Scoliosis Surgery Recovery Timeframes & Surgery Alternatives

Scoliosis is a condition when your spine develops an unnatural curve with a rotation and a minimum Cobb angle measurement of 10 degrees. Since the disease comes with a rotational element, it becomes a 3-dimensional condition. It means that the spines just do not bend unnaturally to one side but also twist from back to front and front to back.  In this blog we will explore more about scoliosis spine surgery in India, its recovery timeframe and what are the alternatives available to cure the condition besides surgery.

 

What is Cobb Angle?

 Cobb angle is the orthopedic gold standard that is required in the assessment of scoliosis and it is used to determine the severity of the condition. Based on the Cobb angle, scoliosis is categorized as:

●       Mild Scoliosis: In mild scoliosis, the Cobb angle measurement is between 10 to 25 degrees.

●       Moderate Scoliosis: In this, the Cobb angle measurement is between 25 and 40 degrees.

●       Severe Scoliosis: Patients suffering from severe scoliosis have a Cobb angle measurement of 40-plus degrees.

●       Very Severe Scoliosis: It is an extreme case of scoliosis, where the Cobb angle measurement is 80 plus degrees.

Scoliosis Spine Surgery In India: Restoring Function and Alignment

Scoliosis surgery corrects the curvature of the spine in people with severe cases. Surgery reduces the curvature and stabilizes the spine using techniques like spinal fusion, instrumentation, and sometimes osteotomies (the deliberate cutting and realignment of the bone). The exact surgical approach depends on factors like the severity and location of the curvature, the patient's age, and other factors.

Surgery involves making incisions in the back and inserting implants (like rods, screws, or hooks) to realign the spine. In some cases, bone grafts or bone substitutes are used to promote the fusion of vertebrae, which stabilizes the spine.

In general, scoliosis surgery is recommended for people with severe spinal curvatures that are progressing rapidly, causing them pain or breathing problems, or affecting their quality of life. Healthcare professionals, like orthopedic surgeons or spine specialists, decide whether to do surgery after evaluating the patient's symptoms and determining the best course of action.

 

The Road to Recovery: Navigating the Healing Process After Scoliosis Surgery

When we talk about recovery after the surgery, each patient heals at their own pace and the recovery also depends on several factors which involve the age of the patient, overall health, and the severity of the condition. The recovery time frames are as follows:

●       Hospital Stay: Patients who undergo scoliosis surgery have to stay in the hospital for about 3 to 7 days depending on the severity of the procedure.

●       Post Surgery: During the first few days after the surgery, patients feel pain, discomfort, and no mobility. However, pain medications are prescribed to relieve pain and discomfort.

●       Gradual Recovery: The initial recovery phase, that is the first 4 to 6 weeks is difficult for the patient but they will eventually start regaining their strength, and mobility and also adapt to the changes in the spine.

●       Restrictions and Physical Therapy: Patients who have undergone scoliosis surgery need to follow certain restrictions when it comes to physical activities. Physical therapy is also an important part of the recovery process as it helps to improve the overall function of the spine.

●       Full Recovery: It may take several months to recover completely after the surgery. However, the recovery time for each individual may vary depending on the severity of the condition.

 Exploring Options: Scoliosis Surgical Alternatives

 If you want to treat your scoliosis naturally, then there are various surgical alternatives present. The various non-surgical alternatives available for treating scoliosis are:

●       Bracing: Bracing is a common natural method to treat scoliosis when the Cobb angle is above 25 degrees. Wearing braces helps to reduce the progression of the disease. The braces help to stabilize the spine and also help to minimize the curvature progression. For best results, patients have to wear braces 18 hours a day.

●       Schroth Method Therapy: Schroth method therapy is a unique form of physical therapy that can prove to be very effective in treating scoliosis. It is a specialized physical therapy that focuses on specific exercise and posture training to improve the curvature and the alignment of the spine.

●       Yoga: Many adults who suffer from scoliosis take the help of yoga to reduce their pain levels and improve the overall function of their back and hip. Yoga can help to improve posture as well as strength and flexibility. As long as your yoga teacher, understand scoliosis and has experience in treating patients with scoliosis, yoga can prove to be extremely beneficial to relieve pain and can also act as a muscle and joint mobilizer.

●       Chiropractor: Chiropractic adjustments have a little more risk than other alternative treatments. People with scoliosis might have problems with chiropractic adjustments because they move their necks a lot. For this reason, finding a chiropractor with scoliosis experience and knowledge is key. A scoliotic curve can be corrected with safe, precise adjustments.