Has anyone heard anything about Strs?

[mammelc]

My daughter (13) has a 45*thoracic, 40*lumbar curve and in alot of pain; we are waiting to see a specialist and considering surgery. My Mother suggested I look at scoliosis.com-- I have an open mind, but has anyone ever looked at this website or know anything about this organization? Thanks
Carol

[DaveWolpert]

Hi Carol,

STRS is one in a class of "alternative treatment" programs that combine bracing, exercise, chiropractic treatments, a special diet, and other activities. These organizations claim that their programs will permanently reduce scoliotic curvatures. Unfortunately, they won't show you a single documented case of permanent curve reversal. There are no clinical studies to show that any aspect of their program works.

Your daughter's curve is already fairly advanced, especially for a 13 year old. If you pursue a program like STRS, I fear that her scoliosis will continue to progress while you put her through the agony of the STRS program and spend tens of thousands of dollars.

She may still be a candidate for a "true" scoliosis brace under the care of a qualified orthopedist. If so, this would be the most appropriate option. If surgery is required, the good news is that your daughter will probably get a high level of correction and have a fast recovery given her young age. I understand the desire to avoid surgery, but there is just no data to support that STRS works at all.

Dave

[mammelc]

Dave;
thank you for a timely and most informative reply. We were leaning towards surgery, but there is always that niggling feeling that we have not covered all the bases.
Carol

[LindaRacine]

Hi Carol...

If the measurements you stated are her out of brace measurements, I'd encourage you and your daughter to wait awhile to see if your daughters curves will increase. A lot of curves under 50 degrees never progress, and a recent study found that people with moderate curves can live a normal life without having surgery. If her curves start progressing, then she'll almost certainly need surgery to stop the progression.

Good luck!

Regards,
Linda

[mammelc]

Hello Linda, and thank you for your thoughtful reply. There are so many things to consider, and I have a long list of questions now for the specialist, thanks to all of you on this website!
Carol

[Bel]

Copes Brace

Hi everyone.
First time here posting a message. I'm Bel. I also have scoliosis. I recently went to see Dr. Dye from San Diego. He is part of the STRS team. They utilize the Copes Brace. Has anyone here used or is using this brace? I have not committed to the program yet but seriously thinking of it. Any input regarding the STRS program is appreciated. My curve measurements are 24 and 26 degrees. Thank you.

[LindaRacine]

Hi Bel...

How old are you?

--Linda

[Bel]

STRS - San Deigo

Hi Linda,

I am 32 years old. I live in Southern Calif. My curves started getting worse when i turned 30. Now I have 8, 24 and 26 degrees. I am desperate in getting some help with my condition. I had open heart surgery when I was younger and the thought of going through another surgery is really scary to say the least. I would really appreciate it if you could somehow let me know of any other treatment or treatment centers that is already proven.

thank you ,
Bel

[DaveWolpert]

Bel,

Are you sure your curves started increasing when you were 30? That would be highly unusual. What did they measure prior to age 30? Did a qualified scoliosis surgeon (not a chiropractor) ever measure your curves?

Dave

[LindaRacine]

Hi Bel...

If your curves are progressing, there is probably some underlying problem causing it. As Dave mentioned, it would be highly unusual for your curves to progress at your age.

At this point, it's not likely that you'd be a surgical candidate (at least for scoliosis surgery). You should see a scoliosis specialist, taking with you all of your spine films. If there's no underlying problem, then perhaps the specialist can refer you to a good physical therapist.

Good luck!

Regards,
Linda