The primary goals of an exercise program for your spine are to make the muscles of your back, shoulders, and upper back strong and flexible. CBP exercises are actually very different than what most people think of as "exercises". Most think of exercises such as sit-ups, which are symmetrical. However, the scoliotic spine is anything but symmetrical. CBP uses unique, asymmetrical exercises and neuromuscular re-education to train the muscles that need it the most.

 
            By reversing the abnormal forces that exist in the scoliotic spine, the crooked spine growth can be changed to decrease the deformity. This is the mechanical principle that underlies the use of an orthotic device, such as the Milwaukee brace. The long term forces in such a brace are minimal, as compared to those shorter duration forces of the traction devices used by CBP practitioners.  See Figure 1.

These methods employed at our office require critical reasoning and a thorough understanding of the clinical biomechanics of the spine and posture. There is no “cookie-cutter” method for managing scoliosis. Each case is unique and there are many variables to consider when deciding whether CBP care is right for that case. The best thing to do is to have a thorough screening TODAY, before the curve progresses beyond the point where non-surgical care can help. These children with idiopathic scoliosis should be treated aggressively and frequently to assure the greatest correction possible.