Scoliosis Treatment with Dr. Tony Nalda

By: Dr. Tony Nalda
  • Summary

  • Scoliosis can be a confusing diagnosis. Dr. Tony Nalda helps to answer your questions and provide insights on your treatment options available, so that you don't have to just watch and wait or resort to scoliosis surgery.
    Scoliosis Reduction Center ©2022
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Episodes
  • Episode 139: What is a Harrington Rod?
    Feb 4 2025
    Introduction: Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Scoliosis Treatment with Dr. Tony Nalda." Today, we delve deep into the world of scoliosis, focusing on a common treatment option—spinal fusion. We'll explore what spinal fusion involves, when it's recommended, and how we can proactively manage scoliosis to potentially avoid surgery. What is a Harrington Rod? A Harrington rod is a device used in spinal fusion surgeries for scoliosis treatment. It's designed to halt the progression of spinal curvature. Originally, its primary goal was to prevent further curvature, but advancements in surgical techniques, like the introduction of pedicle screws, now allow for some straightening of the spine as well. Understanding Scoliosis Categories: Mild Scoliosis (<25 degrees): Typically monitored without intervention. Moderate Scoliosis (25-45 degrees): In adults, the watch-and-wait approach continues; adolescents may receive a brace to slow progression. Severe Scoliosis (>45 degrees): Qualifies for spinal fusion, especially if rapid progression occurs in adolescents or if adults experience significant pain or discomfort. Conservative vs. Traditional Treatment Approaches: Traditional scoliosis treatment often involves waiting until the curvature is severe enough to warrant surgical intervention. In contrast, the conservative approach advocated by Dr. Nalda focuses on early intervention to manage and reduce curvature proactively, aiming to keep it below surgical thresholds. The Realities of Spinal Fusion: Spinal fusion involves fixing the spine with rods and screws, a process that does not cure scoliosis but manages its progression. Even post-surgery, there's no guarantee against further curvature progression, and issues with hardware longevity and spinal flexibility can arise. Proactive Treatment Philosophy: Dr. Nalda emphasizes the importance of treating scoliosis proactively at any stage—mild, moderate, or severe—to prevent the curve from reaching a point where surgery becomes the only option. This approach can significantly reduce the likelihood of undergoing spinal fusion and its associated long-term consequences. Conclusion and Resources: In conclusion, while spinal fusion is a common and sometimes necessary treatment for severe scoliosis, understanding and managing the condition early with conservative methods can provide alternative pathways that may prevent the need for such invasive procedures. Artlist.io 847544
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    10 mins
  • Episode 138: Does Scoliosis Cause Shoulder Pain?
    Jan 28 2025
    Episode 138: Does Scoliosis Cause Shoulder Pain? Welcome to "Scoliosis Treatment with Dr. Tony Nalda," where we dive deep into understanding scoliosis and its broader impacts on health. In today’s episode, we focus on a common concern among scoliosis patients: shoulder pain. Understanding Scoliosis Scoliosis, a three-dimensional spinal deformity characterized by sideways curvature and rotation, affects body symmetry by introducing uneven forces across the body. This condition can manifest in different regions of the spine—cervical, thoracic, or lumbar—each influencing the body uniquely due to the spine's intricate connection with gravitational forces. Cobb Angle and Scoliosis Diagnosis Diagnosis hinges on the Cobb angle, a measurement that quantifies the degree of spinal curvature. A curvature of 10 degrees or more, coupled with rotation, confirms scoliosis. However, the severity of symptoms doesn't always correlate directly with the curve's size; factors such as patient age, cause of scoliosis (idiopathic, traumatic, or neuromuscular), and specific curve location play crucial roles in the clinical presentation. Impact on the Shoulders One of the earliest signs of scoliosis, particularly in adolescents, is uneven shoulders. This misalignment can lead to structural deformities over time, such as rib and shoulder blade asymmetry, affecting the biomechanics and potentially causing pain and discomfort. These changes also influence muscle function and nerve tissue, further exacerbating discomfort in the shoulders. Proactive Treatment Approaches Addressing shoulder pain effectively requires a proactive approach to scoliosis treatment. Dr. Nalda emphasizes the importance of managing the curve’s progression to prevent future complications. Strategies include structural treatments that focus on reducing the curvature and improving posture, which can alleviate the secondary symptoms like shoulder pain. Supportive Resources For those looking to understand scoliosis beyond symptoms, the Scoliosis Reduction Center offers a comprehensive guide, “How to Effectively Treat Scoliosis,” available for free. This resource provides up-to-date information and advocates for non-surgical treatment options. Closing Thoughts As Dr. Nalda wraps up the discussion, he encourages listeners to stay informed and proactive in managing scoliosis. Engaging with treatment early and understanding the condition's complexity are vital steps towards improving quality of life and minimizing pain. For more insights and updates, subscribe to our podcast, and don’t forget to check out our website at scoliosisreductioncenter.com for more resources. Thank you for tuning into "Scoliosis Treatment with Dr. Tony Nalda." Stay informed and hopeful as we navigate the complexities of scoliosis together. Musicbed SyncID: MB01A3MMWDDRX7V
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    11 mins
  • Episode 137: Yoga for Scoliosis, Can It Really Make A Difference?
    Jan 21 2025
    Yoga for Scoliosis: Benefits and Limitations In today's episode of the podcast, we delve into the potential of yoga as a treatment for scoliosis, a condition characterized by an unnatural sideways curvature of the spine. While yoga offers numerous benefits for overall health and well-being, its efficacy in treating scoliosis presents a complex challenge due to the structural nature of the condition. Understanding Scoliosis Definition and Progression: Scoliosis involves a sideways curvature of the spine that often also includes a rotational component. The condition is progressive, meaning it can worsen over time without proper management. Types and Severity: Scoliosis can vary widely in severity, from mild to very severe, and may be categorized into different types based on its cause, including idiopathic, neuromuscular, congenital, and degenerative forms. Yoga's Role in Managing Scoliosis General Benefits: Yoga can improve spinal strength, enhance posture, and increase flexibility. These benefits contribute to better overall spinal health, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mild forms of scoliosis. Limitations in Structural Correction: Despite its advantages, yoga alone cannot induce significant structural changes in most scoliosis cases. It is not sufficient to correct the curvature in moderate to severe cases. Challenges Specific to Scoliosis Asymmetrical Nature: Scoliosis causes asymmetrical spinal alignment, which complicates participation in yoga, a practice typically designed for symmetrical body movement. Risk of Exacerbation: Certain yoga poses, especially those involving back arching and thoracic spine flattening, can potentially worsen scoliosis symptoms or the curvature itself, as they emphasize movements that contradict the needs of a scoliotic spine. Integrating Yoga into a Scoliosis Treatment Plan Customized Approach: For those with scoliosis, integrating yoga into their treatment plan should be done with caution and customization. Specific poses may need to be modified or avoided altogether to ensure they do not exacerbate the curvature. Professional Guidance Necessary: Individuals with scoliosis should consult with a scoliosis specialist or a physical therapist who can tailor a yoga routine that considers their specific spinal curvature and physical limitations. Conclusion While yoga offers excellent benefits for flexibility, posture, and overall wellness, it is not a standalone treatment for scoliosis due to its inability to structurally alter significant spinal curvatures. However, when used appropriately and under professional guidance, it can serve as a supportive component of a broader, multi-modal treatment strategy aimed at managing symptoms and improving quality of life. For anyone considering yoga as part of their scoliosis management plan, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to create a balanced and safe approach tailored to their specific condition. Join us next time for more insights into managing scoliosis and enhancing overall spinal health. Musicbed SyncID: MB018XNTG9MBEBR
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    8 mins

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