What you should know about Scoliosis Treatment

Well Rehab • October 27, 2020
Scoliosis treatment in Malaysia

Scoliosis is a medical condition whereby the spine of a person either curves to the right or left in the shape of ‘C’ or ‘S’. It's an anomaly that ultimately affects a person's posture. The curvature can occur in any part of the spine, but it's more common on the upper part of the spine and lower back of an individual.


Here’s a little fun fact about scoliosis. The word ‘scoliosis’ originates from the Greek language which means bent.


There are two main types of scoliosis – congenital and idiopathic.


1.    Congenital scoliosis – Results from the deformity of one or more vertebrae and may occur in any part of the spine. This condition is commonly diagnosed after the child is born. The location of the abnormalities may determine the rate of which scoliosis progresses.


2.    Idiopathic scoliosis – Results from unknown causes and is the most common type of scoliosis comprising 80% of all scoliosis cases. This condition is commonly diagnosed among adolescents during puberty and is more prevalent in females.



Symptoms of scoliosis


Scoliosis isn’t always noticeable but can be noticed through a person’s posture – leaning on one side or having uneven shoulders or hips due to the curvature of the spine.


This condition isn’t life-threatening but may cause back pain or soreness. Here are some of the symptoms of scoliosis.


In adolescents

-       Uneven shoulder level

-       Leaning on one side

-       Head appears a bit off centre

-       Uneven waistline

-       Prominent hip to the side

-       Ribs appear slightly on different heights


In infants

-       A bulge on one side of the chest

-       Consistently lying with the body curved to one side

-       Problems with their heart and lungs




Diagnosis


The symptoms alone may indicate other underlying medical condition. To be sure that you or your child has scoliosis, you should allow a doctor to conduct a physical examination of the spine, ribs, hips, and shoulders.


Not only that, an X-ray, spinal radiograph, CT scan or MRI can confirm the symptoms.


How do doctors determine scoliosis?


They use a method known as the Cobb Method to measure the degree of the curvature and its severity. Any angle greater than 10 degrees indicates scoliosis. Should the curvature of your spine exceed 25 to 30 degrees, the condition is a significant one.


If the degree of curvature exceeds 45 to 50, the condition is considered severe and may require intensive treatment.


If you suspect that your child has scoliosis, you can perform a home screening to reduce the severity.


Early prevention is critical for children with scoliosis as it may affect their growth rate and permanent posture.


Ahead, we’ll be sharing the steps for you to conduct a scoliosis home screening.


1.    Forward bend

Get your child to stand with their arms extended and palms held together. Ask them to bend at the waist as if they’re trying to reach their toes. Examine their back from behind and the front and look for signs of asymmetry.


It can be an uneven lower back or one side of their hip may appear higher than the other.



2.    Standing straight

The easiest way to screen for scoliosis is to get your child to stand straight so that you can examine their posture. Inspect them from behind, front, and the side.


It’s usually more obvious this way as you can determine whether the shoulders are level, the arm is farther away from the body or uneven hip.



3.    Clothes check

The posture may be the easiest to spot for symptoms of scoliosis, but subtle changes can be difficult to spot. That's where their clothes come in. Examine your child for uneven hemlines or shirt sleeves.


If one side appears longer than the other, chances are your child has scoliosis.



4.    Eyes and ears

It may seem absurd but the alignment of your child’s eyes and ears can signify scoliosis. Study their eye line and ears for signs of scoliosis.


If their eye line is tilted, your child may have scoliosis.



5.    Taking a walk

Scoliosis can affect a person’s posture. It can also cause a slight limp or irregularities while that person is walking. You can study your child’s way of walking to determine the presence of scoliosis.


If they limp or their body leans to one side, get your child professionally examined.



Treatment for Scoliosis


Scoliosis is treatable but it depends on the individual's spinal maturity, degree and extent of curvature, location of the curvature, and progression of the curvature.


Once these variables are taken into consideration, the doctor may suggest two types of treatment – bracing and surgery.


Bracing


Much like the braces for teeth, spinal bracing is only effective in young patients who are still growing and have a degree of curvature between 25 and 45.


The brace will prevent the curvature from progressing, thus reducing the severity of scoliosis.


For optimal results, the brace should be worn daily between 16 and 23 hours until the bones stop growing.


Surgery


For severe cases of scoliosis whereby the spinal curvature exceeds 45 degrees, surgery can reduce the degree of curvature and prevent it from worsening.


This may involve the use of metal rods, hooks, screws, or wires to hold a part of the spine straight to allow the bone to heal.


If your child requires surgery, be sure to pay close attention to them to prevent their condition from worsening.


Other than the scoliosis treatment for Malaysian above, scoliosis can be treated with simple exercises if given early diagnosis unlike cerebral palsy where there's no cure at the moment.


Be sure to get some professional advice before the condition worsens. Well Rehab provides a number of therapies which can be customised based on your needs.


For more information about our therapies or services, contact us at +60 12 512 8487 or email wellrehabmanagement@gmail.com.

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Special Needs Children in Malaysia

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
In Malaysia, the need for specialized care for special needs children is growing, and occupational therapy stands out as a vital service. This therapy helps children with various physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges improve their skills and lead more independent lives. This article explores the numerous benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia, offering insights and success stories to illustrate its impact.  Understanding Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. For special needs children, OT involves helping them perform essential daily activities, improving their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills. Techniques used in occupational therapy can include play therapy, sensory integration, and developmental activities designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills. Benefits for Special Needs Children Enhancing Daily Living Skills Occupational therapists work with children to develop the skills needed for daily living. This can include tasks such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene. By improving these skills, children gain greater independence and confidence. Improving Fine and Gross Motor Skills Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles, such as those in the hands and fingers, while gross motor skills involve larger muscle groups used for activities like walking and jumping. Occupational therapists use targeted exercises and activities to strengthen these skills, enabling children to participate more fully in everyday activities. Boosting Cognitive Functions Occupational therapy also addresses cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help children develop these abilities, which are crucial for academic success and daily living. Success Stories in Malaysia Several families in Malaysia have witnessed significant improvements in their children's abilities through occupational therapy. For instance, a child with autism who struggled with sensory processing and social interactions might, through consistent OT sessions, develop better sensory tolerance and improved social skills. Another example could be a child with cerebral palsy who, with the help of an occupational therapist, gains better control over their movements and becomes more independent in performing daily tasks. Conclusion The benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia are profound and far-reaching. From enhancing daily living skills to improving motor and cognitive functions, occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the lives of special needs children and their families. If you are a parent of a special needs child, consider exploring occupational therapy as a valuable resource for your child's development and independence.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Special Needs Education in Malaysian Schools

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
Special needs education in Malaysia is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on integrating occupational therapy (OT) into the school system. This approach not only supports the educational needs of special needs children but also enhances their overall development. This article delves into how occupational therapy supports special needs education in Malaysian schools, helping both teachers and students achieve better educational outcomes. Integration in Schools Occupational therapy in schools involves the collaboration of occupational therapists with educators to create an inclusive learning environment. Therapists work within the school setting to assess students' needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and implement strategies that support learning and participation in school activities. Support for Teachers and Students Helping Teachers Adapt Lessons One of the critical roles of occupational therapists in schools is to assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet the needs of special needs students. This can involve modifying classroom activities, providing alternative teaching materials, and suggesting strategies to manage sensory and behavioral issues. By making these adjustments, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Providing Students with Coping Strategies Occupational therapists equip students with strategies to cope with classroom challenges. This can include sensory integration techniques to help children manage sensory overload, exercises to improve focus and attention, and tools to enhance fine motor skills required for writing and other tasks. These strategies enable students to participate more fully in classroom activities and improve their academic performance. Programs and Initiatives Several programs and initiatives in Malaysian schools incorporate occupational therapy to support special needs education. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams working together to address the diverse needs of students. For example, schools may have dedicated sensory rooms designed by occupational therapists to provide a safe and controlled environment for children to manage sensory issues. Additionally, collaborative efforts between therapists and educators ensure that each child's unique needs are met through personalized education plans.  Conclusion Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting special needs education in Malaysian schools. By helping teachers adapt lessons and providing students with coping strategies, occupational therapists contribute to a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The integration of OT into the school system ensures that special needs children receive the support they need to succeed academically and develop essential life skills. For parents and educators, recognizing the value of occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the educational journey of special needs children.

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