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The Schroth Method for Scoliosis

Last month, The New York Times ran a very interesting article in the Science section, written by a woman living with scoliosis. In “Hope for an S-Shaped Back,” Rachel Rabkin Peachman shares her journey of living with scoliosis. Peachman was diagnosed as a child and her condition’s progression was slowed through bracing, which helped allow her to avoid surgery with a 45-degree curve as a young adult. Over time, however, her curve continued to progress, and at 38 years old she is now living with the pain of a 55-degree upper curve and 33-degree lower curve. In hopes of avoiding corrective surgery, she sought out a lesser-known method of physical therapy called the Schroth method. What is the Schroth method? This physical therapy and exercise regimen is tailored to each individual spinal curve with the goal of halting and reversing progression, reducing pain, and improving strength, lung capacity and posture. A Schroth therapist works with patients to develop individualized stretches and exercises to work towards all of those goals. Once patients learn their exercises and stretches, they are asked to practice them at home. Part of the Schroth method involves postural awareness, which encourages patients to stay conscious of their

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Understanding Adult-Onset Scoliosis

Contrary to popular knowledge, scoliosis does not exclusively affect adolescents. Many people experience scoliosis for the first time as older adults, and in a recent New York Times Well Blog post, long-time health journalist Jane Brody shared her own experience with this condition. Also known as degenerative scoliosis, this condition occurs most frequently in people over 65. In a study by orthopedists at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, 68 percent of healthy volunteers over age 60 had spinal deformities that met the definition of scoliosis.     Degenerative scoliosis is caused by a gradual deterioration of the disks and facet joints.  This is the same process that can lead to osteoarthritis and stenosis of the spine, but causes the spine to curve to one side. In Brody’s experience, she and her son were out on a hike when he noticed that her hips were uneven. Getting shorter and visible signs of a postural imbalance are key indicators that something may be wrong.   Pain from adult scoliosis usually begins in the lower back due to the degeneration and curvature. In order to properly diagnose the condition, a Spine Specialist  will perform a physical exam, do a detailed neurological exam , 

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