Dr, Gage is an experienced scoliosis and bracing clinician who has been making custom spine braces since 2009.
The goal with INFANTS, CHILDREN and ADOLESCENTS is correction of the developing spinal deformity while the spine is still growing. The smaller the curve(s) and the earlier the treatment is started, the more potential for correction there is. An important point to consider is that all LARGE curves started out as SMALL curves - this is why treatment should be started as soon as possible. Outdated approaches like "watch and wait" are not recommended, nor are they supported by the current research and professional guidelines. Both the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) and the Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) agree that a combination of bracing and scoliosis-specific exercises is the current standard for conservative (non-surgical) treatment of a scoliosis in both children and adults.
The goals of treatment of ADULTS include stabilization of the spine, improvement in global posture and cosmetics, as well as pain relief. Spinal flexibility is an important factor for curve correction in adults.
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of spinal deformity. It is a progressive curvature of the spine that can result in a variety of health issues, as well as significant deformity, disability, arthritic degeneration, and in extreme cases, a shortened lifespan due to cardio-vascular compromise (compression of the heart and lungs).
Idiopathic scoliosis affects millions worldwide. One in ten people have a scoliosis. Early detection and proper treatment of idiopathic scoliosis is essential to optimize results. Idiopathic scoliosis can start at any age before skeletal maturity. The most common type is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) as the postural disorganization of a developing scoliosis is most often noticed when children are growing rapidly during early adolescence.
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Brad was very thorough, made sure we understood all that he was doing and when he thought that there was more he could do, he confirmed it with the SpineCor people and made sure all avenues were covered to bring success.
We have referred others to Brad and we are very comfortable in doing so. While Susie will always have her scoliosis, she is not at risk of surgery in the immediate or foreseeable future. We owe Dr.Gage, a big load of gratitude and I can only hope that any referral we offer is well received." - Walter Morel, Kelowna, BC
The BetterBack ClinicTM is a fully accredited provider of the ScoliBrace - a new type of 3D Rigid Bracing for the treatment of Scoliosis and/or Kyphosis. Most rigid braces (such as the Boston or Cheneau braces) are three-point-pressure designs, which act like a cast (immobilizing the spine), applying pressure on the curve(s) towards the midline to try and contain the natural progression of a developing scoliosis. A three-point-pressure system brace does not have corrective potential like a modern 3D brace like a ScoliBrace.
A ScoliBrace is the only rigid brace in the world that is specifically designed to correct the spine by moving it into the "mirror image" of the person's postural deformity (without immobilizing the spine). New bone grows according to the forces applied to it (this is called the Heuter-Volkmann Law of Growing Bone). A ScoliBrace has true corrective potential as the growing bones will change shape over time as the brace alters the load. For maximum benefit, the brace is applied prior to the main pubertal growth spurt.
Dr. Gage was one of the first ScoliBrace providers in North America. Now he provides technical and case management support as well as ongoing training for ScoliBrace providers in Canada, the USA, Europe, and the Middle East.
To visit the ScoliBrace website, please click on the image above or click here.
The ScoliBrace is covered by most private insurance plans. The ScoliBrace is classified as a rigid Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis (commonly referred to as a "TLSO" brace). In order to be covered under your benefits, many insurance companies require that a custom spinal brace (or "orthosis") be rigid (made of metal or plastic).
Dr. Gage is also a fully accredited provider of The SpineCorTM Dynamic Corrective Brace, a flexible scoliosis brace. Dr. Gage was the first accredited SpineCor provider in Western Canada. We are pleased to announce that there is a new version of the SpineCor brace, called the Comfort Plus brace. The Comfort Plus brace offers a greater degree of comfort, pain-relief, power and control than ever before.
To visit the SpineCor website, please click on the image above, or click here. The SpineCor Brace is covered by some private insurance plans (extended health benefits).
Considering Other Types of Braces?
Milwaukee. Imagine being in this type of brace for 20 hours per day! :^(
Considering Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?
Even with proper use of a brace, approximately 10-20% of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis cases will progress to the point where surgery is the only option. However, in the vast majority of cases, surgery can be used as a last resort! We recommend open communication with your surgeon and a plan of co-management in order to get the best results for you or your child.
Warning: This video contains graphic surgical content. <<
>> viewer discretion is advised <<