He has been certified to treat scoliosis since 2007, and in this capacity has helped countless scoliosis patients achieve successful curve reduction results. This approach is effective for both structural and nonstructural scoliosis. A rib and/or shoulder blade sticking out more on one side versus the other is extremely common with a thoracic curvature. This classification is based on the degree of curvature present in the Cobb Angle. CLEAR Scoliosis Institute is a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit. In a nutshell, the difference between functional and structural scoliosis is as follows: Read on to learn more about the specific differences between functional scoliosis and structural scoliosis. What is Scoliosis. As the spine itself isn't curved in cases of functional scoliosis, the usual scoliosis treatments don't necessarily apply here. Depending on the severity of scoliosis and the level of certification a doctor has received, they may recommend a Standard Care Treatment Plan or an Intensive Care Treatment Plan. By definition, scoliosis is any lateral spinal curvature with a Cobb angle>10° with terms including: 1. levoscolisois: curvature towards the left 2. dextroscoliosis: curvature towards the right Asymptomatic lateral curvature of the spine that is stable, with a Cobb angle ≤10° is known asspinal asymmetry2. Once the doctor has all of the information they need, they will recommend a treatment plan based on their findings. In other words, what starts out as a functional scoliosis as a result of postural asymmetry may become structural if left untreated for a long period of time. There are three basic types of posture deformities which include, kyphosis, lordosis and scoliosis. About Scoliosis – causes, symptoms, treatment. When a patient’s spine rotates, specifically their thoracic spine, their torso and ribs can also rotate, causing a concave side and a convex side. 1. Mild scoliosis is a curve of 10 to 25 degrees. A true structural scoliosis involves spinal rotation in addition to a side-to-side curve of the spine of 10 degrees or more. Types of Scoliosis. Beyond this, specific brain-based corrective exercises such those in Paul Kelly’s new Physiokinetix Training program, may also be beneficial in establishing proper length/strength balance and spinal stability. Today it is a word used to describe the most common type of spinal curvature. Structural VS Functional Scoliosis Generally, there are two broad categories in which scoliosis falls under: functional scoliosis and structural scoliosis . Since nonstructural scoliosis is typically related to posture issues or muscle imbalance, a complete resolution is often possible with this type of curve. According to SPINE-Health, “If a person with nonstructural scoliosis were to bend forward or lay down, the scoliosis curve would likely go away while held in that position.”. While techniques may not correct a spinal curve, significant gains can be made from reducing torsion and correcting mechanics of the rib cage. CLEAR provides a unique and innovative way of understanding scoliosis. CLEAR Scoliosis Institute, a nonprofit organization, does not have any authority over the clinic, make any clinical recommendations, or dictate patient care. A good alternative to traditional bracing is a 3-D corrective brace, such as the ScoliBrace. Clothing suddenly fitting differently or or unevenly, Ribs stick out more on one side versus the other, Asymmetrical space between the arms and the body, The head appears to be off center compared to the body, Depending on the severity level of scoliosis, traditional treatment recommendations often include watch-and-wait, traditional bracing, or invasive scoliosis surgery. Postural classification is due to poor posture from bad habits or muscle imbalance. It can be exaggerated by poor posture. CLEAR treatment for structural scoliosis includes advanced chiropractic adjustments, a comprehensive soft tissue rehab component, sensorimotor re-integration strategies (balance training and postural re-modeling), and whole-body vibration therapy. There are several types of structural scoliosis, including: Idiopathic scoliosis accounts for about 8 in 10 cases of scoliosis. Cervical or Lumbar Kyphosis is not Scoliosis. Dr. Greaux is a member of the International Chiropractic Scoliosis Board. Duval-Beaupére [] described the case of three different radiographs: standing (SR), lying down (LR) and in correction e.g. The various types of scoliosis are classified by cause and age of onset; the speed and mechanism of progression also plays a role in determining the spe… Posture is the form of your body, which is made up with proper positioning of bone, joints, muscles and nerves. Structural scoliosis can also be part of a syndrome or disease. The main causes of posture deformities can be structural or positional factors. Functional vs Structural Scoliosis: What's the Difference? Transient functional scoliosis is typically a temporary response to pain in the body, most often caused by a herniated disc. ... one is because the lungs are unable to properly inflate due to the structural confinement that is created by the biomechanical alterations seen with scoliosis. Functional scoliosis is when the patient appears to have a curve in their spine but it is actually caused by another condition, such as a difference in leg length or a muscle spasm. Scoliosis is simply a descriptive term, like headache, and not a precise diagnosis. Dr. Greaux has been a practicing Chiropractor for over 15 years. One simple way professionals determine if a curve is a true scoliosis or a posture problem is to have the patient lie down. Your email address will not be published. The CLEAR approach to treating scoliosis has been highly successful, with 95% of patients reporting positive results. Scoliosis Specific Exercise are designed to balance scoliosis curves. Doctors at CLEAR Scoliosis Centers are personally responsible for all clinical decision making. 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