Scoliosis is a term used to describe any condition that causing a sideways bend or twisting of the spine. Most often it is “idiopathic” or unknown cause. About 20 percent of causes are due to a known cause like cerebral palsy or birth defect which may need surgery. So, can scoliosis be fixed without surgery?
For the majority (80%) of cases, yes, with a comprehensive approach. Genetic testing, nutrient therapies, and posture memory rehabilitation can fix scoliosis without surgery. Let’s begin with a complete understanding of the scoliosis condition itself.
Understanding the whole idiopathic scoliosis condition
The effort to fix scoliosis without surgery requires a deep understanding. While the spinal curve is the most obvious and visible symptom of scoliosis, it is not the whole condition. Most parents and patients are unaware of the genetic, neurotransmitter, and hormonal parts. In fact, specialized genetic and clinical tests for scoliosis have only recently developed. The test results offer recommendations for nutrient therapies for each patient. These are proving very effective when combine with a specialized exercise program.
Genetics are the root cause of idiopathic scoliosis
Scoliosis is common in the same families, so there is a clear genetic link to the condition. In fact, 28 genetic variant groups are common with idiopathic scoliosis. A simple at home collection saliva test can identify them with 99.9% accuracy. Identifying and treating these genetic deficiencies with nutrient therapies is critical. Treatment for scoliosis will be much less effective without it.
Neurotransmitters and hormones coordinate growth
Specific neurotransmitter patterns and hormone balance necessary for balanced growth and spinal alignment. Neurotransmitters (chemicals in your brain) create a “posture memory” of your spinal alignment. This posture memory is a picture in your brain of how your spine should align to gravity. Low or imbalanced neurotransmitters may create a false posture memory seen as scoliosis. Hormones control bone and spinal cord growth. Incorrect ratios of progesterone and estrogen could lead bones growing faster than the spinal cord. This puts stress on the spinal cord. The spinal cord may respond by twisting into a coil to reduce the tension causing growth related curve progression.
Posture memory rehabilitation
Posture memory is the picture in your brain of how to align your spine to gravity. Low or imbalanced neurotransmitters interfere with this picture during rapid teenage growth. Specialized “reflex response” exercises can imprint a new, straighter posture memory over time. The curve pattern determine which exercises the patient needs. The goal of the rehabilitation exercise are to teach the brain a new posture memory. The primary focus of the scoliosis exercises are to untwist the spine, rather than unbend it. Much like uncoiling a twisted rubber band. These exercises with proper nutrient therapies are effective for fixing scoliosis without surgery.
Ways to fix scoliosis without surgery
Prevention
Genetic testing for scoliosis can now help identify the most at risk kids for the condition. Using this as a screening tool, we can begin nutrient therapy programs for kids with genetic markers. Neurotransmitter testing can also be helpful for determining which kids have imbalances. Patterns of neurotransmitter imbalances may predict onset of scoliosis. A study found supplementation of calcium, vitamin D, and melatonin had a positive effect on scoliosis progression. Diet has an effect on many of the genetic markers related to idiopathic scoliosis.
Depending on which genetic markers the patient has, avoid many of these foods:
- Meats high in animal fats
- Non-organic produce
- Fluids stored in plastics
- Foods containing lactose
Depending on which genetic markers the patient has, they could consider these foods:
- Local honey
- Avocados
- Brazil nuts
- Fish
Nutrient therapies (Supplementation)
The genetic deficiencies related to scoliosis often need supplementation. The exact supplements needed depend on which genetic variants of the patient. These are some of the most common supplements scoliosis patients need:
- Probiotic
- Digestive enzymes
- Methylated B vitamins
- 5-HTP
- Diamine Oxidase (DAO)
- N acetyltransferase
- Pregnenolone
- Catechol-O-Methyltransferase
Do not take these supplements without genetic, neurotransmitter, and hormone testing for scoliosis. Follow your doctors recommendations.
Posture memory re-training exercises
The idea of using exercise for treating scoliosis is nothing new. Pictures of patients doing various exercises for scoliosis are hundreds of years old. If fact, Schroth exercises for scoliosis are over 100 years old. The most modern understanding of neurological control of spinal alignment suggest a better way.
Humans lack the ability to voluntary control posture. Control of posture is reflexive, or automatic. All attempts to use exercises for scoliosis must focus on triggering a reflexive response. This is a very different approach from the current “work the weaker muscle” strategies. Reflexive response exercises, like the ones developed by ScoliSMART, imprint a new image in the patient’s posture memory. Over time, the rehabilitation exercises begin to replace the old posture memory. The process needs repeated over and over to make the new posture memory permanent over time.
Conclusion
You can fix scoliosis without surgery, but it requires a comprehensive approach. Physical treatments alone for the spinal curve are ineffective. A modern approach for treating scoliosis should include:
- Genetic variant, neurotransmitter, and hormone testing
- Very specific dietary and supplement nutrient therapies
- A repeated reflexive response type scoliosis exercise program
Finding a doctor with the ability to use each of these components in a treatment program may be the biggest challenge for patients. Availability, travel and treatment costs also continue to be challenges. Insurance coverage continues to only provide the minimum standard of care for scoliosis (braces and surgery). When these challenges solved, we can move forward with fixing scoliosis without surgery.
