This case study is of a 57 yr. old adult, 35° Lumbar dextro-scoliosis (convexity to Rt at L1-2). She has been able to achieve significant improvements in visual appearance, reduction in Cobb angles and empowerment. An example of scoliosis management without bracing or surgery.
Background:
An adult lady presented with a single C-shaped lumbar curve with a Cobb angle of 34°. Her curve was originally diagnosed at 5° in adolescence though increased through adulthood. Unable to stop this progression, this athletic lady presented with episodes of acute spasm that took months to recover from.
Scoliosis had both a significant physical and psychological impact on her life. Importantly, outdoor physical acitivites were curbed and indoor tutoring were disrupted.
Worried that her Scoliosis will further affect her lifestyle and career in the future, she pursued an effective management solution from many practitioners.
Her goal was to ensure that her muscle spasms could be managed, that her spine would not continue to progress, and that she would be able to exercise and work for many more years to come.
Method
As in all cases, effective management comes from appraising the lifestyle, medical history and x-rays. The setting of realistic meaningful goals and treatment plans are formulated to give both client and practitioner something to aim for. Actively collaboration is reinforced and in addition to the initial history further discussions about lifestyle ensued for 5 months.
Therapy
2 x 2hr sessions a week were used in the clinic to assess if initial change was possible
Exercise was then encouraged in both a dedicated time format and also incorporated in normal activities.
Specific exercises were continually tailored over the 5 months.
A workplace task analysis also revealed what to avoid. Harmful behaviours were identified in bush regeneration work and more importantly as a tutor.
Results (Over 5 months)
- On X-ray the Cobb angle reduced from 34° to 25° and moved closer to centre (middle photograph).
- Head remains more centred over the body
- Left sided waist curve has decreased and right-sided curve is appearing – symmetry is almost achieved.
- Frequency of pain and muscle spasms had significantly reduced. Certain exercises were found to increase pain and discontinued. The straightening of the spine was also thought to contribute to more even loading of the spine.
Discussion
This client was very dedicated and responded well to active treatment and behaviour modifications.
A visual improvement and overall reduction of 9 degrees achieved.
Whilst this is a satisfactory result over 5 months, with further clarity as to the cause of this scoliosis, stabilisation and possibly further reduction is likely.
These positive changes are supported by an X-ray which demonstrated a reduction in her Cobb angle from 34° to 25°.
Given the improvements and increased understanding, the chances of this lady’s spine progressing beyond 35° are now unlikely. Pain and muscle spasms were noticeably reduced over the first few months.
Certain exercises were trialled for both comfort and ease of application ultimately culminating in a close analysis of writing behaviours when tutoring. This had a profound effect on displacement of the spine away from midline and muscle activation.
With this knowledge, improvements to the third photograph ensued. This lady reported the development of muscles on the left side of her lower waist, which had previously become weak due to Scoliosis.
The understanding gained and improvements noted to this degree qualify for partial success. Ultimate success is determined by a follow-up film (Gold Standard)
Meaningful goals were realised.
Prognosis:
Unsure as to whether reduction to zero can be achieved, however a good gain was made in 5 months with more certainty for control, rather than progression.
All results on this site have been achieved without bracing, machines, surgery or medications.
Disclaimer: These results are not indicative that this can be achieved in every case.
See Also:
- Scoliosis Case Study 1
- Scoliosis Case Study 2
- Scoliosis Case Study 3
- Scoliosis Case Study 4
- Scoliosis Case Study 5