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Back to School with Scoliosis: Tips for a Successful Year

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scoliosis girl back to school

Summer is over, the kids are back in school and the homework load has started to pile up; Even though It’s that time of year again, continue to be mindful of scoliosis. The number of notebooks and textbooks coming home in backpacks each day seems to grow and grow.  A child’s backpack should not exceed 10-15% of his or her body weight, according to the American Physical Therapy Association. Often times, however, children are carrying much more than that.

Besides notebooks and textbooks there’s the paper, pencils, markers, and calculators, the list goes on and on.  All of these items could result in a heavy backpack, which could lead to possible strain on your child’s spine and scoliosis curve.  The extra weight that many children deal with each day can place unnecessary strain on their spines because they are leaning forward to compensate for the heavy load.  For any child the extra strain can cause problems down the road, but if the child is dealing with scoliosis, an overly heavy backpack can aggravate the situation exponentially

Backpack Safety

In order to place less strain on the spine, it is important to distribute the different items in your child’s backpack so that the heavier items are towards the back and any smaller items are placed evenly in the compartments.  Children should also be encouraged to use both straps when wearing their backpacks so the weight is evenly distributed across their backs. If possible, rolling backpacks are ideal to relieve any stress on the spine.  In children with scoliosis, such suggestions are extremely helpful so as not to aggravate or worsen the child’s scoliosis curve.

Stay Focused

Even while in school there are a few steps your child can take throughout the day to avoid aggravating their scoliosis.  Encourage your child to sit with both legs on the floor while in school instead of crossing them.  This way they will not be leaning to one side or the other and will have their weight evenly distributed.  Being mindful of one’s posture can also take stress off of the back and spine.

Make the Time

Being back to school doesn’t just consist of heavy backpacks, it also means less free time for kids.  They spend a large portion of their day sitting in classrooms, and then at home they are completing homework and other school projects.  Some children also have after school activities that take up a decent amount of their time.  However, don’t let being back in school take away the focus from other important aspects of life like your child’s health.  It is important for children with scoliosis to find time to work on correcting their scoliosis curve.

Along with making sure your child’s backpack is not adding to the situation, certain exercises are available to aid in the correction of a child’s scoliosis curve.  Such exercises can be done two to four times a day depending on how busy the day’s schedule is looking.  The time allocated to these exercises can range from a minimum of fifteen minutes to a maximum of an hour.  Busy schedules go hand in hand with being back in school, but taking time out to focus on the health and well-being of your child is extremely important.

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.

HOP TO IT! It’s time to stop waiting… Scoliosis

HOP TO IT! It’s time to stop waiting…

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HOP TO IT! It’s time to stop waiting… ScoliosisHas your child recently been diagnosed with Scoliosis and you’re in the “Wait and See if it progresses” mode? Well you’re not alone!

Every year 15% of all grade school kids screened for scoliosis result in a positive diagnosis and yet many physicians still suggest three basic methods of treatment: observation, bracing, and/or surgery – based on the severity of the curve. However, new research now shows that alternative non-invasive options are more effective in the treatment of scoliosis.

At South Florida Scoliosis Center our work and successes have proven that treating Mild Scoliosis curves- those between 10° to 25 can significantly reduce and many times halt the progression of scoliosis. Using a CLEAR™ certified approach our physicians are able to assist our patients, young and old, in actively reducing the curvature of the spine without invasive surgical procedures and unsightly braces. Our unique non-bracing, non-surgical plan has proven time and again an effective advance in the treatment of scoliosis. We offer customized plans to fit our clients including: Scoliosis and Adult Scoliosis Treatment plans, Teen Curves Summer Camp, Scoliosis Boot Camp and Intensive Care Treatment – South Florida Scoliosis Center is one of only 16 certified CLEAR Intensive Scoliosis Care Clinics in the world.

So don’t you think it’s time to stop waiting?

Hop to it and give us a call – let us take care of those curves while they’re small!

305-705-0777

Facts About Mild Stage Scoliosis:

Scoliosis curve 10° to 25° – Mild Scoliosis has a significant risk of progression: up to 22%. Once the scoliosis passes 20°, risk of progression more than triples to 68%.Scoliosis Awareness T-Shirt

  • Scoliosis curve is less than 25°
  • May have tilted head, uneven shoulders or hips
  • Head may appear forward of shoulders when viewed from the side
  • Clothing may hang unevenly
  • May have uneven leg lengths
  • May go unnoticed, even by medical doctors or school screeners
  • May or may not be associated with pain
  • Most common in young, premenstrual girls, but can be seen in boys or adults.

To purchase one of our Scoliosis Awareness Tshirts for $10 click here.

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.

Don’t Let Their New Backpack Aggravate The Scoliosis!

Don’t Let Their New Backpack Aggravate The Scoliosis!

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Don’t Let Their New Backpack Aggravate The Scoliosis!The time to send your children Back-to-School is just around the corner. But before you do- here are some things you should consider:

As per the American Physical Therapy Association your child’s backpack should never exceed 10-15% of his or her body weight? In an average 12 year old child that is 10 lbs worth and that includes the backpack itself.

Unfortunately due to heavy homework loads and nearly non-existent lockers, the average child carries 22-27% of their body weight in their backpack.

This extra weight creates unnecessary strain on a child’s spine aggravating an already scoliotic spine. A heavy back pack can pull a child backwards making him or her overcompensate by bending forward or arching their backs, in turn further compressing the spine.

If your child prefers the “over one shoulder sling” he or she may lean far to the one side to offset the weight of the heavy backpack. Overtime, repeated use will lead to increased strain on their posture, muscle strain and pain in the back neck and shoulder areas.

The following are signs that indicate your child’s backpack is too heavy:

  • Change in posture?
  • Signs of struggle while putting on or taking off the backpack
  • Complaining of pain from wearing the backpack
  • Red marks on the shoulder area from wearing the backpack
  • Complaints of numbness or tingling in the arms and hands

Before you shop these guidelines can lead you to a better backpack option for your child:

  • Purchase a backpack that’s durable yet lightweight- many backpacks, although quite fashionable, may be made of unnecessarily heavy construction
  • Look for a backpack that has two wide padded shoulder straps
  • A backpack with a waist strap helps the weight distribute more evenly
  • A padded back can make the load more comfortable while protecting from sharp objects poking out the back
  • Multiple compartments help the weight distribute more evenly
  • Rolling backpacks are ideal provided there is no need for rolling across uneven terrain or climbing stairs
  • When packing your child’s backpack- pack the heavier items towards the back and evenly distribute smaller items in compartments
  • Weigh your child’s backpack- make sure it doesn’t exceed 10-15% of his or her body weight
  • Adjust the straps to fit tight against the body

Now you’re ready to send your child safely off to school! 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.

Remember- A heavy backpack does not cause Scoliosis but may disguise a spinal curve in it’s initial stages. Scoliosis first shows up between the ages of 9-15 so make sure your child is screened on a regular basis.

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

Adult Scoliosis – Is it the Cause of Your Pain?

Adult Scoliosis – Is it the Cause of Your Pain?

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Adult Scoliosis – Is it the Cause of Your Pain?Because scoliosis typically affects adolescents, adults who are diagnosed with adult scoliosis are often shocked. Scoliosis is a condition in which an individual’s spine develops a side to side curvature – or sideways S or C shape. Although the symptoms of scoliosis are the same for adults as well as teenagers, adults face a different set of challenges than teenagers.

What are the Symptoms of Adult Scoliosis?
Symptoms of adult scoliosis can include one or more of the following:

  • Lower back pain and back aches
  • Tiring of the spine due to lengthy periods of sitting and/or standing
  • Hip and shoulders that are uneven
  • A spine that curves to one side.

What causes Adult Scoliosis?
There are several different reasons that an adult can get scoliosis. Some adults have had scoliosis from childhood, but the deformity and pain worsens as they become an adult. Disc degeneration can cause scoliosis as well, as can fractures in the spine. Individuals who suffer from muscular dystrophies, polio or other neuromuscular disorders often suffer from neuro-muscular scoliosis. The most common causes of adult scoliosis are the following:

  • A Degenerative disease such as osteoarthritis- when the vertebrae and/or discs on one side of the spine weaken or degenerate more than those on the other side, creating a curve.
  • Idiopathic Scoliosis that went unnoticed and untreated during adolescence- a curvature that went unnoticed during adolescence now becomes noticeable in adulthood because it has continued to progress or because it begins to cause pain.
  • Scoliosis that was treated with surgery during adolescence- individuals who undergo scoliosis surgery as teens continue to struggle with the symptoms of scoliosis throughout their lives.

How is Adult Scoliosis Treated?
While scoliosis does not generally cause pain in children or teens, it can cause pain in adults, especially those with osteoarthritis. Even in other types of adult scoliosis, pain may be present because the natural flexibility of youth has diminished, and the muscles that have helped to compensate for the curve become overtaxed.

Traditional medicine generally employs pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to alleviate the painful symptoms of adult scoliosis. The problem with these drugs is that they only last a few hours, they have many side effects and don’t resolve the underlying problem.

At South Florida Scoliosis Center we offer a safe and natural alternative to alleviating the pain and symptoms of adult scoliosis.

SFSC Scoliosis Treatment Method

If your adult scoliosis stems from a degenerative condition, vertebrae and discs can be out of alignment and compressing nerves, which can cause your scoliosis pain. If the scoliosis has been present for many years, whether treated with surgery or not, there’s a good chance that compensatory muscles have become strained. And with the scoliosis curvature existing for years, the unnatural position can cause other misalignments and further interfere with proper nerve function. Our scoliosis treatment methods can begin correcting structural misalignments and restoring optimal function to the nervous system.

If you’ve never considered chiropractic for your adult scoliosis, now is the time to contact us. At South Florida Scoliosis Center we will go to great lengths to understand your particular situation, by performing an extensive exam. Discuss all findings, and design a customized plan for working with your adult scoliosis.

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