Chiropractors/scoliosis care

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 12/13/2006


Question
Is surgery the only true way to cure or "fix" scoliosis, and I am an athlete and was wondering if it affects your ability to jump

Answer
Dear Cary,

Wow this is a loaded question.  It really depends on the extent of the scoliosis, wether it has a rotatory component to it, how structurally significant the curvature is, if it is idopathic scoliosis, or if there is a known vertebral compromise such as a compression fracture or hemivertebra.

Many will tell you that scoliosis cannot be corrected without surgical fusion, others will tell you that it can be corrected with bracing, exercises, and traction.  I have seen cases of dramatic improvement from traction and bracing, but these protocols are intense and may or may not work.  I utilize traction in my practice on patients, but scoliosis is difficult to overcome.

The surgical fix requires extensive surgery that may need to be repeated and will leave you will rods in your back.  It is a large procedure, but when scoliosis is progressive and severe surgery has its value, and has resulted in true benefits to some patients.  Others have has poor results after surgery.  It really is a case by case basis that needs to be evaluated by multiple physicians...I would not take just one opinion on the matter.

Concerning alternative techniques for scoliosis management I would check out the following links:

www.idealspine.com
www.pettibonsystem.com
www.spinecorporation.com

In relation to the ability to jump after surgical correction, you would really need to consult with a surgeon for that breadth of information.  I cannot say for sure that it would or would not.  Realistically the power of the jump is generated by the speed in which you can fire the muscles in the legs, but stability of the core is required for all movements including jumping.  After surgery the core will be weakened, but rehabilitation can address that issue.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. shawn Leatherman

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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