Scoliosis/Kyphosis Treatments
My Experience
Over the years I tried various forms of chiropractic (and I think other methods were mixed in by at least one chiropractor), yoga, exercises, massage, acupressure, improved posture practices, Gokhale, Egoscue and probably other things I've forgotten, but the only thing I've noticed any long-lasting improvement from so far is dietary change, though evolutionarily-informed Gokhale-type practices like minimizing Western-style chair sitting and doing more squatting and standing instead do help improve my short-term comfort. The improvements from dietary change were apparent mild straightening of curvature with 1/2" increased height (as measured by staff at physicians' offices, gradually improving flexibility in formerly tight muscles, better balance, and less back pain after stressors like long car rides.
A scoliosis forum at which people share their results:
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/
Diet/Nutrition
Nutrition as an environmental factor in the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis.
J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1993 Mar-Apr;16(3):169-73.
Worthington V, Shambaugh P.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8492060
"DATA SYNTHESIS:
There is strong evidence from an animal model for an interaction between poor nutrition and genetics. There are anecdotal data and limited study data for humans. The biochemical mechanisms, explaining the actions of nutritional factors on spinal and paraspinal tissue, are partially known.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is evidence that poor nutrition may play a role in the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. This possibility should be examined further in humans."
Scoliosis: Exercise, Diet & Yoga Alternative Treatments
Sandy Simmons
http://www.ctds.info/spinecurve.html
"Scoliosis has been induced in a variety of animals through the creation of nutritional deficits and imbalances. Not surprisingly, many of the nutritional imbalances linked to scoliosis in animals such as deficits of manganese, vitamin B6, and copper [and maybe also excessive copper, so the problem may partly be one of imbalance in either direction] have all also been implicated as factors in osteoporosis in humans. As noted above, research shows there are strong links between scoliosis and osteoporosis."
Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1980 May-Jun;5(3):230-3.
Elevated hair copper level in idiopathic scoliosis: preliminary observations.
Pratt WB, Phippen WG.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7394662
The hair copper level of the scoliotic children was significantly higher than that of the controls.
Hair Tissue Mineral Patterns in Children with Idiopathic Scoliosis
David L. Watts, Ph.D.
http://www.traceelements.com/Docs/News%20March%2095.pdf
[Scoliosis associated with low Zinc/Copper ratio.]
"The study by Pratt and Phippen, showed a mean Zn/Cu ratio of 3.12 in scoliotic patients. This correlates with our preliminary studies of scoliosis patients who had a mean Zn/Cu ratio of 3.07 (TEI Ideal 8:1)."
Zinc - How It Can Change Your Life?
Author: Neil Butterfield
http://www.ehealthyone.com/Zinc.html
It is interesting to know that gymnasts, especially female gymnasts have particularly low levels of zinc. Hyper mobility, delayed puberty and scoliosis are experienced in high rates in rhythmic gymnasts. Research on monkeys showed that there could be a link.
We all know that oysters are used as an aphrodisiac, but why is that? Oysters have higher zinc content than any other food and helps with the functioning of the male sex organ and with reproductive fluids. As children reach puberty, their needs for certain nutrients increase. Since sperm contains high levels of zinc, males require more zinc. It is required in both males and females to support development of sexual organs. A deficiency during this critical stage
of development could result in pectus carinatum, pectus excavatum, two chest deformities as well as stretch marks and other deficiency symptoms.
Skin and connective tissue disorders are often diagnosed by symptoms such as frequent infections, reduced collagen, delayed healing of wounds, hyper mobile joints, scoliosis, stretch marks and other symptoms. In truth, many of these disorders may be more related to and can be treated with zinc supplements.
Nutrition, Diet & Exercise in Scoliosis
http://www.livestrong.com/article/373851-nutrition-diet-exercise-in-scoliosis/
Vitamins D and E
Zinc status in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1990 Feb;15(2):65-6.
Dastych M, Vlach O.
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty Hospital Brno-Bohunice, Czechoslovakia.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2326713
[Zinc deficiency NOT found correlated with scoliosis]
Abstract
The zinc content in m. sacrospinalis, hair, leukocytes of peripheral blood, and in serum was examined in 50 patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated by Harrington instrumentation. A control group included 20 patients treated for spinal column injury. A significant decrease of zinc content in back muscles was observed in patients with scoliosis. The value of zinc in hair, leukocytes, and serum did not differ compared with the control group. Similarly, the potassium and magnesium content in muscle was the same in both groups. These results do not suggest that there is a primary zinc deficiency in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The authors consider the decreased zinc content in back muscle of patients with idiopathic scoliosis to be a secondary disturbance associated with primary deformation of the spinal column.
Changes of selenium, copper, and zinc content in hair and serum of patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
J Orthop Res. 2008 Sep;26(9):1279-82.
Dastych M, Cienciala J, Krbec M.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18404661
[High zinc and copper and low selenium associated with scoliosis. So again, maybe it's the balance of zinc, copper, selenium and other nutrients, rather than simple deficiency, that's most commonly a factor.]
Idiopathic Scoliosis Nutritional Deficiencies
Dr. Stitzel
http://www.squidoo.com/scoliosis-nutrition
"What researchers are finding is that the ratio of different minerals is more important than just a single mineral being high or low in the body. With larger more progressive scoliosis patients the ratio between copper and selenium was significantly different than control groups. This ratio was off by such a large degree because of both the elevated levels of copper and the deceased levels of selenium occurring at once. Selenium was found to be interlinked to a chemical known as osteopontin found in high levels with patients diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis."
Toxic Selenium: How MountAintop ReMovAl CoAl Mining tHReAtens people & stReAMs
http://www.sierraclub.org/coal/downloads/seleniumfactsheet.pdf
Fish in a selenium-polluted reservoir developed 'S'-shaped spinal curvatures "typical of scoliosis due to selenium poisoning." So too much, as well as too little, selenium can apparently cause scoliosis and nutritional balance again appears to be key.
Selenium rich diet or supplement as a potential therapeutic agent for lowering osteopontin and preventing scoliosis
From a patent application for an osteopontin blood test
http://www.treatingscoliosis.com/blood-test.html
"a method of preventing or reducing scoliosis comprising administering to a subject having scoliosis a therapeutically effective amount of an osteopontin inhibitor (OPN) or a selenium rich diet, whereby scoliosis is thereby prevented or treated."
US Patent Application #2010/0075,333 for osteopontin test for scoliosis risk
http://www.patentbuddy.com/Patent/20100075333
[Osteopontin] Molecule linked to autoimmune disease relapses identified
Posted by: Derya on: December 3, 2006
http://biosingularity.com/2006/12/03/molecule-linked-to-autoimmune-disease-relapses-identified/
Pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in girls - a double neuro-osseous theory involving disharmony between two nervous systems, somatic and autonomic expressed in the spine and trunk: possible dependency on sympathetic nervous system and hormones with implications for medical therapy
R Geoffrey Burwell1*, Ranjit K Aujla1, Michael P Grevitt1, Peter H Dangerfield2*, Alan Moulton3, Tabitha L Randell4 and Susan I Anderson5 ...
http://www.scoliosisjournal.com/content/4/1/24
"Conclusion
(1) The double neuro-osseous theory for AIS pathogenesis in girls postulates developmental disharmony between autonomic and somatic nervous systems expressed in the spine and trunk and exaggerated by hormones producing systemic skeletal overgrowth (preoperative girls) ...
(12) The autonomic nervous system component of the theory (LHS concept) [25] draws evidence from several fields including:
• thoracospinal concept for the pathogenesis of right thoracic AIS in girls [59-63];
• new neuroskeletal biology relating the sympathetic nervous system to bone formation/resorption and bone growth [187-198];
• white adipose tissue, the adiposity hormone leptin secreted by adipose tissue which functions as a sentinel of energy balance and long-term adiposity to the hypothalamus; and
• central leptin resistance in obesity and possibly in healthy females."
[Osteopontin] Protein Linked to MS Relapse
High Levels in Brain Protect Haywire Immune Cells
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20061204/ms-relapse-linked-to-a-protein?src=RSS_PUBLIC
'Steinman and colleagues find that in three different mouse models of MS, osteopontin causes disease relapse and makes disease symptoms worse.
The reason: osteopontin protects immune cells that have gone haywire and attack the brain. Normal protective mechanisms trigger self-destruction in aberrant immune cells. But osteopontin stops this signal, prolonging the lives of these cells.
Steinman's team is working on antibodies to block osteopontin. But Steinman admits there may be a problem with this approach. Osteopontin seems to play a major role in many normal body functions.
"Like a lot of important biological molecules, osteopontin has a Janus-like quality -- a bad side and a good side," Steinman says....'
The whey in bovine milk contains osteopontin:
http://www.arlafoodsingredients.com/products/milk-protein--minerals/osteopontin/
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0041534
However, I haven't seen evidence linking milk to osteoporosis.
The Schroth Method
The Schroth Method - Exercises for Scoliosis
www.schrothmethod.com/
Schroth practioner
Stud Health Technol Inform. 2012;176:365-71.
Corrective exercises in multimodality therapy of idiopathic scoliosis in children - analysis of six weeks efficiency - pilot study.
Pugacheva N.
Source
Children's Rehabilitation Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22744531
Abstract
The program of the special corrective exercises according to Schroth method in H.R. Weiss modification was carried out in multimodality conservative therapy of idiopathic scoliosis in our clinic. Efficacy of the treatment was evaluated in 21 patients treated with the six week physiotherapy program. Initial state of musculoskeletal system and efficacy of therapy was evaluated with instrumental diagnostic techniques: the computer optical topography, the electromyography of paravertebral muscles and the stabilometry. According to the data of clinical investigation and instrumental testing the Schroth program of therapeutic exercises modified by H.-R.Weiss improves efficacy of therapy in children with idiopathic scoliosis.
Disabil Rehabil. 2008;30(10):772-85.
Exercises reduce the progression rate of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: results of a comprehensive systematic review of the literature.
Negrini S, ...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18432435
RESULTS:
The 19 papers considered included 1654 treated patients and 688 controls. The highest-quality study (RCT) compared two groups of 40 patients, showing an improvement of curvature in all treated patients after six months. We found three papers on Scoliosis Intensive Rehabilitation (Schroth), five on extrinsic autocorrection-based methods (Schroth, side-shift), four on intrinsic autocorrection-based approaches (Lyon and SEAS) and five with no autocorrection (three asymmetric, two symmetric exercises). Apart from one (no autocorrection, symmetric exercises, very low methodological quality), all studies confirmed the efficacy of exercises in reducing the progression rate (mainly in early puberty) and/or improving the Cobb angles (around the end of growth). Exercises were also shown to be effective in reducing brace prescription.
Some Yoga Postures, Like Back Bends, May Predispose to or Aggravate Scoliosis
YOGA EXERCISES FOR SCOLIOSIS: WHICH ONES TO AVOID
By Christa Lehnert-Schroth, P.T.
http://www.schrothmethod.com/about/yoga-for-scoliosis-menu
Dance and scoliosis
Written by Dr. Clayton Stitzel
http://www.treatingscoliosis.com/no-back-bends-for-scoliosis.html
I think there is enough circumstantial and empirical evidence pointing towards repeated back bends being potentially harmful by predisposing or contributing to the development of thoracic idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. Special care must be taken in respect to dance and scoliosis, as well as other scoliosis exercises http://www.treatingscoliosis.com/exercise-for-scoliosis.html.
I would therefore recommend that back bends should be avoided by a person diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis, especially if the curve is in the thoracic spine. This is particularly true of young "dancers with scoliosis". A recent study has found that nearly half (47%) of young females intensively training in ballet have developed idiopathic scoliosis, compared to the 12% found in college aged female study, that is startling.
Scoliosis is a multi-factorial condition that includes evironmental and genetic triggers. While "dancing with scoliosis" is perfectly safe, some patients with mild to moderate scoliosis may benefit from limited some activities that cause a flattening of the mid back.
.... What I believe is the danger with back bends is the frequency that they are done. I am not sure how 'deep' the back bend needs to be to be harmful, but I think that even an over corrected posture could be harmful.
What you should avoid is to make your thoracic (chest) spine too flat, as this can potential contributing factor to scoliosis.
Pictures of extreme "thoracic hyper-extension"
03-24-2011, 06:11 PM #5 DrStitzel
http://www.fixscoliosis.com/f18/don-t-do-back-bends-68/#post2942
"Here are a couple of pictures (attached) to demostrate the concept of thoracic hyper-extension that should be avoided by children with idiopathic scoliosis as it could be a progressive risk factor that could lead to scoliosis surgery."
http://www.fixscoliosis.com/attachments/f18/183d1300990219t-don-t-do-back-bends-back-bend-1.jpg
http://www.fixscoliosis.com/attachments/f18/184d1300990226t-don-t-do-back-bends-back-bend-2.jpg
[Here's another example of a backbend: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Contortionist,_doing_a_backbend.jpg/170px-Contortionist,_doing_a_backbend.jpg]
SIR (scoliosis in-patient rehabilitation)
INPATIENT REHAB PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAMS FOR SCOLIOSIS
http://www.livestrong.com/article/422261-inpatient-rehab-physical-therapy-programs-for-scoliosis/
Includes the Scroth Method
Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2008 Jun;44(2):177-93.
The treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) according to present evidence. A systematic review.
Weiss HR, Goodall D.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18418338
One prospective controlled study was found to support scoliosis in-patient rehabilitation (SIR). One prospective multi-centre study, a long-term prospective controlled study and a meta-analysis have been found to support bracing. No controlled study, neither short, mid nor long-term, was found to reveal any substantial evidence to support surgery as a treatment for this condition.
Scoliosis short-term rehabilitation (SSTR)
Scoliosis short-term rehabilitation (SSTR)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NB_Yta1XPo
Scoliosis short-term rehabilitation (SSTR) according to 'Best Practice' standards-are the results repeatable?
Borysov M, Borysov A.
Scoliosis. 2012 Jan 17;7(1):1.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22251672
"Like the out-patient Schroth programme as described in a study from Turkey, the SSTR provides benefits leading to an improvement of the condition."
CLEAR Institute Method
CLEAR Institute Scoliosis Treatment Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm6KJ-UDSsQ
My daughter has been doing the clear program for a year ..best move we ever made.?
homeschooler101
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/470483_Local-teens-given-another-option-to-treat-their-scoliosis.html
"We're at the point now where we're getting very consistent reductions in curvature and patients are, in most cases, holding those reductions and able to hold it through adolescence and adulthood," he said.
Stitzel said that results can depend on a lot of factors, but "on average a patient will achieve 30 to 50 percent reduction in four to six months."
http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/story/Groundbreaking-Scoliosis-Treatment/1nAgU1OxvEOLvx4v7oGb4w.cspx
Case Report
Scoliosis treatment using a combination of manipulative and rehabilitative therapy: a retrospective case series on 140 patients with adolescent or adult idiopathic scoliosis.
Mark W Morningstar1 (Corresponding author), Dennis Woggon2 and Gary Lawrence3
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/5/32
Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15363104
"Conclusions
The combined use of spinal manipulation and postural therapy appeared to significantly reduce the severity of the Cobb angle in all 19 subjects. These results warrant further testing of this protocol."
(Manipulation, traction, weights, and lying on foam triangles were used.)
Little to no correction visible in the CLEAR Institute's own promotional x-ray image:
Scoliosis Correction –CLEAR Solutions
By Dr. Dennis Woggon, BSc, DC
http://www.clear-institute.org/Portals/0/docs/ScoliosisCorrection.pdf
Though there are more impressive images here: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2474-5-32.pdf
CLEAR Institute didn't provide supporting data in this thread and allegedly admitted to not having supportive evidence of efficacy for scoliosis
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?9843-Clear-data-pub-count-down&p=107865#post107865
Mild to moderate spine straightening success stories re: CLEAR teenage female patients
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?11542-My-Experience-At-CLEAR-INSTITUTE!/page8&highlight=clear+institute
Failure story from a CLEAR patient
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?5652-Clear-institute!-Been-there-Done-that
Failure story from a CLEAR patient's father
03-19-2010, 06:18 PM #15 michael1960
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?9514-Clear-institute-have-you-tried-it&p=94556#post94556
[No significant improvment]
Failure story from a CLEAR patient - joyfull
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?9514-Clear-institute-have-you-tried-it&p=93626#post93626
"I went to Clear for 2 weeks in the summer of 2007. In the long run, I was definitely not pleased."
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?9514-Clear-institute-have-you-tried-it&p=94579#post94579
"Scoliosis is really, really hard to cure. It's taken me 57 years to find this out. Most chiropractors know this are are humble enough not to take it on.
This forum has given me the courage to finally have surgery."
CLEAR vs. CLEAR Plus Schroth debate
http://www.fixscoliosis.com/f16/what-difference-between-schroth-clear-institute-528/index3.html
Posture Retraining
The transformation of spinal curvature into spinal deformity: pathological processes and implications for treatment
Martha C Hawes1* and Joseph P O'Brien2
http://www.scoliosisjournal.com/content/1/1/3
Results
A lateral curvature of the spine–'scoliosis'–can develop in association with postural imbalance due to genetic defects and injury as well as pain and scarring from trauma or surgery. Irrespective of the factor that triggers its appearance, a sustained postural imbalance can result, over time, in establishment of a state of continuous asymmetric loading relative to the spinal axis. Recent studies support the longstanding hypothesis that spinal deformity results directly from such postural imbalance, irrespective of the primary trigger, because the dynamics of growth within vertebrae are altered by continuous asymmetric mechanical loading. These data suggest that, as long as growth potential remains, evolution of a spinal curvature into a spinal deformity can be prevented by reversing the state of continuous asymmetric loading.
Posture Retraining (and Diet/Nutrition) Success Story: Sandy Simmons
http://www.mindspring.com/~sandysimmons/scoliosis.html
"In my case my scoliosis was caused at least in part by tight muscles in my leg pulling on my back causing my spine to be pulled out of shape. As I've been freeing up my leg muscles and watching my posture, my scoliosis is improving to the point where it barely noticeable these days, even though several years ago, it was so bad I had to have my suits altered to fit my curves. I even had one arm that hung three inches lower than the other, though today they both hang evenly."
Prevalence of scoliosis; prevention and control of scoliosis by deep squatting and/or toilet squatting
By Bruce Thomson, retired veterinarian
http://www.easyvigour.net.nz/pilates/h_deepsquat_scoliosis.htm
'"Asian style" toilet squatting minimizes the risk of development of scoliosis in teenagers - by a factor of SEVEN fold!'
Gokhale Method
http://gokhalemethod.com/classes-services/free-classes
Free online workshops. Esther Gokhale's husband's curved back straightened after applying her method, though she doesn't mention whether he had scoliosis.
Back Pain: The Primal Posture Solution coming to Public Television
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnXIvEMgRzo
Stretch sitting
Alexander Technique
AT spine straightening success story reported in “Back Trouble” by Deborah Caplan (Scoliosis and the Alexander Technique, Thursday, June 14, 2012, http://www.decompressbackpain.com/Decompress/Blog/Entries/2012/6/14_Scoliosis_and_the_Alexander_Technique.html)
"She gained 2 inches in length from her shoulder to waist, both on the front and back of her torso; 1 inch width across her shoulders; lost 2 inches around her waist; gained 1 1/2 inches from waist to floor, and gained 1/2 inch in length in her left arm, making it equal in length with her right arm. Along with these measurements, you could see her scoliosis had virtually disappeared in Anne’s ‘before and after’ photos presented in the book."
Two pain reduction AT success stories: http://www.sauk.org.uk/about-scoliosis/complementary-therapies/alexander-technique.html
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS)
AIS spine straightening scoliosis success story--Phil Wharton, himself a Musculoskeletal Therapist and AIS practitioner: Phil Wharton: Peace Through Strength--Learn to love your body through strength and flexibility, By Scott Douglas, as featured in the September 2011 issue of Running Times Magazine, http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=23839&PageNum=1
AIS spine straightening scoliosis success story--the mother of Ben Fury, an Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) Specialist, Fitness Trainer and Massage Therapist: http://forum.dirtycarnivore.com/index.php/topic,211.msg34947.html#msg34947
"Took my Mom down to Sarasota to the Mattes Clinic with her double bend coronal scoliosis and brought back a 1 1/2" taller mom without the two bends two weeks later. Great work on her from AIS practitioner Joshua Morton from Seattle. I've seen nothing like AIS for scoliosis."
Prolotherapy
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prolotherapy
“those with severe scoliosis receive periodic treatments after they reach their maximum level of improvement”
Prolotherapy...Dr. C. Everett Koop's Story
http://www.doctormaxwell.com/DrKoopProlo.htm
“various conditions such as osteoporosis with compression fractures, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and spinal defects such as scoliosis and slipped spine”
Chiropractic
Outcomes for adult scoliosis patients receiving chiropractic rehabilitation: a 24-month retrospective analysis.
J Chiropr Med. 2011 Sep;10(3):179-84. Epub 2011 Aug 6.
Morningstar MW.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22014907
"CONCLUSION:
This report is among the first to demonstrate sustained radiographic, self-rated, and physiologic benefits after treatment ceased. After completion of a multimodal [exercise-based] chiropractic rehabilitation treatment, a retrospective cohort of 28 adult scoliosis patients reported improvements in pain, Cobb angle, and disability immediately following the conclusion of treatment and 24 months later."
Chiropractic failure story:
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?9429-Anyone-tried-Clear-Institute-Chiropractic&p=118578#post118578
03-16-2011, 09:33 AM #11 rohrer01
"I went to a chiro and my curves, that were stable for over 20+ years, progressed a total of 16* combined in only 2 years time. I would be scared to try it again."
Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2010 Mar 1;35(5):578-82.
The costs and benefits of nonoperative management for adult scoliosis.
Glassman SD, ...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20118843
"METHODS:
Duration of use and frequency of visits were collected for 8 specific treatment methods: medication, physical therapy, exercise, injections/blocks, chiropractic care, pain management, bracing, and bed rest. ....
CONCLUSION:
This study questions the value of nonoperative treatment commonly used for adult scoliosis patients. Documented costs are substantial and no improvement in health status was observed. An important caveat is that treatment was not randomized and therefore the treatment group might have deteriorated if not for the treatment they received."
Scoliosis. 2008 Jan 22;3:2.
Manual therapy as a conservative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review.
Romano M, Negrini S.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18211702
"RESULTS:
We founded 145 texts, but only three papers were relevant to our study. However, no one of the three satisfied all the required inclusion criteria because they were characterized by a combination of manual techniques and other therapeutic approaches.
CONCLUSION:
The lack of any kind of serious scientific data does not allow us to draw any conclusion on the efficacy of manual therapy as an efficacious technique for the treatment of Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis."
Braces
Boston brace
Boston brace success stories claimed by a third party
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?9514-Clear-institute-have-you-tried-it&p=94556#post94556
Cheneau brace
Effectiveness of Chêneau brace treatment for idiopathic scoliosis: prospective study in 79 patients followed to skeletal maturity
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3037926/
Conservative treatment with Chêneau orthosis and physiotherapy was effective in halting scoliosis progression in 48.1% of patients.
Spinecor brace
Mother reports improvements in daughter's scoliosis with Spinecor plus exercises like 20 minutes of standing on a balance bubble, after perceived failure of the CLEAR Institute method: http://www.fixscoliosis.com/f18/help-re-clear-637/index2.html#post3384. However, the assessment of improvement was based on x-rays with the brace on, not off.
Balance Discs/Cushions/Boards/Chairs
Balance Disc instructions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBgEtqF4aU4
FitterFirst Airex Balance Pad (and beam)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImjXFQ4ZlmU
The Magic of the Airex Balance Pad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92kl9ETsRJw
The Wobble Chair
http://www.treatingscoliosis.com/exercise-for-scoliosis.html
"With scoliosis, the discs in the spine become wedged and immobile. Adding to the problem, discs no longer receive blood supply after the start of puberty. Therefore, the only way fluid and nutrients can get into the discs to keep them healthy is through motion. The specific movement created by using our wobble chair pumps nutrients into the discs and increases spinal flexibility. The wobble chair heats up those tissues making everything pliable and preparing your spine for the other MIX procedures."
Over the years I tried various forms of chiropractic (and I think other methods were mixed in by at least one chiropractor), yoga, exercises, massage, acupressure, improved posture practices, Gokhale, Egoscue and probably other things I've forgotten, but the only thing I've noticed any long-lasting improvement from so far is dietary change, though evolutionarily-informed Gokhale-type practices like minimizing Western-style chair sitting and doing more squatting and standing instead do help improve my short-term comfort. The improvements from dietary change were apparent mild straightening of curvature with 1/2" increased height (as measured by staff at physicians' offices, gradually improving flexibility in formerly tight muscles, better balance, and less back pain after stressors like long car rides.
A scoliosis forum at which people share their results:
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/
Diet/Nutrition
Nutrition as an environmental factor in the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis.
J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1993 Mar-Apr;16(3):169-73.
Worthington V, Shambaugh P.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8492060
"DATA SYNTHESIS:
There is strong evidence from an animal model for an interaction between poor nutrition and genetics. There are anecdotal data and limited study data for humans. The biochemical mechanisms, explaining the actions of nutritional factors on spinal and paraspinal tissue, are partially known.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is evidence that poor nutrition may play a role in the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. This possibility should be examined further in humans."
Scoliosis: Exercise, Diet & Yoga Alternative Treatments
Sandy Simmons
http://www.ctds.info/spinecurve.html
"Scoliosis has been induced in a variety of animals through the creation of nutritional deficits and imbalances. Not surprisingly, many of the nutritional imbalances linked to scoliosis in animals such as deficits of manganese, vitamin B6, and copper [and maybe also excessive copper, so the problem may partly be one of imbalance in either direction] have all also been implicated as factors in osteoporosis in humans. As noted above, research shows there are strong links between scoliosis and osteoporosis."
Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1980 May-Jun;5(3):230-3.
Elevated hair copper level in idiopathic scoliosis: preliminary observations.
Pratt WB, Phippen WG.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7394662
The hair copper level of the scoliotic children was significantly higher than that of the controls.
Hair Tissue Mineral Patterns in Children with Idiopathic Scoliosis
David L. Watts, Ph.D.
http://www.traceelements.com/Docs/News%20March%2095.pdf
[Scoliosis associated with low Zinc/Copper ratio.]
"The study by Pratt and Phippen, showed a mean Zn/Cu ratio of 3.12 in scoliotic patients. This correlates with our preliminary studies of scoliosis patients who had a mean Zn/Cu ratio of 3.07 (TEI Ideal 8:1)."
Zinc - How It Can Change Your Life?
Author: Neil Butterfield
http://www.ehealthyone.com/Zinc.html
It is interesting to know that gymnasts, especially female gymnasts have particularly low levels of zinc. Hyper mobility, delayed puberty and scoliosis are experienced in high rates in rhythmic gymnasts. Research on monkeys showed that there could be a link.
We all know that oysters are used as an aphrodisiac, but why is that? Oysters have higher zinc content than any other food and helps with the functioning of the male sex organ and with reproductive fluids. As children reach puberty, their needs for certain nutrients increase. Since sperm contains high levels of zinc, males require more zinc. It is required in both males and females to support development of sexual organs. A deficiency during this critical stage
of development could result in pectus carinatum, pectus excavatum, two chest deformities as well as stretch marks and other deficiency symptoms.
Skin and connective tissue disorders are often diagnosed by symptoms such as frequent infections, reduced collagen, delayed healing of wounds, hyper mobile joints, scoliosis, stretch marks and other symptoms. In truth, many of these disorders may be more related to and can be treated with zinc supplements.
Nutrition, Diet & Exercise in Scoliosis
http://www.livestrong.com/article/373851-nutrition-diet-exercise-in-scoliosis/
Vitamins D and E
Zinc status in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1990 Feb;15(2):65-6.
Dastych M, Vlach O.
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty Hospital Brno-Bohunice, Czechoslovakia.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2326713
[Zinc deficiency NOT found correlated with scoliosis]
Abstract
The zinc content in m. sacrospinalis, hair, leukocytes of peripheral blood, and in serum was examined in 50 patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated by Harrington instrumentation. A control group included 20 patients treated for spinal column injury. A significant decrease of zinc content in back muscles was observed in patients with scoliosis. The value of zinc in hair, leukocytes, and serum did not differ compared with the control group. Similarly, the potassium and magnesium content in muscle was the same in both groups. These results do not suggest that there is a primary zinc deficiency in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The authors consider the decreased zinc content in back muscle of patients with idiopathic scoliosis to be a secondary disturbance associated with primary deformation of the spinal column.
Changes of selenium, copper, and zinc content in hair and serum of patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
J Orthop Res. 2008 Sep;26(9):1279-82.
Dastych M, Cienciala J, Krbec M.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18404661
[High zinc and copper and low selenium associated with scoliosis. So again, maybe it's the balance of zinc, copper, selenium and other nutrients, rather than simple deficiency, that's most commonly a factor.]
Idiopathic Scoliosis Nutritional Deficiencies
Dr. Stitzel
http://www.squidoo.com/scoliosis-nutrition
"What researchers are finding is that the ratio of different minerals is more important than just a single mineral being high or low in the body. With larger more progressive scoliosis patients the ratio between copper and selenium was significantly different than control groups. This ratio was off by such a large degree because of both the elevated levels of copper and the deceased levels of selenium occurring at once. Selenium was found to be interlinked to a chemical known as osteopontin found in high levels with patients diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis."
Toxic Selenium: How MountAintop ReMovAl CoAl Mining tHReAtens people & stReAMs
http://www.sierraclub.org/coal/downloads/seleniumfactsheet.pdf
Fish in a selenium-polluted reservoir developed 'S'-shaped spinal curvatures "typical of scoliosis due to selenium poisoning." So too much, as well as too little, selenium can apparently cause scoliosis and nutritional balance again appears to be key.
Selenium rich diet or supplement as a potential therapeutic agent for lowering osteopontin and preventing scoliosis
From a patent application for an osteopontin blood test
http://www.treatingscoliosis.com/blood-test.html
"a method of preventing or reducing scoliosis comprising administering to a subject having scoliosis a therapeutically effective amount of an osteopontin inhibitor (OPN) or a selenium rich diet, whereby scoliosis is thereby prevented or treated."
US Patent Application #2010/0075,333 for osteopontin test for scoliosis risk
http://www.patentbuddy.com/Patent/20100075333
[Osteopontin] Molecule linked to autoimmune disease relapses identified
Posted by: Derya on: December 3, 2006
http://biosingularity.com/2006/12/03/molecule-linked-to-autoimmune-disease-relapses-identified/
Pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in girls - a double neuro-osseous theory involving disharmony between two nervous systems, somatic and autonomic expressed in the spine and trunk: possible dependency on sympathetic nervous system and hormones with implications for medical therapy
R Geoffrey Burwell1*, Ranjit K Aujla1, Michael P Grevitt1, Peter H Dangerfield2*, Alan Moulton3, Tabitha L Randell4 and Susan I Anderson5 ...
http://www.scoliosisjournal.com/content/4/1/24
"Conclusion
(1) The double neuro-osseous theory for AIS pathogenesis in girls postulates developmental disharmony between autonomic and somatic nervous systems expressed in the spine and trunk and exaggerated by hormones producing systemic skeletal overgrowth (preoperative girls) ...
(12) The autonomic nervous system component of the theory (LHS concept) [25] draws evidence from several fields including:
• thoracospinal concept for the pathogenesis of right thoracic AIS in girls [59-63];
• new neuroskeletal biology relating the sympathetic nervous system to bone formation/resorption and bone growth [187-198];
• white adipose tissue, the adiposity hormone leptin secreted by adipose tissue which functions as a sentinel of energy balance and long-term adiposity to the hypothalamus; and
• central leptin resistance in obesity and possibly in healthy females."
[Osteopontin] Protein Linked to MS Relapse
High Levels in Brain Protect Haywire Immune Cells
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20061204/ms-relapse-linked-to-a-protein?src=RSS_PUBLIC
'Steinman and colleagues find that in three different mouse models of MS, osteopontin causes disease relapse and makes disease symptoms worse.
The reason: osteopontin protects immune cells that have gone haywire and attack the brain. Normal protective mechanisms trigger self-destruction in aberrant immune cells. But osteopontin stops this signal, prolonging the lives of these cells.
Steinman's team is working on antibodies to block osteopontin. But Steinman admits there may be a problem with this approach. Osteopontin seems to play a major role in many normal body functions.
"Like a lot of important biological molecules, osteopontin has a Janus-like quality -- a bad side and a good side," Steinman says....'
The whey in bovine milk contains osteopontin:
http://www.arlafoodsingredients.com/products/milk-protein--minerals/osteopontin/
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0041534
However, I haven't seen evidence linking milk to osteoporosis.
The Schroth Method
The Schroth Method - Exercises for Scoliosis
www.schrothmethod.com/
Schroth practioner
Stud Health Technol Inform. 2012;176:365-71.
Corrective exercises in multimodality therapy of idiopathic scoliosis in children - analysis of six weeks efficiency - pilot study.
Pugacheva N.
Source
Children's Rehabilitation Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22744531
Abstract
The program of the special corrective exercises according to Schroth method in H.R. Weiss modification was carried out in multimodality conservative therapy of idiopathic scoliosis in our clinic. Efficacy of the treatment was evaluated in 21 patients treated with the six week physiotherapy program. Initial state of musculoskeletal system and efficacy of therapy was evaluated with instrumental diagnostic techniques: the computer optical topography, the electromyography of paravertebral muscles and the stabilometry. According to the data of clinical investigation and instrumental testing the Schroth program of therapeutic exercises modified by H.-R.Weiss improves efficacy of therapy in children with idiopathic scoliosis.
Disabil Rehabil. 2008;30(10):772-85.
Exercises reduce the progression rate of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: results of a comprehensive systematic review of the literature.
Negrini S, ...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18432435
RESULTS:
The 19 papers considered included 1654 treated patients and 688 controls. The highest-quality study (RCT) compared two groups of 40 patients, showing an improvement of curvature in all treated patients after six months. We found three papers on Scoliosis Intensive Rehabilitation (Schroth), five on extrinsic autocorrection-based methods (Schroth, side-shift), four on intrinsic autocorrection-based approaches (Lyon and SEAS) and five with no autocorrection (three asymmetric, two symmetric exercises). Apart from one (no autocorrection, symmetric exercises, very low methodological quality), all studies confirmed the efficacy of exercises in reducing the progression rate (mainly in early puberty) and/or improving the Cobb angles (around the end of growth). Exercises were also shown to be effective in reducing brace prescription.
Some Yoga Postures, Like Back Bends, May Predispose to or Aggravate Scoliosis
YOGA EXERCISES FOR SCOLIOSIS: WHICH ONES TO AVOID
By Christa Lehnert-Schroth, P.T.
http://www.schrothmethod.com/about/yoga-for-scoliosis-menu
Dance and scoliosis
Written by Dr. Clayton Stitzel
http://www.treatingscoliosis.com/no-back-bends-for-scoliosis.html
I think there is enough circumstantial and empirical evidence pointing towards repeated back bends being potentially harmful by predisposing or contributing to the development of thoracic idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. Special care must be taken in respect to dance and scoliosis, as well as other scoliosis exercises http://www.treatingscoliosis.com/exercise-for-scoliosis.html.
I would therefore recommend that back bends should be avoided by a person diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis, especially if the curve is in the thoracic spine. This is particularly true of young "dancers with scoliosis". A recent study has found that nearly half (47%) of young females intensively training in ballet have developed idiopathic scoliosis, compared to the 12% found in college aged female study, that is startling.
Scoliosis is a multi-factorial condition that includes evironmental and genetic triggers. While "dancing with scoliosis" is perfectly safe, some patients with mild to moderate scoliosis may benefit from limited some activities that cause a flattening of the mid back.
.... What I believe is the danger with back bends is the frequency that they are done. I am not sure how 'deep' the back bend needs to be to be harmful, but I think that even an over corrected posture could be harmful.
What you should avoid is to make your thoracic (chest) spine too flat, as this can potential contributing factor to scoliosis.
Pictures of extreme "thoracic hyper-extension"
03-24-2011, 06:11 PM #5 DrStitzel
http://www.fixscoliosis.com/f18/don-t-do-back-bends-68/#post2942
"Here are a couple of pictures (attached) to demostrate the concept of thoracic hyper-extension that should be avoided by children with idiopathic scoliosis as it could be a progressive risk factor that could lead to scoliosis surgery."
http://www.fixscoliosis.com/attachments/f18/183d1300990219t-don-t-do-back-bends-back-bend-1.jpg
http://www.fixscoliosis.com/attachments/f18/184d1300990226t-don-t-do-back-bends-back-bend-2.jpg
[Here's another example of a backbend: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Contortionist,_doing_a_backbend.jpg/170px-Contortionist,_doing_a_backbend.jpg]
SIR (scoliosis in-patient rehabilitation)
INPATIENT REHAB PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAMS FOR SCOLIOSIS
http://www.livestrong.com/article/422261-inpatient-rehab-physical-therapy-programs-for-scoliosis/
Includes the Scroth Method
Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2008 Jun;44(2):177-93.
The treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) according to present evidence. A systematic review.
Weiss HR, Goodall D.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18418338
One prospective controlled study was found to support scoliosis in-patient rehabilitation (SIR). One prospective multi-centre study, a long-term prospective controlled study and a meta-analysis have been found to support bracing. No controlled study, neither short, mid nor long-term, was found to reveal any substantial evidence to support surgery as a treatment for this condition.
Scoliosis short-term rehabilitation (SSTR)
Scoliosis short-term rehabilitation (SSTR)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NB_Yta1XPo
Scoliosis short-term rehabilitation (SSTR) according to 'Best Practice' standards-are the results repeatable?
Borysov M, Borysov A.
Scoliosis. 2012 Jan 17;7(1):1.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22251672
"Like the out-patient Schroth programme as described in a study from Turkey, the SSTR provides benefits leading to an improvement of the condition."
CLEAR Institute Method
CLEAR Institute Scoliosis Treatment Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm6KJ-UDSsQ
My daughter has been doing the clear program for a year ..best move we ever made.?
homeschooler101
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/470483_Local-teens-given-another-option-to-treat-their-scoliosis.html
"We're at the point now where we're getting very consistent reductions in curvature and patients are, in most cases, holding those reductions and able to hold it through adolescence and adulthood," he said.
Stitzel said that results can depend on a lot of factors, but "on average a patient will achieve 30 to 50 percent reduction in four to six months."
http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/story/Groundbreaking-Scoliosis-Treatment/1nAgU1OxvEOLvx4v7oGb4w.cspx
Case Report
Scoliosis treatment using a combination of manipulative and rehabilitative therapy: a retrospective case series on 140 patients with adolescent or adult idiopathic scoliosis.
Mark W Morningstar1 (Corresponding author), Dennis Woggon2 and Gary Lawrence3
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/5/32
Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15363104
"Conclusions
The combined use of spinal manipulation and postural therapy appeared to significantly reduce the severity of the Cobb angle in all 19 subjects. These results warrant further testing of this protocol."
(Manipulation, traction, weights, and lying on foam triangles were used.)
Little to no correction visible in the CLEAR Institute's own promotional x-ray image:
Scoliosis Correction –CLEAR Solutions
By Dr. Dennis Woggon, BSc, DC
http://www.clear-institute.org/Portals/0/docs/ScoliosisCorrection.pdf
Though there are more impressive images here: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2474-5-32.pdf
CLEAR Institute didn't provide supporting data in this thread and allegedly admitted to not having supportive evidence of efficacy for scoliosis
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?9843-Clear-data-pub-count-down&p=107865#post107865
Mild to moderate spine straightening success stories re: CLEAR teenage female patients
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?11542-My-Experience-At-CLEAR-INSTITUTE!/page8&highlight=clear+institute
Failure story from a CLEAR patient
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?5652-Clear-institute!-Been-there-Done-that
Failure story from a CLEAR patient's father
03-19-2010, 06:18 PM #15 michael1960
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?9514-Clear-institute-have-you-tried-it&p=94556#post94556
[No significant improvment]
Failure story from a CLEAR patient - joyfull
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?9514-Clear-institute-have-you-tried-it&p=93626#post93626
"I went to Clear for 2 weeks in the summer of 2007. In the long run, I was definitely not pleased."
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?9514-Clear-institute-have-you-tried-it&p=94579#post94579
"Scoliosis is really, really hard to cure. It's taken me 57 years to find this out. Most chiropractors know this are are humble enough not to take it on.
This forum has given me the courage to finally have surgery."
CLEAR vs. CLEAR Plus Schroth debate
http://www.fixscoliosis.com/f16/what-difference-between-schroth-clear-institute-528/index3.html
Posture Retraining
The transformation of spinal curvature into spinal deformity: pathological processes and implications for treatment
Martha C Hawes1* and Joseph P O'Brien2
http://www.scoliosisjournal.com/content/1/1/3
Results
A lateral curvature of the spine–'scoliosis'–can develop in association with postural imbalance due to genetic defects and injury as well as pain and scarring from trauma or surgery. Irrespective of the factor that triggers its appearance, a sustained postural imbalance can result, over time, in establishment of a state of continuous asymmetric loading relative to the spinal axis. Recent studies support the longstanding hypothesis that spinal deformity results directly from such postural imbalance, irrespective of the primary trigger, because the dynamics of growth within vertebrae are altered by continuous asymmetric mechanical loading. These data suggest that, as long as growth potential remains, evolution of a spinal curvature into a spinal deformity can be prevented by reversing the state of continuous asymmetric loading.
Posture Retraining (and Diet/Nutrition) Success Story: Sandy Simmons
http://www.mindspring.com/~sandysimmons/scoliosis.html
"In my case my scoliosis was caused at least in part by tight muscles in my leg pulling on my back causing my spine to be pulled out of shape. As I've been freeing up my leg muscles and watching my posture, my scoliosis is improving to the point where it barely noticeable these days, even though several years ago, it was so bad I had to have my suits altered to fit my curves. I even had one arm that hung three inches lower than the other, though today they both hang evenly."
Prevalence of scoliosis; prevention and control of scoliosis by deep squatting and/or toilet squatting
By Bruce Thomson, retired veterinarian
http://www.easyvigour.net.nz/pilates/h_deepsquat_scoliosis.htm
'"Asian style" toilet squatting minimizes the risk of development of scoliosis in teenagers - by a factor of SEVEN fold!'
Gokhale Method
http://gokhalemethod.com/classes-services/free-classes
Free online workshops. Esther Gokhale's husband's curved back straightened after applying her method, though she doesn't mention whether he had scoliosis.
Back Pain: The Primal Posture Solution coming to Public Television
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnXIvEMgRzo
Stretch sitting
Alexander Technique
AT spine straightening success story reported in “Back Trouble” by Deborah Caplan (Scoliosis and the Alexander Technique, Thursday, June 14, 2012, http://www.decompressbackpain.com/Decompress/Blog/Entries/2012/6/14_Scoliosis_and_the_Alexander_Technique.html)
"She gained 2 inches in length from her shoulder to waist, both on the front and back of her torso; 1 inch width across her shoulders; lost 2 inches around her waist; gained 1 1/2 inches from waist to floor, and gained 1/2 inch in length in her left arm, making it equal in length with her right arm. Along with these measurements, you could see her scoliosis had virtually disappeared in Anne’s ‘before and after’ photos presented in the book."
Two pain reduction AT success stories: http://www.sauk.org.uk/about-scoliosis/complementary-therapies/alexander-technique.html
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS)
AIS spine straightening scoliosis success story--Phil Wharton, himself a Musculoskeletal Therapist and AIS practitioner: Phil Wharton: Peace Through Strength--Learn to love your body through strength and flexibility, By Scott Douglas, as featured in the September 2011 issue of Running Times Magazine, http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=23839&PageNum=1
AIS spine straightening scoliosis success story--the mother of Ben Fury, an Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) Specialist, Fitness Trainer and Massage Therapist: http://forum.dirtycarnivore.com/index.php/topic,211.msg34947.html#msg34947
"Took my Mom down to Sarasota to the Mattes Clinic with her double bend coronal scoliosis and brought back a 1 1/2" taller mom without the two bends two weeks later. Great work on her from AIS practitioner Joshua Morton from Seattle. I've seen nothing like AIS for scoliosis."
Prolotherapy
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prolotherapy
“those with severe scoliosis receive periodic treatments after they reach their maximum level of improvement”
Prolotherapy...Dr. C. Everett Koop's Story
http://www.doctormaxwell.com/DrKoopProlo.htm
“various conditions such as osteoporosis with compression fractures, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and spinal defects such as scoliosis and slipped spine”
Chiropractic
Outcomes for adult scoliosis patients receiving chiropractic rehabilitation: a 24-month retrospective analysis.
J Chiropr Med. 2011 Sep;10(3):179-84. Epub 2011 Aug 6.
Morningstar MW.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22014907
"CONCLUSION:
This report is among the first to demonstrate sustained radiographic, self-rated, and physiologic benefits after treatment ceased. After completion of a multimodal [exercise-based] chiropractic rehabilitation treatment, a retrospective cohort of 28 adult scoliosis patients reported improvements in pain, Cobb angle, and disability immediately following the conclusion of treatment and 24 months later."
Chiropractic failure story:
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?9429-Anyone-tried-Clear-Institute-Chiropractic&p=118578#post118578
03-16-2011, 09:33 AM #11 rohrer01
"I went to a chiro and my curves, that were stable for over 20+ years, progressed a total of 16* combined in only 2 years time. I would be scared to try it again."
Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2010 Mar 1;35(5):578-82.
The costs and benefits of nonoperative management for adult scoliosis.
Glassman SD, ...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20118843
"METHODS:
Duration of use and frequency of visits were collected for 8 specific treatment methods: medication, physical therapy, exercise, injections/blocks, chiropractic care, pain management, bracing, and bed rest. ....
CONCLUSION:
This study questions the value of nonoperative treatment commonly used for adult scoliosis patients. Documented costs are substantial and no improvement in health status was observed. An important caveat is that treatment was not randomized and therefore the treatment group might have deteriorated if not for the treatment they received."
Scoliosis. 2008 Jan 22;3:2.
Manual therapy as a conservative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review.
Romano M, Negrini S.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18211702
"RESULTS:
We founded 145 texts, but only three papers were relevant to our study. However, no one of the three satisfied all the required inclusion criteria because they were characterized by a combination of manual techniques and other therapeutic approaches.
CONCLUSION:
The lack of any kind of serious scientific data does not allow us to draw any conclusion on the efficacy of manual therapy as an efficacious technique for the treatment of Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis."
Braces
Boston brace
Boston brace success stories claimed by a third party
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?9514-Clear-institute-have-you-tried-it&p=94556#post94556
Cheneau brace
Effectiveness of Chêneau brace treatment for idiopathic scoliosis: prospective study in 79 patients followed to skeletal maturity
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3037926/
Conservative treatment with Chêneau orthosis and physiotherapy was effective in halting scoliosis progression in 48.1% of patients.
Spinecor brace
Mother reports improvements in daughter's scoliosis with Spinecor plus exercises like 20 minutes of standing on a balance bubble, after perceived failure of the CLEAR Institute method: http://www.fixscoliosis.com/f18/help-re-clear-637/index2.html#post3384. However, the assessment of improvement was based on x-rays with the brace on, not off.
Balance Discs/Cushions/Boards/Chairs
Balance Disc instructions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBgEtqF4aU4
FitterFirst Airex Balance Pad (and beam)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImjXFQ4ZlmU
The Magic of the Airex Balance Pad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92kl9ETsRJw
The Wobble Chair
http://www.treatingscoliosis.com/exercise-for-scoliosis.html
"With scoliosis, the discs in the spine become wedged and immobile. Adding to the problem, discs no longer receive blood supply after the start of puberty. Therefore, the only way fluid and nutrients can get into the discs to keep them healthy is through motion. The specific movement created by using our wobble chair pumps nutrients into the discs and increases spinal flexibility. The wobble chair heats up those tissues making everything pliable and preparing your spine for the other MIX procedures."