Scoliosis: medical monitoring and daily life

Are you or your child being treated for scoliosis? For effective treatment, follow the advice of the health care team, depending on the schedule. If it is necessary to wear a brace, some precautions allow to better live the current activities.

WHAT MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP FOR SCOLIOSIS?

The management of scoliosis is multidisciplinary. Depending on the case, it may require the collaboration of several professionals: attending physician; pediatrician; radiologist; orthopedic surgeon; rheumatologist; rehabilitation doctor; physiotherapist-masseur; orthoprosthetic (specialist in the manufacture and wearing of braces). If necessary, the healthcare team also works with social, medical-professional and educational services (e.g. school doctors, occupational doctors...) In cases of scoliosis starting in childhood or adolescence, it is essential to extend medical follow-up throughout life. The disease can still progress after the end of bone growth. To promote more effective monitoring, here are some tips: from the beginning of the treatment and at each consultation, you are followed by your doctor, your pediatrician or any other health professional. They help you understand the treatment and explain its modalities and possible side effects. Remember to write down your questions between two consultations. Understanding scoliosis, its symptoms and its possible course, treatment choices can help better track treatment; carefully follow the prescribed treatment. It is very important to wear the brace regularly, ans perform all rehabilitation sessions. If necessary; Follow monitoring visits and checkups, even if you are feeling well: measuring the effectiveness of treatment is crucial; report to the treating physician any symptoms that seem abnormal or any side effects of the treatment (pain, fever...)

SCOLIOSIS: WEAR A BRACE EVERY DAY

Scoliosis treatment frequently involves wearing a brace. Here are some tips to help you live better with this device: The Lyon method begins with a permanent wearing of the brace. The advantage is that we take advantage of the flexibility of the spine to obtain the maximum correction. There is also an anesthetic effect as a watch. It is normal that the device seems tight for some time, a bit like new shoes. It is necessary to protect the skin under the brace to avoid any wound, especially in places where the device is in contact. For this, always put on before the brace a cotton undershirt, seamless and well adjusted (it limits the folds). When using a T-shirt, it is worn upside down so that the seams do not press on the skin. Each time the brace is removed, it must be checked that there is no pain, redness, or wound. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor or orthoprosthetic surgeon. It is recommended to stay as physically active as possible to keep a good core musculature. Wearing a brace tends to weaken the muscles, especially in the abdomen and lower back. Ask your doctor what physical activities you can do; It is essential to maintain good food hygiene to avoid any excess weight that would overload the spine. To help you, ask your doctor for advice.