Even though getting diagnosed with scoliosis can be a major shock, it is important to remember that treatments and therapies for that condition are more effective than ever. With an experienced medical team by your side, you should be able to mitigate or completely eradicate many of the symptoms of that skeletal disease.
Conduct Your Own Research
As soon as any life-altering diagnosis occurs, a patient should immediately spend a little bit of time researching their condition. It is also important for patients to understand what treatments, procedures, and medications are currently available. Your primary doctor might be a great start, but you can also do some of your own research online. There are many different world-class medical organizations that have huge libraries that are completely free to the public.
Contact a Medical Specialist
Once you have gathered some information on your condition, you can then put together a medical team. Your primary doctor will probably be the first person to recognize or diagnosis your scoliosis, but you will eventually need to see a specialist. For many patients who have this condition, a neurosurgeon is going to be the best option. Some patients are also going to visit orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and other medical specialists.
Explore Your Surgical Treatment Options
In the past, the only surgical treatment option for scoliosis was an invasive operation that exposed a large portion of the spine. While that procedure was effective for many patients, it required a lengthy recovery and created huge scars. Luckily, that has all changed in recent years as doctors have been able to develop new techniques. Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery is more effective than ever, and it only requires very small incisions.
Make Some Lifestyle Changes
In addition to surgery, you might also want to make some sweeping lifestyle changes. Your lifestyle habits are going to have a big impact on your symptoms, and that is why it is so important to exercise as often as possible and stay at a healthy weight. Your therapist or doctor might also suggest that you wear a rigid brace that aligns the spine and supports the back.
Scoliosis treatments have become incredibly advanced over the last few years, and many of them are minimally invasive. Your medical team should be able to help you come up with a comprehensive treatment plan that minimizes the symptoms of this disease and greatly improves your overall quality of life.
