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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!

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.

 

Raising an Olympic Athlete with Scoliosis…

Raising an Olympic Athlete with Scoliosis…

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Raising an Olympic Athlete with Scoliosis…For years, Scoliosis has been a real concern for Olympic athletes such as:

Usain Bolt – Jamaican three-time Olympic gold medalist sprinter, Olympic record holder reigning Olympic champion in the 100 and 200 metres and the 4×100 metres 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

Despite enduring multiple hardships such as bracing and even surgery Scoliosis did not stop these athletes’ Olympic dreams from becoming a reality.

What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, the most common type being idiopathic scoliosis most often diagnosed in children ages 10 to 12 and in their early teens.

Although many of us may not ever be in the position to worry about raising an Olympic hopeful, Scoliosis does affect close to 12 million people worldwide with 5 – 7 million in the U.S. alone. The good news is – advancements in the field have discovered considerably better options for the treatment of scoliosis. Non-invasive, non-surgical and non-bracing alternatives. No longer is there a need to wear bulky braces that cause embarassment or self-consciousness. Nor of having 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 Canada, Denmark, Israel, Anguilla, Curacao, Columbia and Brazil to enjoy the benefits of our intensive care treatment. Now if Usain Bolt had had that option- imagine the possibilities…

In case you’re wondering if your Olympic dreams will become a reality:

What are Your Chances of Becoming a Summer Olympic Athlete?

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.

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!

My Teenager has Scoliosis – Developing Positive Self-Image

My Teenager has Scoliosis – Developing Positive Self-Image

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My Teenager has Scoliosis – Developing Positive Self-ImageThe emotional effects of scoliosis in teenagers can be every bit as real and serious as its physical effects.

Scoliosis is a condition in which an individual’s spine has a lateral, or side to side curvature. In terms of its effects on your teen, Scoliosis can affect the shape of your teen’s back, rib cage, shoulders, and hips. In  addition these changes can affect how he or she feels about herself.

Teenagers are already challenged by having to deal with the pressures of being a teen – throw in a diagnosis of Scoliosis and the added challenge may affect his or her self-confidence, relationship to peers and everyday behavior.

Many studies have found that teenagers with scoliosis are not happy with their appearance. They often fear their bodies are developing abnormally and view themselves in poorer health than their peers. Unfortunately a teen’s body image does not always relate to the size of his or her curve – your teen may have a relatively small curve and still refuse to wear bathing suits, tank tops, or tight fitting clothing.

Teenagers with scoliosis are also commonly unwilling to be involved with activities requiring them to wear a swimming suit or other clothing that might easily reveal the curvature of their spine, all of which can lead to social isolation. Adding to this many of these children are made to wear bulky and uncomfortable braces for up to 23 hours a day further limiting their physical activities and involvement with other children.

Long term statistical studies show patients deeply affected by scoliosis are more prone to depression and alcoholism later in life with 4 out of 5 women with scoliosis, never marrying.

Being diagnosed with scoliosis can cause your teen a lot of stress. When first diagnosed, your child may feel anxiety, fear, and withdrawal. These feelings tend to improve with time depending on treatment.

Having a strategy for dealing with your child’s diagnosis is key to the development of his or her positive self image. Below our some of our suggestions:

Tips to Help Your Teen Emotionally Deal with Scoliosis

  • Discuss with your teen his or her diagnosis and the treatments available.
  • Assure your child that the condition does not make him or her less of a person in school nor in the community.
  • Accept your teenager’s feelings and communicate that you understand.
  • Talk to your teenage son’s or daughter’s friends and educate them about Scoliosis and how they can help their friend have an easier journey.
  • Don’t stop your teen from engaging in physical activities that he or she has always done but check with your physician for any necessary restrictions.
  • Exercising regularly can help your teen feel better about her body.
  • Find support groups for teens and families also dealing with Scoliosis- being in contact with other teens facing the same issues can help. Talking about the challenges of clothing, sports, and dating can help your teen cope better.
Best Exercise Choices for Scoliosis

Exercise and Scoliosis – What Are My Choices?

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Best Exercise Choices for ScoliosisMany adults and teenagers with scoliosis, are curious about the risks and benefits of exercises and sports participation. Although it is important for all people, including those with scoliosis, to exercise and remain physically fit we recommend a bit of caution while embarking on a new regimen.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. The spine bends sideways and twists creating a lateral, or side to side curvature. Usually the upper or lower back is twisted, but in rare cases scoliosis can affect the neck.  Although scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity, on an x-ray, scoliosis curves can often look like a simple “S” or a “C” shape.

80-85% percent of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. But it appears that heredity is one factor, since scoliosis tends to run in families.

Scoliosis often appears during the onset of puberty, and more females than males are affected.

Treatment for Scoliosis

Scoliosis is complex and affects everyone differently. Accordingly, it is crucial to accurately diagnose and analyze each patient on a case-by-case basis, and design a treatment plan based on the individual’s unique situation.

As a CLEAR™ Institute certified location; South Florida Scoliosis Center (SFSC) does not endorse any type of bracing. In fact, clinical experience demonstrates that attempting to utilize a brace while the patient is undergoing our treatment may have an adverse effect. Our protocols attempt to strengthen the same postural muscles which are made weaker by relying upon the brace.

Scoliosis and Exercise

If you have scoliosis, posture and muscle changes caused by the condition may restrict your movements while exercising. In some cases, your endurance may be affected by reduced lung capacity. Regimens that include running or jumping can also be especially hard on the scoliotic spine further compressing one misaligned vertebrae into the other.

For those who suffer from Scoliosis and even those who don’t we recommend swimming. No other workout burns calories, boosts metabolism, and firms every muscle in your body (without putting stress on your joints)

Benefits of Swimming for Exercise:

  • Increased Muscle Tone and Strength
  • Improved Flexibility
  • Stronger Heart Muscle
  • Weight Control
  • Improved Asthma Symptoms
  • Improved Cholesterol
  • Lower Stress, Higher Spirits and a Better Brain

Make an appointment today and take control of your spine health! 305-705-0777

That Was Then… This is NOW! – New Hope for Scoliosis Patients

That Was Then… This is NOW! – New Hope for Scoliosis Patients

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That Was Then… This is NOW! – New Hope for Scoliosis PatientsScoliosis is a condition in which an individual’s spine has lateral, or side to side curvature and affects as many as 12 million people – worldwide. Very often, Scoliosis is detected during a child’s routine pediatric appointment or at a scoliosis screening exam at school during 6th grade (Florida statute 381.0056 requires that scoliosis screening be done on 6th grade students.)

What to do if your child is diagnosed with Scoliosis:

Left untreated the progression of scoliosis can cause deformity of the spine, respiratory, cardiac and digestive problems, as well as debilitating pain. Although a diagnosis of scoliosis can be scary, effective, non-invasive treatments that can stop the onset of scoliosis are now available.

That Was THEN:

The conventional medical management of scoliosis involves monitoring, bracing, medication and/or surgery. If the patient is still growing, progression is monitored by x-ray and then follow-up x-rays every few months.

If the curve progresses, a spinal brace intended to prevent further progression is typically recommended. Spinal braces tend to be uncomfortable and awkward posing a compliance challenge to the self-conscious adolescent.

If the scoliotic curve progresses beyond a certain point, the patient may then be recommended for spinal surgery. An invasive procedure where a metal rod is surgically fused to the spine to straighten it out.

Medication is suggested only as a means for symptomatic relief.

Many physicians still suggest three basic methods of treatment- observation, bracing and surgery. However, research now shows that alternative non-invasive options are more effective in the treatment of the curve.

THIS IS NOW:

At South Florida Scoliosis Center we provide a unique non-bracing, non-surgical plan effective in the treatment of scoliosis. Using the CLEAR™ Institute methodologies our physicians are able to assist our patients in actively reducing the curvature of the spine without invasive surgical procedures and unsightly braces.

In light of the severity of conventional treatment, chiropractic care is the most logical approach for scoliosis management. At South Florida Scoliosis Center we are able to provide our patients with a hands on, non-invasive and drug-free treatment to correct the underlying mechanical problems of scoliosis. We assist our patients in relieving pain organically and empower them to continue any necessary home care corrective and postural awareness exercises that may be required.

Benefits of Our Scoliosis Treatment Method

  • Reduces scoliosis curvature of the spine
  • Prevents further curvature of the spine
  • Relieves pain and discomfort
  • Alleviates the embarrassment of deformity
  • Allows patients increased range of motion
  • Less expensive than traditional scoliosis treatments

Using these protocols we have been successful time and time again in reducing and reversing the progression of the scoliotic spine. No embarrassing brace to wear, no casting and no surgery!

At South Florida Scoliosis Center we are continuously improving and developing our methods of treatment to provide our patients better alternatives for curves of all degrees.

Has Your Child Been Diagnosed with Scoliosis? Here’s What You Need to Know…

Has Your Child Been Diagnosed with Scoliosis? Here’s What You Need to Know…

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Has Your Child Been Diagnosed with Scoliosis? Here’s What You Need to Know…Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that affects as many as 12 million people worldwide. Left untreated the progression of scoliosis can cause deformity of the spine, respiratory, cardiac and digestive problems, as well as debilitating pain.

Scoliosis may often be detected during a child’s routine pediatric appointment or during a scoliosis screening exam at school. Oftentimes the signs of scoliosis aren’t obvious until the child’s growth spurt occurs therefore, experts recommend that girls get screened, at ages 10 and again at 12, because they are at higher risk for scoliosis than boys. Boys should generally get screened once between the ages of 13 and 15.

Once your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, time is now of the essence. The sooner you can treat scoliosis the more successful you will be in stopping the progression of the curve.

At South Florida Scoliosis Center we have been successful in reversing the symptoms of scoliosis by using a non-surgical, non-bracing treatment. Using a methodology designed by Clear™ Institute we use the following 3 steps:

Step 1- MIX
The patient warms up their spine by using several different techniques including the Active Rehabilitation Chair, Cervical Traction, and Vibrating Traction, the goal of which is re-structuring & re-modeling the ligaments after they have been relaxed.

Step 2- FIX
The patient is now primed to receive their chiropractic adjustment. Adjusting instruments and specialized drop pieces enhance the precision & effectiveness of chiropractic care, and reduce the amount of force required to correct the scoliotic spine.

Step 3- SET
Immediately after the adjustment is completed, the spine will be “set” in its corrected position to ensure the permanency of the changes. This involves spinal weighting (typically on the head & hips), whole-body vibration therapy, the Scoliosis Traction Chair, and gait therapy to re-train patterns of moving & walking.

In addition to our Mix, Fix, Set system we may continue to treat the spine with a series of follow up visits and customized home exercises specifically designed for your child’s scoliosis curve.

Using these protocols we have been successful time and time again in reducing and reversing the progression of the scoliotic spine. No embarrassing brace for your child to wear, no casting and no surgery!

At South Florida Scoliosis Center we are continuously improving and developing our methods of treatment to provide our patients better alternatives for curves of all degrees.

Thankful for Better Options – Say NO to Bracing and Surgery!

Thankful for Better Options – Say NO to Bracing and Surgery!

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Thankful for Better Options – Say NO to Bracing and Surgery!Imagine taking your healthy teenage child for his or her annual check up, only to leave with a diagnosis of Scoliosis… Now what?

Depending on the severity of your child’s scoliosis curve we’re guessing you heard one of the following:

A – “Let’s wait and see if it progresses…”

B – You were referred to a specialist to get your child fitted for a brace that he or she would have to wear for 23 hours a day in the hopes that it will minimize, or stop the progression of the curve or

C – You were referred to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss surgical options in which your child would have a rod fused to his or her spine, again, in the hopes that this procedure would minimize or correct the existing curve.

I’m sure you were thinking…

“What??? Are those truly my only options?”

Thankfully, not anymore.

Using protocols developed by Clear Institute, certified physicians at South Florida Scoliosis Center can now offer patients a safer non-invasive method of treating scoliosis that will not only minimize your child’s scoliosis curve, but when diagnosed and treated in its early stages, correct the curve in it’s entirety!

Using specialized rehabilitation equipment, bio-vibration protocols and a series of exercises we can customize treatment to correct your, or your child’s, scoliosis curve.

At South Florida Scoliosis Center we are continuously improving and developing our methods of treatment to provide our patients better alternatives for curves of all degrees.