Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my child has scoliosis?

If there is a family history of scoliosis, or if you start to notice a change in your child's posture it is worth having a scoliosis specialist assess their spine. The earlier scoliosis is detected the more successful treatment can be.

2. Is scoliosis a serious condition?

In some cases, yes. In children, scoliosis can rapidly progress as they grow and cause deformation of the spine and rib cage, humping of the shoulders, and even heart and respiratory problems. If the curve progresses over 50˚surgery is often required. Scoliosis in adults can cause chronic pain and poor posture.

3. What treatment is available for scoliosis?

The London Scoliosis Clinic offers the most effective non-surgical treatment available for scoliosis - the SpineCor® brace. Overwhelming research has shown that the SpineCor® brace is the most effective method for stabilising and correcting scoliosis. A specific physiotherapy program can be used in conjunction with the brace. It is important to stress that physiotherapy or exercise alone has not been shown to correct scoliosis. SpineCor® has developed a specific physiotherapy program to be used in conjunction with the SpineCor® brace, however it is not absolutely essential for achieving results.

4. Can the patient put the SpineCor® brace on themselves?

Once the patient has been set up in the SpineCor® brace and given instructions on its use, it is very easy to take the brace off and put it on again.

5.  How often does the patient have to wear the SpineCor® brace?

It is recommended that the patient wear the SpineCor® brace for 20 hours per day. Because it is so flexible and comfortable, patients often forget they are wearing it and only need to take it off for bathing or swimming for example.

6.  What research has been done to show that the SpineCor® brace works?

SpineCor® was developed in the early 1990's in a Canadian government research project employing over 160 researchers and investing 20 million dollars in developing new treatments for scoliosis. Following 15 years of clinical research and trials, SpineCor® has been made available to patients all around the world. Most recently, in 2006 a clinical study at the Ste. Justine Hospital in Montreal Canada showed the SpineCor® brace to be effective in 89% of all  cases (either by correction or stabilisation). These results have been replicated in treatment centres worldwide. For more research information, go to the  Research and Links page.

7. What if surgery IS required?

The goal of the SpineCor® brace is to correct or stabilise scoliosis curves and to reduce the need for surgery. In some severe cases, however, surgery may be the only option. If this is the case, the London Scoliosis Clinic can provide a referral to an orthopaedic consultant and work with them to ensure the highest standard of care. 

8. Can the SpineCor® brace be worn by adults?

Yes.  Trials  are currently under way to evaluate the use of the SpineCor® brace for treating adult scoliosis. Early results have shown that both postural improvements and pain reduction may be achieved. True correction of the scoliosis curve in adults is not possible with the SpineCor® brace and should not be the main treatment objective, but certainly it can be used for pain and posture.

9. Can the SpineCor® brace help reduce back pain in adults?

In some cases, yes. Again, studies are under way and early results seem to support the use of the SpineCor® brace in treating back pain. We will update this site as more information becomes available.