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 130: What Kind of Doctor Treats Scoliosis? [ANSWERED]
    Dec 3 2024
    Choosing the Right Doctor for Scoliosis Treatment In this episode of our scoliosis-focused podcast, we delve into a crucial aspect of scoliosis management: selecting the appropriate healthcare provider. Dr. Tony Nalda discusses the differences between various types of doctors who treat scoliosis and the importance of finding a specialist who aligns with your treatment goals. Understanding the Types of Scoliosis Care Providers Generalists vs. Specialists: Many patients are initially diagnosed by generalists who do not specialize in scoliosis. These patients are often referred to specialists who focus primarily on scoliosis and its comprehensive management. Treatment Focus: It is vital to determine whether a doctor treats scoliosis as a primary focus or just as part of a broader practice. Specialists who concentrate solely on scoliosis are likely to provide more targeted and effective treatments. Approaches to Scoliosis Treatment Traditional Treatment: This approach often involves a "watch and wait" strategy to see if the curvature worsens, typically using pain management, bracing, or surgery. Surgical treatments might include spinal fusion, which uses hardware to correct the curve. Conservative Treatment: Focused on avoiding surgery, this method uses therapies, exercises, and corrective bracing to manage and potentially reduce scoliosis. It aims to improve the function of the spine and alleviate the effects of scoliosis without invasive procedures. Factors Influencing Treatment Decisions Desired Outcomes: Your treatment goals significantly influence the type of doctor you should see. If avoiding surgery is a priority, a conservative approach managed by a chiropractor or a non-surgical scoliosis specialist might be preferable. Expertise and Certification: Seek out providers who have extensive training and certification in scoliosis-specific treatment protocols. Providers might be certified in methodologies like CLEAR, SIAS, or use specific tools like the SCOLI Brace. The Role of Comprehensive Care in Scoliosis Treatment Multi-disciplinary Approaches: The best outcomes often result from a combination of treatments tailored to the patient’s specific needs. This can include a mix of manual therapy, specialized exercises, and bracing. Certifications and Skills: A well-rounded scoliosis doctor will have multiple certifications and a deep understanding of various conservative treatment methods. This multi-modal approach allows them to customize treatment plans effectively. Finding the Right Doctor Research and Referrals: Look for a doctor whose practice is dedicated to scoliosis care. Check their credentials, read patient reviews, and consider their treatment philosophy. Consultations and Outcomes: Don’t hesitate to ask for examples of the doctor’s results with cases similar to yours. Successful treatment centers should be able to provide evidence of their efficacy, such as before-and-after X-rays and patient testimonials. Conclusion Selecting the right doctor for scoliosis treatment is a decision that can significantly affect your health outcomes. Whether you opt for traditional or conservative treatment, ensure that your provider is not only skilled in general spinal care but is also specifically trained in managing scoliosis. By choosing a specialist who aligns with your health goals and offers a comprehensive treatment approach, you can achieve the best possible management of your condition. For more insights on navigating scoliosis treatment options and choosing the best care path, subscribe to our podcast and stay informed about the latest in scoliosis care and management. Artlist.io 847544
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  • Episode 129: Scoliosis Exercises: Which Exercises are Bad for Scoliosis?
    Nov 26 2024
    Scoliosis and Exercise: What Works and What Doesn’t In today’s episode of our scoliosis-focused podcast, Dr. Tony Nalda addresses a common concern among patients with scoliosis: identifying which exercises are beneficial and which may potentially exacerbate their condition. Dr. Nalda brings his expertise to clarify misconceptions and provide guidance on physical activities for individuals diagnosed with scoliosis. Understanding Scoliosis and Exercise Scoliosis involves an abnormal curvature of the spine, viewed from the front, often accompanied by a rotational component. This deformity can affect the natural curves of the spine seen from the side, known as lordosis and kyphosis, which are essential for strength and flexibility. The disruption of these curves can impact how effectively the spine handles daily stresses and gravitational forces. The Role of Exercise in Managing Scoliosis General Fitness: Regular exercise contributes to overall health, which can enhance responsiveness to scoliosis treatments. A strong, fit body is more capable of supporting the spine and managing symptoms. Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (SSEs): These are tailored exercises designed by professionals who understand the unique dynamics of scoliosis. SSEs aim to improve flexibility, especially in directions that counteract the spinal curvature, and strengthen the core and spinal muscles to support and potentially correct spinal alignment. Effective Exercises for Scoliosis Non-Compressive Exercises: Activities that do not exert excessive pressure on the spine, such as walking and cycling, are generally beneficial. Swimming and Water Therapy: These can be particularly good for scoliosis due to the buoyancy of water, which reduces stress on the spine. Yoga and Pilates: While not curative, these practices can enhance flexibility and strengthen the core, aiding in overall posture and comfort. Exercises to Avoid with Scoliosis Certain activities can increase the curvature of the spine or exacerbate the rotational component, particularly those that are asymmetrical or involve repetitive motion on one side of the body. High-Impact Sports: Activities like gymnastics, horseback riding, and contact sports can cause jarring impacts to the spine, potentially worsening scoliosis. Asymmetrical Sports: Sports such as tennis, golf, and bowling can increase the asymmetrical loading of the spine, promoting an increase in curvature. Hyperextension Activities: Activities that require excessive arching of the back, such as certain dance forms and gymnastics, can flatten the thoracic spine and exacerbate scoliosis. The Reality of Scoliosis Management Dr. Nalda emphasizes that while scoliosis cannot be cured or completely corrected (even if the curvature is reduced to zero), it is a manageable condition. The management approach focuses on maintaining the smallest possible curvature to minimize complications. Early Intervention: The sooner treatment begins, the easier it is to manage the curvature. Combination of Therapies: The most effective treatment plans combine general physical fitness, scoliosis-specific exercises, and other medical or therapeutic interventions tailored to the individual’s needs. Conclusion For individuals with scoliosis, understanding which exercises are safe and effective is crucial for managing the condition and enhancing quality of life. Dr. Nalda’s insights provide valuable guidelines for navigating the complexities of exercise with scoliosis, highlighting the importance of a personalized approach to treatment and the potential benefits of targeted physical activity. To explore more about scoliosis management and other related topics, subscribe to our podcast and stay updated with expert advice tailored to those dealing with this spinal condition. Artlist.io 847544
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  • Episode 128: Does Scoliosis Make You Tired? Find Out Here!
    Nov 19 2024
    Exploring the Link Between Scoliosis and Fatigue In this insightful episode of "Scoliosis Treatment with Dr. Tony Nalda," we delve into an often-overlooked aspect of scoliosis—its impact on energy levels and fatigue. Drawing on 26 years of clinical experience, Dr. Nalda discusses how the structural changes associated with scoliosis can lead to increased fatigue, offering an understanding of why this happens and what can be done about it. Understanding Scoliosis and Its Effects on the Body Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine that often comes with a rotational component, creating a three-dimensional deformity. This condition is not just about the curvature from the front view, but also involves a loss of normal spinal curves from the side view, which can lead to a range of physical consequences. Spinal Curvature Impact: The spine is naturally curved in the neck, upper back, and lower back to provide strength, flexibility, and shock absorption. In scoliosis, these natural curvatures can become distorted, diminishing the spine's ability to handle gravitational forces efficiently. Mechanical Inefficiency: As the curvature deviates from normal alignment, it places additional stress on the body. The spine becomes less effective at distributing forces, leading to muscle fatigue as the body works harder to maintain balance and upright posture. Fatigue Related to Scoliosis Patients with scoliosis often report higher levels of fatigue compared to those without the condition. Dr. Nalda explains that this fatigue can be attributed to several factors: Increased Energy Expenditure: The body compensates for the asymmetry of the spine by overworking the muscles to maintain balance and alignment. This continuous exertion can lead to general fatigue. Pain and Discomfort: Many adults with scoliosis experience chronic pain, particularly in the lower back, which worsens by the end of the day. Pain can significantly impact energy levels, further contributing to fatigue. Sleep Disturbances: The physical discomfort and pain associated with scoliosis often disrupt sleep patterns. Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position due to asymmetrical rib formation and uneven shoulders can lead to poor sleep quality, exacerbating daytime fatigue. Factors Influencing Fatigue in Scoliosis Patients The degree of fatigue experienced by individuals with scoliosis can vary depending on several key factors: Curve Severity: Larger curves place more strain on the body, leading to greater fatigue. The severity of the curve correlates directly with the amount of extra work the body must do to function normally. Associated Conditions: In cases where scoliosis is part of a broader neuromuscular condition, fatigue can be more pronounced due to the overall impact on the body's musculoskeletal and neurological systems. Age: While children and teenagers may adapt more quickly to the demands of scoliosis, adults often find that fatigue increases with age, particularly after the age of 40, as the body becomes less resilient. Managing Scoliosis-Related Fatigue Addressing the fatigue associated with scoliosis involves more than just treating the symptoms; it requires a comprehensive approach to manage the underlying spinal curvature: Early and Proactive Treatment: Initiating treatment soon after diagnosis can help manage curve progression and reduce the biomechanical inefficiencies that contribute to fatigue. Customized Care Plans: Treatment should be tailored to individual needs, taking into account the severity of the curve, associated symptoms, and the patient's overall health. This may include physical therapy, bracing, and possibly surgery. Lifestyle Adjustments: Incorporating regular exercise, proper nutrition, and strategies for effective pain management can help improve overall energy levels and reduce fatigue. Conclusion Dr.
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