first female U.S. Olympian to have won six medals in all six events, including an event she didn’t even train for.
  • She is also tied for the most all-time medals by a female swimmer along side two other Olympians.

Coughlin plans to continue pursuing her goals by attending the 2016 Games in Rio.  In preparation for the 2016 Games, Coughlin is training at UC Berkeley along side the men.  The scoliosis diagnosis has not slowed Coughlin down in the slightest.  She knows what she needs to do to achieve her goals and is not letting her scoliosis diagnosis stop her from accomplishing those goals.

Professional Pool Player Jeanette Lee was diagnosed earlier than Coughlin at the age of 13.  In hopes of alleviating the progression of the curve, Lee had scoliosis surgery.  Although the surgery was thought to be a success, Lee still dealt with the effects of scoliosis.  Around the time Lee was in college, she was introduced to the game of pool.  She immediately began pursuing her new found passion, and was often playing 20+ hours at a time.  Unfortunately, the metal rods placed in her back during her scoliosis surgery were causing Lee excessive pain.  Even though it appeared her consistent practicing was aggravating her scoliosis, Lee continued to pursue her dreams.  Her strength and drive led her to incredible achievements.

  • She became a professional pool player at the age of 21.
  • In her first year, Lee was ranked within the top ten in the Women’s Professional Billiards Association, and not long after she became the #1 ranked woman pool player in the world.
  • Lee has had countless victories throughout her career, while also acquiring tournament titles and even a gold medal in the 2001 World Games.

Through all this success, “The Black Widow,” as Lee came to be known, has still dealt with pain due to her scoliosis and has undergone several other surgeries.  Lee has not let the obstacle of scoliosis stop her from reaching her full potential.

Each of these women have not allowed scoliosis to hold them back from accomplishing their amazing feats.  If you feel like scoliosis is preventing you from reaching your dreams, think of these two strong women and know that you can accomplish anything you want. New technology and better methods are available to stop the progression of the scoliotic curve and make life with scoliosis possible.  Take a step towards your goals by understanding that scoliosis is just a part of your journey and not an end to it.

 

For more information on available methods for the treatment of 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.

Scoliosis and Shoes

SOLE SURFING- What you wear on your feet can have an impact on your scoliosis

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Scoliosis and ShoesWhat we wear on our feet can say a lot about who we are. Shoes are often an exciting channel to express personality, but we can’t forget about why we wear them in the first place.

While footwear exists first and foremost to protect our feet, they can also have a significant effect on our balance and posture. Since posture improvement is such a large part of living with scoliosis, it’s important to select the best shoes for your body.

The footwear fashion popular on the runway or even among kids are very appealing, but don’t always have your best interest in mind. If you know what to watch out for you can look good and feel good at the same time.
Following, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best features to provide you support while staying trendy.

What to look for in a shoe:

Soles – A commonly overlooked source of back pain can be worn out shoe soles. Often times simply replacing old shoes can alleviate pain. It’s important to look for a shoe with a balanced sole so that you are landing neutrally on your foot when walking or running, creating a stable base for the rest of your body.

Arch support – Foot arch shapes are variable from person to person. They are generally categorized by height, assorted between flat, low, and high arches. Look for footwear with adequate arch support, avoiding very flat shoes. The stability provided by arch support helps prevent compression of the lower spine.

Toes – Our feet are naturally designed so that our toes span wider than our heels with an arch that supports the foot and the rest of the body. A wide and flexible toe box is beneficial to allow your toes to respond to surfaces in the way they were intended.

Laces – While shoe laces are crucial in adjusting a shoe to your unique foot, the way you tie them can also impact your body. Contrary to some shoe fads, it’s best to lace shoes completely and tightly to increase stability and decrease the load on your foot and by extension, your back.

When should you buy new shoes?

Shoe replacement,has a lot to do with the wearing of the soles. For athletic or everyday shoes, the general lifespan is about 500 miles or 3-6 months. The feet of kids and teens are often growing at astonishing rates, so size comfort should also be considered when looking for replacements. Their shoes should be replaced anywhere from one to four times per year.

No matter what shoes you wear, it’s important to know whether you’re getting the support you need to maintain your health. Talk to shoe store associates about what is available and best for you and your family. With millions of people in America living with scoliosis today, it’s certainly easy to find a shoe that fits your functional and fashion needs.

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.

 

Think Scoliosis Doesn’t Affect You? think again…

Think Scoliosis Doesn’t Affect You? Think Again…

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Think Scoliosis Doesn’t Affect You? think again…

 

  1. An estimated 6 million people in the US alone suffer from scoliosis
  2. Scoliosis affects both men and women of all ages, races and socio-economic classes
  3. The onset of scoliosis is usually between 10 and 15 years of age
  4. More females than males are affected with Scoliosis
  5. It’s recommended that children be screened yearly! Early detection is the key to correcting Scoliosis curves
  6. Florida Legislature 381.0056 now mandates scoliosis screenings to be performed annually for students in grade six
  7. 15% of kids screened in school programs result in a positive diagnosis
  8. Research shows that alternative non-invasive options are more effective in the treatment of Scoliosis
  9. There are currently 40,000 scoliosis fusion surgeries performed annually in the United States with an estimated 25% rate of complications
  10. Currently, there are only 16 certified CLEAR Intensive Scoliosis Care Clinics in the world and South Florida Scoliosis Center is one of them

June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month

National Scoliosis Awareness Month endeavors to highlight the growing need for education and early detection of scoliosis by uniting patients, families, physicians, and related businesses in collaborative events throughout the month of June.

The Scoliosis Research Society has sent requests to all US governors asking them to proclaim June as National Scoliosis Awareness Month.

Click here to see if your state has proclaimed June as National Scoliosis Awareness Month.

We invite all scoliosis patients, family members and advocates to send their own letters of support.

Click here for the National Scoliosis Awareness Month Support Letter

Click here to find your governor – National Governors Association (NGA)

Click here for free Scoliosis Screening!

 

Text Neck! Does Your Teen Have it?

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The following patient is seen pre and post-treatment after one month of care.

Her original curve was 100% loss from normal and is currently at  29% loss after one month.

That’s a 71% improvement/correction.

Her chief complaint: Fatigue and Headaches.

05-15-14-loss-of-cervical-curve

Why should I care?

Loss of the cervical curve has been shown to be the common factor in not only pain and degenerative changes such as arthritis and disc herniation but also as a direct effect on the spinal cord and nervous system.

This particular finding has become popular now due to our continuous use of modern technology- including: uncomfortable office work stations, texting, or other uses of tablets and or smartphones that require constantly looking down, and sleeping with more than one pillow behind your head.

Common symptoms include:

  • Neck pain
  • Stiffness
  • Pins and needles in the arms
  • Tingling and/or numbness (commonly misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel)

The lack of the cervical spine curvature causes tension on the spinal cord and carotid arteries as they ascend into the brain to feed it oxygen and nutrients.  This can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue, tinnitus, pain, nervousness, insomnia, high blood pressure, and confusion.

The shocking part is we are finding this in young kids now due to technology. Doctors have even called this text neck!

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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.

 

Dr. Alex Greaux, Scoliosis Doctor

Dr. Alex Greaux Joins Distinction of 18 Physicians in the World!

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Dr. Alex Greaux, Scoliosis DoctorDr. Alex Greaux of South Florida Scoliosis Center has achieved Intensive Care certification from the CLEAR Institute treatment for scoliosis.

This new treatment method is a ground-breaking blend of techniques and therapies developed to reduce or correct scoliosis in all ages without the use of bracing or surgery. Dr. Greaux successfully completed the post-graduate training, under Dr. Dennis Woggon, founder and director of the Clear Institute. The CLEAR Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and development of procedures to reduce and/or correct scoliosis without the use of braces or surgery.

IC Certification is rigorous, extensive, and granted only to those doctors who have demonstrated complete mastery of the CLEAR Institute protocols. Currently, there are only 16 certified CLEAR Intensive Scoliosis Care Clinics in the world and South Florida Scoliosis Center is proud to join their ranks.

Intensive Scoliosis Care consists of treating a scoliosis patient for 2 weeks 2 times a day with before and after x-rays to determine amount of correction in the 2 week period. The patient is then sent home to perform an in home scoliosis rehab program for 90-120 days and then reports back to the Intensive Care office for a follow up exam and possibly another round of care. Intensive Scoliosis Care was created to meet the needs of scoliosis patients who live in an area without certified doctors. Intensive Care allows a scoliosis patient to receive CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment regardless of where they currently live.

Scoliosis is a disease of the neuro-muscular skeletal system that causes a severe curvature of the spine, usually accompanied by forward head posture, head tilt, uneven shoulders and an un-leveling of the hips. Scoliosis is prevalent in at least 4.5% of children and may increase to 25% – 30% as the population ages. Scoliosis is more than a cosmetic issue or a badly curved back. Studies have shown the life expectancy in scoliosis patients left untreated is decreased by 14 years. Scoliosis is also associated with shortness of breath, digestive problems, headaches, hip, knee, and leg pain. Traditional methods for treating scoliosis are observation, bracing and surgery. Studies have shown traditional treatment methods have little success. This was the reason for the inception and development of the CLEAR Institute non-profit.

We are excited to finally offer a promising protocol of care for treatment of scoliosis that provides hope, and possibly a solution to this physically debilitating disease for patients around the world.

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 and draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Alex Greaux on becoming Intensive Care Certified in the treatment of Scoliosis!