Future of Scoliosis Treatment
George H. Thompson, MD Past President, Scoliosis Research Society

The treatment of idiopathic scoliosis, particularly conservative treatment, has been controversial. It has been difficult to determine which patients were going to progress, and who would benefit from conservative treatment (physical therapy, bracing, etc.) or require surgery.

Genetic testing will soon be available, that will help answer some of the questions. An analysis of 51 DNA markers associated with scoliosis has allowed determination of three specific groups of patients: no risk for progression, moderate risk, and those that will progress to 45 degrees or more and probably require surgery. ...

The National Scoliosis Foundation was started in 1976 and has served as a beacon of light for scoliosis patients and their families by rejecting, rather than accepting the darkness of hopelessness. The non-profit organization, originally created by Mrs. Laura Gowen, grew out of a rejection of the status quo and a realization that scoliosis doesn’t have to define a person, or their lifetime. She realized that a person is more than just the summation of their pieces and parts; especially if some of those parts happen to form a cobb angle.

It is because of these heroic beginnings that it brings so much concern to see the NSF’s chief mouthpiece, the online public forum, degrade into the negative environment that it is today. Opinions, non-main stream ideas, alternative treatment experiences, and even published research that doesn’t fit into the narrow perspective of a few out-spoken forum members/moderators routinely come under attack (often on a personal level) and are subject to “got-ya” style political ambushes.
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By Dr. Jacqueline Smith

Has your child been diagnosed with scoliosis? Are you confused as to what steps you should take to help your child? Are you currently in the “wait and see” period?
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral bending of the spine that occurs in approximately 4% of the population. It is associated with back pain, neck pain, diminished quality of life, limited activity, decreased respiratory function and lower self-esteem. Scoliosis is more prevalent in girls and is usually detected between 8 and 14 years of age by either a pediatrician or the parents.

The ability for parents and health practitioners to recognize early warning signs can set the stage for an early intervention program that may halt the scoliosis from getting worse. This article is written in hopes of reaching those parents whose children are in the “wait and see” category.
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