EWC Conditions Treated: Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine resulting in abnormal curvature that can cause limited mobility, physical pain and injuries throughout life if not managed properly. It is the most common spinal deformity in young children and accounts for the largest share of all musculoskeletal deformity health care visits. Proper management of scoliosis can help individuals move through life more easily and pain free.
Facts About Scoliosis
Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity in school-age children. (Chiro & Osteo. 2005)
The total number of scoliosis cases in the United States is estimated to be greater than 4 million. (National Scoliosis Foundation)
Each year, 442,900 office visits, 133,300 hospital visits, and 17,500 emergency room visits are made by children with scoliosis. (HCUP-AHRQ 2011)
Approximately 29,000 scoliosis surgeries are performed on adolescents every year in the United States. (WJO 2015)
The average cost of a hospital stay for a child with scoliosis is $92,000 – over five times the national average of $17,500. (HCUP-AHRQ 2011)
Spinal deformity in children and adolescents accounts for the largest share (48%) of all musculoskeletal deformity health care visits – over 857,280 each year. (HCUP-AHRQ 2011)
Scoliosis Treatment Protocols
Treatment begins with a complete physical examination and a series of x-rays. The information from the physical examination and x-rays is used to create an individualized treatment plan for every patient. The doctors at Element are the only ones trained in this technique in San Diego County. We pride ourselves in our pre to post visible changes in an x-ray.
Treatment Sessions
Treatment sessions last approximately 10-20 minutes and consist of three phases, informally termed, “Mix, Fix, and Set.”
Phase 1: Mix
The first phase is designed to prepare the body for treatment. It includes warm-up hydromassage, EMS therapy, exercises, and other therapies designed to relax the muscles and the spine.
Phase 2: Fix
The second phase involves specialized chiropractic adjustments specifically based upon the patients' x-rays. We also use advanced mechanical adjusting instruments are used to provide a gentle, precise correction.
Phase 3: Set
The third phase consists of specialized exercises that influence posture, balance, and coordination. They activate specific muscle groups along the spine, as well as specific areas of the brain, to change how the brain and the bodywork together to achieve a balanced, more natural position.
A Typical Treatment Session
A typical treatment session involves a variety of exercises, therapies, and adjustments meant to improve the patient’s comfort level and rehabilitate the spine. Since treatment plans are customized to each patient, no two patients will experience an identical treatment session.
