Scoliosis treatment with the LOC Scoliosis Brace

Yes, bracing is an effective, conservative treatment, particularly in adolescents with moderate curves. Scientific studies show that bracing reduces the need for surgery. Success depends on factors like age, curve severity, and adherence to the treatment plan. However, severe curves (over 40 degrees) may still require surgery.

Treatment depends on the severity of the curve, measured by the Cobb angle.
• For curves under 20 degrees, we monitor the condition alongside a tailored exercise program based on Schroth principles, delivered by Scoliosis SOS.
• For curves over 20 degrees, we prescribe the LOC Scoliosis Brace, which works three-dimensionally to realign the spine and reduce the Cobb angle. Combining bracing with specialist physiotherapy offers optimal results.

Yes, mild scoliosis can progress over time, especially during periods of growth. As a child grows, the curvature of the spine may worsen.

• Study Findings (2017): A study from 2017 found that children with scoliosis curves between 21-30 degrees had a 72.5% chance of the curve progressing to over 45 degrees. Curves that exceed 45 degrees typically require surgical intervention.
• Recent Research (2023): A 2023 study explored the use of the Proximal Femur Maturity Index (PFMI) at brace initiation to predict scoliosis progression. The study showed that for patients with a curve of ≥30°, the risk of progression to surgical levels was 30% for those starting braces at PFMI grades 2 and 12% for those starting at grade 3.

Scoliosis is officially diagnosed through an X-ray, often followed by an MRI scan. A critical factor in determining treatment is the Cobb angle, a measurement of the spine’s curvature in degrees, first established by Dr. John Cobb in 1948. Our clinicians can assess X-rays, so feel free to send them to us for evaluation.

Scoliosis affects approximately 2 to 3% of the population. According to the NHS, around three or four in every 1,000 children require treatment. It’s most commonly diagnosed in children aged 10 to 15.

Parents should watch for the following visual indicators:

• Visually curved spine
• Shoulders look uneven (one appears higher than the other)
• Uneven waist
• Leaning to one side
• Head does not look centred over body
• Rib hump

Most of the patients we see have idiopathic scoliosis—ADD LINK FROM NEW WEBSITE, meaning there’s no identifiable medical cause. It often appears during periods of rapid growth, particularly in adolescence, which accounts for over 85-90% of diagnosed cases in children.

No, scoliosis is not hereditary. There is no single gene responsible for causing the condition.

The LOC Scoliosis Brace is one of the most advanced braces available in the UK. It’s a 3D-designed, hyper-corrective brace tailored to each patient’s unique spinal curve.
Here’s what it does:
• reduces and corrects the scoliosis curve (Cobb angle)
• works on simple and complex curves
• helps manage pain
• improves posture and appearance
• slows curve progression before spinal surgery
Unlike traditional braces, it’s easy to put on, opening at the front, and it’s designed to be discreet under clothing. The brace is typically worn for 22 hours a day (including at night) and works best when combined with Schroth-based therapy.

We offer free virtual assessments for scoliosis if you’d like your child to be screened. If we think your child needs to see a specialist, we recommend a consultation at The Wimbledon Clinic, Parkside, with Mr Darren Lui, Mr Jason Bernard, or Mr Tim Bishop. They’ll arrange any imaging needed. You can also reach out to your GP for advice.

In adults, the spine has stopped growing, so braces can’t correct the scoliosis curve. However, we design custom braces to help relieve posture-related pain and improve overall posture and appearance.

Kyphosis is an excessive curvature of the spine that causes the top of the back to appear more rounded than normal. It can occur at any age but is common during adolescence. The condition is sometimes known as ’round back.’
Bracing can provide pain relief for those suffering from kyphosis by adjusting the position of the shoulders and pelvis. In the growing patient, we can prevent the worsening of the deformity and quickly improve appearance.

The optimal age for treating scoliosis depends on various factors, including the severity of the curvature, the skeletal maturity of the individual, and the specific type of scoliosis. In general, the earlier scoliosis is detected and treated, the better the bracing treatment outcomes.
Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for addressing scoliosis because the spine is still growing. Conservative treatments such as bracing or physical therapy are more effective when started before the skeletal maturity is reached.
Once a person reaches skeletal maturity, which is usually around the age of 16 to 18 in girls and 18 to 20 in boys, the bones have stopped growing, and it becomes less likely that scoliosis will progress. However, even after skeletal maturity, treatment options may still be considered, particularly if the curvature is severe and causing symptoms.
While treatment options are slightly more limited with age, we have had success treating adult patients.
In some cases, surgical intervention may be considered for adults with scoliosis, especially if the curvature is causing pain, difficulty breathing, or other health issues.

For your scoliosis appointment, wear comfortable clothing that makes it easy for your clinician to assess your spine. You may need to remove some clothing during the consultation for an accurate evaluation.

Here’s what we suggest:

• Loose-fitting clothes: Choose items that are easy to adjust or remove, so your back is accessible for the assessment.
• Comfortable bottoms: Leggings or tracksuit bottoms work best, allowing you to move freely during the examination.
• Hair ties: If you have long hair, bring a hair tie to keep it out of the way during your appointment.

If you’re unsure what to wear, feel free to contact us ahead of time for advice.

Yes, we normally recommend wearing the brace for 22 hours a day during the first six weeks of treatment. After this, you may be able to reduce the wear time. Your clinician will give you an exact wearing schedule before starting treatment.

The more time spent in the brace, the better the chance of stopping the curve progression and improving your Cobb angle.

Yes! Thanks to its three-dimensional design, postural improvements are often noticeable within two months, especially with good brace use.

These improvements include:

• reduced rib hump (caused by spinal rotation)
• better waistline symmetry
• improved hip alignment and overall balance

By rebalancing the spine and ensuring the weight line from the head is more central over the pelvis, the long-term outlook for patients improves significantly.

Braces like the LOC Scoliosis Brace can:

• reduce the need for surgery later in life
• help manage pain
• improve the cosmetic appearance of scoliosis

For teenagers, bracing can stop a scoliosis curve from worsening as they grow. Over time, this can help relieve discomfort, improve posture, and reduce the need for surgery.