Case 5 is an extreme case. A 47 year old lady with significant pain and quality of life issues was able to reduce her Scoliosis curve from 90° to 73°. As a result, her pain was reduced and her quality of life improved. This is a remarkable testament of the spine’s potential to improve even at a mature age.
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Background
A 47- year old mother presented with a very severe Scoliosis curve measured at 90 degrees. Diagnosed with scoliosis at 53 degrees 23 years prior, she experienced significant pain and disability, and needed three very strong and addictive painkillers on a daily basis in order to cope. She experienced difficulty walking and sleeping and on several occasions was wheelchair bound and hospitalised.
She was urgently advised by specialists to undertake scoliosis surgery within two years otherwise face the likely scenario of being in a wheelchair permanently. Struggling with a low quality of life and a bleak future and with little confidence in surgical procedures, she was keen to start non-surgical approach.
Treatment
Scoliosis care commenced after a detailed analysis of her history and behavioral patterns. A 2-fold strategy was implemented where key behaviors were addressed and specific exercises were tailored to her unique curve, and performed for 3-4 hours a day over a 2-week daily intensive programme. Key behavioral hazards were identified and eliminated with the view to halt progression and control the pain.
Specific spinal exercises were also used to attempt to reduce the curve..
Visual improvement over 2 Weeks
Results
- Her visual appearance improved (as seen from above pictures)
- A 17 degree consecutive drop in the curve, from 90° to 78° to 73°, was seen by the end of week 2.
- Reduced pain and a subsequent reduction in medications with one prescription painkiller stopped altogether.
- Lung capacity improvements – cessation of smoking during care.
- Increased Sleep (could only sleep for 2-3 hours at beginning of care). She is now able to sleep through the night.
Discussion
Traditional assumptions about Scoliosis would suggest that this lady would have no option but to undertake surgical treatment. This is due to her severe “surgical” curve (90° Cobb angle), and her mature age (47 years of age).
However, this case demonstrates the spine’s potential to improve despite challenging odds. Her spine was able to respond well to non-surgical treatment, and the results were encouraging.
With her sustained efforts, a final X-ray on day 14 indicated a 17° reduction in her spinal curve. She reported this reduction as “life-changing”, as it subsequently improved other aspects of her life.
She reported having improved sleep as she did not wake up as often from pain. She stated that she now only takes half the amount of painkillers, and has even dropped one painkiller medication altogether. Furthermore, she stated that she can look after her three children without having to worry as much about her future with them. Such changes are a positive start. With continued exercises and guidance at home, it will be expected that her curve can be further reduced, and her quality of life will continue to improve.
NB: Results vary from case to case. Our commitment is to make a break-through for large curves and to prevent smaller curves from getting bigger.
Where reduction is possible it is often seen within months.
All results on this site have been achieved without bracing, machines, surgery or medications.
See Also:
- Scoliosis Case Study 1
- Scoliosis Case Study 2
- Scoliosis Case Study 3
- Scoliosis Case Study 4
- Scoliosis Case Study 6 (NEW)