Scoliosis Treatment in Singapore

You should consult if you can feel and notice the following visible curvature conditions of the spine: uneven shoulders, uneven hips, or sagging posture. Moreover, if your curvature is worsening, causing pain, or impacting your day-to-day activities, it is crucial to address it. Early treatment is crucial for preventing problems from worsening in kids and teens, especially during growth spurts.

The degree of the curve and the child's age will determine the type of scoliosis treatment given to children and adolescents. Doctors can advise routine follow-up to watch for any changes that might occur with moderate scoliosis (curves less than 20 degrees). A brace is often recommended for mild cases (20–40 degrees) to prevent curvature from worsening over time as the child grows. Muscles around the spine may also need to be strengthened and improved through better posture, where physical therapy or specific exercises can be recommended.

Exercise alone does not cure scoliosis; however, it can help control the condition. Schroth Method-based exercises enhance flexibility, strengthen the muscles around the spine, and improve posture. These exercises also enhance the spine's overall function, reduce pain levels, and slow the progression of the curve. Exercise can play a significant role in treating mild and moderate cases of scoliosis, but for severe cases, bracing or surgery (spinal fusion) may still be required.

Spinal fusion surgery treats severe scoliosis by permanently connecting two or more vertebrae in the spine. The procedure uses bone grafts, rods, and screws to support the spine and prevent it from curving further. The goal is to reverse the advancement of the curve and improve spinal alignment.

Recovery typically takes several months after scoliosis surgery. Most patients should expect to stay in the hospital four to seven days after surgery. It may take six to twelve months to fully recover, including regaining strength and flexibility. Patients should limit their activity level during the first few weeks and follow post-surgery orders given by the surgeon, such as wearing a brace, undergoing physical therapy, and gradually increasing movement.

Yes, Scoliosis can be painful, especially in cases of significant curvature or complications such as nerve compression, muscular strain, or other effects. Most backaches and pain are caused by the muscles' difficulty maintaining a correct posture due to incorrect bending.

Scoliosis can affect respiration at severe levels of curvature. When the degree of curvature becomes significant enough, less space is available for the expansion of the lungs, especially in the thoracic spine area. This space restriction can also lead to respiratory distress.

Yes, if the scoliosis is extreme, it could lead to more serious health complications. Some examples include chronic back pain, nerve compression that can lead to pain or numbness, breathing problems resulting from decreased lung capacity, digestive issues caused by organ compression, and poor posture that affects balance.

Yes, Singapore has scoliosis surgery. State-of-the-art spinal surgery, including spinal fusion surgery and minimally invasive procedures, is offered at many of the world's most renowned medical centres in Bangkok and other metropolitan areas. The country is renowned for providing high-quality, affordable care to orthopaedic patients.