Scoliosis and Height
As you may already know, having scoliosis can affect several aspects of appearance. Even scoliosis and height are related (ex: a worsening curve may cause a loss in height – especially in adulthood). In this blog, we’ll discuss one amazing woman who actually managed to GROW 1.5″ as an adult, in less than nine months.
How did she do it? More good news: NOT SURGERY! Cindy accomplished this feat after participating a twenty hour Scoliosis 3DC® program intensive (that was then, this is now–our programs for adults are now typically twelve hours) and applying the techniques taught. Cindy presented with a severe curve.
She indicated the experience was enlightening. On the second day of education and instruction, she stated, “The way my body is and reacts, is finally beginning to make sense to me!” When we bid her goodbye and good luck at week’s end, she responded: “I won’t need luck, now that I’ve been here and have learned the Schroth Method!” She returned home to Colorado with knowledge about what to do and not to do, and new skills including activities of daily living and Schroth exercises specific to her unique spine.
We learned of Cindy’s 1.5” growth recently in an email from another Colorado patient (we put the two in contact). Cindy’s new scoliosis friend classified the adult growth spurt in “the miracle category.” We were thrilled, and Marc had the chance to speak with Cindy a few days ago. She is also thrilled with her results – by the way, measurements were taken at her doctor’s office – and relayed that she not only feels better but people are noticing her improved posture and taller stature!
Once again, the Schroth Method empowers. As part of Cindy’s quest to live life to its fullest with scoliosis, she recently climbed a fourteen-mile peak and is making plans to conquer a much higher and more well-known mountain in the near future.
As with adolescents, shared goals for adults are halted progression, decreased angle of rotation (measrure by Scoliometer ™) and better lung function. In contrast to the kids, many adults present wanting to reduce pain or discomfort, improve mobility, and prevent further spinal collapse. Most just want to feel better, stand straighter, breathe easier, and improve quality of life while aging with scoliosis. As a result, being able to report quantifiable numbers for adults is sometimes elusive because pain is subjective and adults rarely feel the need to get re-x-rayed once they feel better. That said, since scoliosis and height are related it is prudent for adults with scoliosis to keep track of this measurement over time (as it is not nearly as invasive as an x-ray).
More good news is that Cindy is not the first adult who has been through the Scoliosis 3DC® program to gain height; however, Cindy has now set the bar. What’s also notable is that for more than thirty years she has tried several varied, alternative treatments for scoliosis before her introduction to our facility. Shunning surgery and influenced by parents with a more natural, conservative mindset, she has used chiropractic, rolfing, QNRT and several other approaches to manage her scoliosis. As a credit to her, she continued searching and fighting the fight against scoliosis. We’re happy to report she is now feeling more optimistic with her recent progress.
To grow 1.5″ at a time when most with scoliosis are in fear of spinal collapse is extraordinary! Congratulations Cindy, and kudos for your discipline and tenacity. In this season of thanks, as advocates for those with scoliosis, we offer our thanks to Cindy for providing encouragement and hope to a community where, for years, there hasn’t been much to go around.
