Medicare is a hot topic on the presidential campaign trail; federal agency says reform has saved seniors money

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and running
mate Paul Ryan talk health care in New Hampshire. Photo
by Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe.

The federal health reform law continues to be a major point of contention in the presidential campaign. Yesterday, Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan said, "Medicare should not be a piggybank for Obamacare," while at a rally in New Hampshire yesterday and blasted President Obama "for using $716 billion in savings from Medicare and applying it to his health care law," reports Matt Viser for The Boston Globe.

Most of that amount was taken from reductions to Medicare Advantage, a category of Medicare plans that are run by private insurance companies. The idea behind the program "was that competition among the private insurers would reduce costs," reports Politifact.com, a Tampa Bay Times project that fact-checks statements on public policy. "But in recent years the plans have actually cost more than traditional Medicare. So the health-care law scales back the payments to private insurers."

Ryan has proposed his own fix, a voucher program for Medicare, which Obama sharply criticized Saturday: "Now you think they'd avoid talking about Medicare, considering both of them have proposed to voucherize the Medicare system," he said. "They want seniors to get a voucher to buy their own insurance, which would force seniors to pay an additional $6,400 for their health care."

Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a press release detailing how much the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has saved seniors. Kentucky seniors and those with disabilities have saved $78.4 million on prescription drugs since 2010. In 2012, seniors in Kentucky saved an average of $579 because of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The law covers the prescription drug coverage gap known as the "donut hole."

In the first seven months of 2012, 477,235 Kentuckians with Medicare also got at least one preventive service for free because of a provision in the law, a CMS reports.

"The health care law has saved people with Medicare over $4.1 billion on prescription drugs, and given millions access to cancer screenings, mammograms and other preventive services for free," said Kathleen Sebelius, secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services. "Medicare is stronger thanks to the health care law, saving people money and offering new benefits at no cost to seniors."

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and running
mate Paul Ryan talk health care in New Hampshire. Photo
by Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe.

The federal health reform law continues to be a major point of contention in the presidential campaign. Yesterday, Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan said, "Medicare should not be a piggybank for Obamacare," while at a rally in New Hampshire yesterday and blasted President Obama "for using $716 billion in savings from Medicare and applying it to his health care law," reports Matt Viser for The Boston Globe.

Most of that amount was taken from reductions to Medicare Advantage, a category of Medicare plans that are run by private insurance companies. The idea behind the program "was that competition among the private insurers would reduce costs," reports Politifact.com, a Tampa Bay Times project that fact-checks statements on public policy. "But in recent years the plans have actually cost more than traditional Medicare. So the health-care law scales back the payments to private insurers."

Ryan has proposed his own fix, a voucher program for Medicare, which Obama sharply criticized Saturday: "Now you think they'd avoid talking about Medicare, considering both of them have proposed to voucherize the Medicare system," he said. "They want seniors to get a voucher to buy their own insurance, which would force seniors to pay an additional $6,400 for their health care."

Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a press release detailing how much the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has saved seniors. Kentucky seniors and those with disabilities have saved $78.4 million on prescription drugs since 2010. In 2012, seniors in Kentucky saved an average of $579 because of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The law covers the prescription drug coverage gap known as the "donut hole."

In the first seven months of 2012, 477,235 Kentuckians with Medicare also got at least one preventive service for free because of a provision in the law, a CMS reports.

"The health care law has saved people with Medicare over $4.1 billion on prescription drugs, and given millions access to cancer screenings, mammograms and other preventive services for free," said Kathleen Sebelius, secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services. "Medicare is stronger thanks to the health care law, saving people money and offering new benefits at no cost to seniors."

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Aetna buying Coventry, which manages some Medicaid care

Aetna will buy Coventry Health Care for about $5.6 billion as the third-largest health insurance company poises itself for more Medicare and Medicaid patients under the federal health-care reform law.

Coventry Cares is one of four managed care organizations that supervise care for Kentucky's Medicaid patients. But since being put in place last November, the company reports it has been beleaguered by shortfalls and has threatened to end many contracts with hospitals.

"It's a deal that almost had to happen," said thomas Carroll, a Stifel Nicolaus & Co. analyst in Baltimore. "For Aetna to really compete effectively amongst the other large national managed care companies, they have to do more in terms of gaining market share in the commercial business as well as getting a bigger foothold in Medicare and Medicaid, which are the growth areas in managed care over the next decade."

The health care law "seeks to add as many as 17 million patients under Medicaid, the insurance program for the poor, while individuals states have increasingly turned to insurers to help them manage existing programs at lower costs," reports the Bloomberg News. "Medicare managed-care plans are among the fastest-growing products for health insurers as Americans age." (Read more)

Aetna will buy Coventry Health Care for about $5.6 billion as the third-largest health insurance company poises itself for more Medicare and Medicaid patients under the federal health-care reform law.

Coventry Cares is one of four managed care organizations that supervise care for Kentucky's Medicaid patients. But since being put in place last November, the company reports it has been beleaguered by shortfalls and has threatened to end many contracts with hospitals.

"It's a deal that almost had to happen," said thomas Carroll, a Stifel Nicolaus & Co. analyst in Baltimore. "For Aetna to really compete effectively amongst the other large national managed care companies, they have to do more in terms of gaining market share in the commercial business as well as getting a bigger foothold in Medicare and Medicaid, which are the growth areas in managed care over the next decade."

The health care law "seeks to add as many as 17 million patients under Medicaid, the insurance program for the poor, while individuals states have increasingly turned to insurers to help them manage existing programs at lower costs," reports the Bloomberg News. "Medicare managed-care plans are among the fastest-growing products for health insurers as Americans age." (Read more)

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CadenceMed Announces Top Ten Chiropractic Facebook Pages of 2012

After reviewing countless Facebook pages, we have identified our Top Ten Chiropractic Facebook Pages for 2012. These Facebook pages have unique strengths that deserve special recognition, so instead of ranking them #1 through #10, we decided it would be best to simply pinpoint what they do best.

So without further adieu, here are the chiropractic Facebook pages that we “Like” the most and why. Learn, share and enjoy!

Best Status Updates
BodyWise Chiropractic

What we like
Unlike most businesses on Facebook, these guys are rarely pushing their products and services. Instead, they are posting content that is thought-provoking, funny, educational and graphical. The end result? A large and engaged community of fans.

Most Likes
Goodlettsville Chiropractic Clinic

What we like
Isn’t it obvious? We like their “Likes.” Although the number of Likes a page has can be a vanity metric (what really matters when it comes to investing time and money on social media is if you are able to generate business, improve patient outcomes or increase patient satisfaction), it can be a decent indicator that the business is doing something correct. With over 23,000 Likes and status updates that fans are positively responding to, these guys appear to be doing more than just racking up a high Like number.

Best Design
Live Well Chiropractic and Lifestyle

What we like
This Louisville chiropractor just opened up shop earlier in the year, but he is making a splash with his practice’s attractive website and growing Facebook page. The combination of their aesthetically-pleasing profile picture and personal Timeline Banner image evokes a professional and emotional first impression.

Best YouTube Integration
Executive Express Chiropractic

What we like
Facebook Timeline Tabs often go underutilized, but not in this case. The team at Executive Express Chiropractic are integrating YouTube with their Facebook page in a wonderful way: by presenting patient testimonials. Third-party social proof is one of the most effective ways for an individual or business to validate the quality of its products and services. Video testimonials are among the most potent forms of social proof because they are more personal than written or audio testimonials; nice work!

Best E-Commerce Integration
Dr. Kevin Lau

What we like
Dr. Kevin Lau is the author of a number of books on scoliosis. He gives his Facebook visitors the opportunity to buy products right from his Facebook page. All his visitors need to do is visit his “Online Store” tab, which is powered by Amazon.

Best Engagement
Belleville Chiropractic practice: LiveWell Wellness Centers

What we like
Probably the best sign of a healthy Facebook business presence is a highly engaged fan-base. Few chiropractic practices do a better job at posting content that gets their contacts “Liking,” commenting and sharing as well as LiveWell Wellness Centers do on their Facebook page. As of posting this article, 1,178 people were talking about LiveWell Wellness Centers – now that is what we call a thriving community of fans!

Best Use of Facebook Tabs
Maui Spa & Wellness Center

What we like
We like how these folks are using their Facebook tabs to share more information about their spa, services and upcoming events. It makes a strong first impression and answers most of the key questions a prospective patient might have.

Best Patient Education
Portland Chiropractic Neurology

What we like
Pay special attention to their page’s “Patient Resources” tab. It is chocked full of rich information about health disorders that their prospective or existing patients would likely find interesting and valuable. The layout of the information – with a header, a short passage of content and then a “Learn More” button is brilliant. This provides a Facebook visitor with just enough information to become interested before referring them where most practices really want their traffic to go: their websites.

So that’s it: our ten favorite chiropractic Facebook pages? Do you agree? Disagree? Share with us on Twitter or Facebook.

Also, don’t forget to subscribe below. Next week we will be announcing our Top Ten Dental Facebook Pages of 2012!

To the health of your practice and its patients,
The CadenceMed Team

About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

After reviewing countless Facebook pages, we have identified our Top Ten Chiropractic Facebook Pages for 2012. These Facebook pages have unique strengths that deserve special recognition, so instead of ranking them #1 through #10, we decided it would be best to simply pinpoint what they do best.

So without further adieu, here are the chiropractic Facebook pages that we “Like” the most and why. Learn, share and enjoy!

Best Status Updates
BodyWise Chiropractic

What we like
Unlike most businesses on Facebook, these guys are rarely pushing their products and services. Instead, they are posting content that is thought-provoking, funny, educational and graphical. The end result? A large and engaged community of fans.

Most Likes
Goodlettsville Chiropractic Clinic

What we like
Isn’t it obvious? We like their “Likes.” Although the number of Likes a page has can be a vanity metric (what really matters when it comes to investing time and money on social media is if you are able to generate business, improve patient outcomes or increase patient satisfaction), it can be a decent indicator that the business is doing something correct. With over 23,000 Likes and status updates that fans are positively responding to, these guys appear to be doing more than just racking up a high Like number.

Best Design
Live Well Chiropractic and Lifestyle

What we like
This Louisville chiropractor just opened up shop earlier in the year, but he is making a splash with his practice’s attractive website and growing Facebook page. The combination of their aesthetically-pleasing profile picture and personal Timeline Banner image evokes a professional and emotional first impression.

Best YouTube Integration
Executive Express Chiropractic

What we like
Facebook Timeline Tabs often go underutilized, but not in this case. The team at Executive Express Chiropractic are integrating YouTube with their Facebook page in a wonderful way: by presenting patient testimonials. Third-party social proof is one of the most effective ways for an individual or business to validate the quality of its products and services. Video testimonials are among the most potent forms of social proof because they are more personal than written or audio testimonials; nice work!

Best E-Commerce Integration
Dr. Kevin Lau

What we like
Dr. Kevin Lau is the author of a number of books on scoliosis. He gives his Facebook visitors the opportunity to buy products right from his Facebook page. All his visitors need to do is visit his “Online Store” tab, which is powered by Amazon.

Best Engagement
Belleville Chiropractic practice: LiveWell Wellness Centers

What we like
Probably the best sign of a healthy Facebook business presence is a highly engaged fan-base. Few chiropractic practices do a better job at posting content that gets their contacts “Liking,” commenting and sharing as well as LiveWell Wellness Centers do on their Facebook page. As of posting this article, 1,178 people were talking about LiveWell Wellness Centers – now that is what we call a thriving community of fans!

Best Use of Facebook Tabs
Maui Spa & Wellness Center

What we like
We like how these folks are using their Facebook tabs to share more information about their spa, services and upcoming events. It makes a strong first impression and answers most of the key questions a prospective patient might have.

Best Patient Education
Portland Chiropractic Neurology

What we like
Pay special attention to their page’s “Patient Resources” tab. It is chocked full of rich information about health disorders that their prospective or existing patients would likely find interesting and valuable. The layout of the information – with a header, a short passage of content and then a “Learn More” button is brilliant. This provides a Facebook visitor with just enough information to become interested before referring them where most practices really want their traffic to go: their websites.

So that’s it: our ten favorite chiropractic Facebook pages? Do you agree? Disagree? Share with us on Twitter or Facebook.

Also, don’t forget to subscribe below. Next week we will be announcing our Top Ten Dental Facebook Pages of 2012!

To the health of your practice and its patients,
The CadenceMed Team

About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

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Several hundred, including Sens. McConnell and Paul, attend tea-party rally to express displeasure about health reform law

By Tara Kaprowy
Kentucky Health News

Hundreds of tea-party activists showed up at a midday rally at the state Capitol to protest the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Kentucky's involvement in its implementation. Both are issues in the Nov. 6 elections. (Photo by Pablo Alcala, Lexington Herald-Leader)

In a rare appearance at a tea-party event, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell encouraging those in the crowd "to make Barack Obama a one-term president."

Sen. Rand Paul, who was elected in large measure on his tea-party identity, repeated his riposte to the 5-4 court decision upholding the law: "Just because a couple of people on the Supreme Court declares something to be 'constitutional' does not make it so," he said. "I still think the whole damn thing is unconstitutional."

Scott Wartman of The Cincinnati Enquirer estimated that 300 to  500 people attended the event, which was organized by the Louisville Tea Party. Some who attended came in support of the health care law and carried placards expressing their sentiments. "The rally also drew dozens of counter-protesters who favor Obama and the health care act," Jack Brammer reported for the Lexington Herald-Leader.

One reason for the rally was to influence legislators to fight the implementation of the state health insurance exchange that Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear has created under the law. Before the rally, the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions encouraged participants to ask their legislators what will happen to cost of the state-run health exchange if a huge number of Kentucky players decide not to offer health insurance to their employees.

The Bowling Green-based group also questioned the cost of expanding the Medicaid program to 138 percent the federal poverty level, which is up to individual states under the Supreme Court decision.

McConnell called the law the worst piece in modern times and the "single biggest step in the direction of Europeanizing America, because if the government ever gets its clutches on all the health care of all 306 million Americans, which it will have if Obamacare stands, the government controls the most important concern all of us in the end have — our own health and the health of our family handed over to a centralized government."

McConnell said repealing the law would be top on the agenda if Republicans win a majority of the U.S. Senate in November. But as he alluded earlier, Obama would need to be defeated to prevent a presidential veto of repeal legislation.

Debra Harper of Louisville told the Herald-Leader she suffered a mild stroke last February due to a congenital heart problem, and welcomes the law. “Our president finally gave this nation a blueprint for health care,” she said. “It’s like a blueprint for a house. There may be some changes you want in it, but it’s a sound structure, and people who want to discard all of it are being cruel.”

Kentucky Health News is a service of the University of Kentucky's Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, with support from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

By Tara Kaprowy
Kentucky Health News

Hundreds of tea-party activists showed up at a midday rally at the state Capitol to protest the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Kentucky's involvement in its implementation. Both are issues in the Nov. 6 elections. (Photo by Pablo Alcala, Lexington Herald-Leader)

In a rare appearance at a tea-party event, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell encouraging those in the crowd "to make Barack Obama a one-term president."

Sen. Rand Paul, who was elected in large measure on his tea-party identity, repeated his riposte to the 5-4 court decision upholding the law: "Just because a couple of people on the Supreme Court declares something to be 'constitutional' does not make it so," he said. "I still think the whole damn thing is unconstitutional."

Scott Wartman of The Cincinnati Enquirer estimated that 300 to  500 people attended the event, which was organized by the Louisville Tea Party. Some who attended came in support of the health care law and carried placards expressing their sentiments. "The rally also drew dozens of counter-protesters who favor Obama and the health care act," Jack Brammer reported for the Lexington Herald-Leader.

One reason for the rally was to influence legislators to fight the implementation of the state health insurance exchange that Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear has created under the law. Before the rally, the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions encouraged participants to ask their legislators what will happen to cost of the state-run health exchange if a huge number of Kentucky players decide not to offer health insurance to their employees.

The Bowling Green-based group also questioned the cost of expanding the Medicaid program to 138 percent the federal poverty level, which is up to individual states under the Supreme Court decision.

McConnell called the law the worst piece in modern times and the "single biggest step in the direction of Europeanizing America, because if the government ever gets its clutches on all the health care of all 306 million Americans, which it will have if Obamacare stands, the government controls the most important concern all of us in the end have — our own health and the health of our family handed over to a centralized government."

McConnell said repealing the law would be top on the agenda if Republicans win a majority of the U.S. Senate in November. But as he alluded earlier, Obama would need to be defeated to prevent a presidential veto of repeal legislation.

Debra Harper of Louisville told the Herald-Leader she suffered a mild stroke last February due to a congenital heart problem, and welcomes the law. “Our president finally gave this nation a blueprint for health care,” she said. “It’s like a blueprint for a house. There may be some changes you want in it, but it’s a sound structure, and people who want to discard all of it are being cruel.”

Kentucky Health News is a service of the University of Kentucky's Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, with support from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

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Most Medicaid recipients can switch their managed care company from now through Oct. 19

Medicaid recipients in 104 counties who want to change who provides their managed care will have an opportunity to do so during open enrollment now through Oct. 19.

Letters are being sent out by the Kentucky Department of Medicaid Services to inform recipients about the open enrollment option. These recipients can choose from three companies: Coventry Cares, Kentucky Spirit Health Plan and WellCare of Kentucky. There is no cost to switch coverage. Those who want to keep their current coverage do not need to take action.

Recipients who want more information about their coverage options and provider networks can reach their managed care organization by phone. The numbers are:

• Coventry Cares: 855-300-5528

• Kentucky Spirit Health Plan: 866-643-3153

• WellCare of Kentucky: 877-389-9457

The open enrollment does not apply to people who live in the region of the state covered by Passport Health Plan, which includes Breckinridge, Bullitt, Carroll, Grayson, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble and Washington counties.

All changes will take effect Nov. 1. Once enrolled, the member will have 90 days to change to a different MCO, but after that period will have to wait until the next open enrollment period. (Read more)

Medicaid recipients in 104 counties who want to change who provides their managed care will have an opportunity to do so during open enrollment now through Oct. 19.

Letters are being sent out by the Kentucky Department of Medicaid Services to inform recipients about the open enrollment option. These recipients can choose from three companies: Coventry Cares, Kentucky Spirit Health Plan and WellCare of Kentucky. There is no cost to switch coverage. Those who want to keep their current coverage do not need to take action.

Recipients who want more information about their coverage options and provider networks can reach their managed care organization by phone. The numbers are:

• Coventry Cares: 855-300-5528

• Kentucky Spirit Health Plan: 866-643-3153

• WellCare of Kentucky: 877-389-9457

The open enrollment does not apply to people who live in the region of the state covered by Passport Health Plan, which includes Breckinridge, Bullitt, Carroll, Grayson, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble and Washington counties.

All changes will take effect Nov. 1. Once enrolled, the member will have 90 days to change to a different MCO, but after that period will have to wait until the next open enrollment period. (Read more)

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Exercises for scoliosis in teens

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a rare (2% to 3% of the general population) spinal deformity affecting young people aged 10 through the end of the growth period. The deformity may continue into adulthood. AIS is characterised by one or more three-dimensional spinal curves. Disability, cosmetic deformity, pain, activity limitation, quality of life issues, breathing problems and the possibility of the scoliosis remaining with the person into and throughout adulthood are commonly associated with this condition. The cause of AIS is unknown.

Treatment for AIS varies according to the degree of severity of the curves. Just the same, exercise is almost always a part of the treatment plan. In milder cases, exercise may be the main treatment, and in more severe cases it may serve as an adjunct. In the UK and the US, physical therapy for scoliosis consists mainly of general strengthening and stretching exercises, along with exercise protocols with which the treating therapist is familiar. There is a corresponding feeling among practitioners in these geographical locations that physical therapy for scoliosis is not effective.

Scoliosis specific exercises (SSEs) are individualised exercises aimed at reducing the deformity. SSEs are taught in clinics that specialize in scoliosis. The exercises work by changing the soft tissue that affects the spine. SSEs are also thought to work by altering control of spinal movement. There are no known side effects or risks to using SSEs .

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of SSEs in reducing curve progression and postponing or avoiding invasive treatment such as surgery in adolescents with AIS. Two studies involving 154 patients total were included. The review found no evidences for or against SSE. The two included studies yielded very low quality evidence that SSEs added to other treatments are more effective than electrical stimulation, traction and posture training for avoiding curve progression, and that SSEs as a standalone treatment yield almost the same results as general physiotherapy.

Possible limitations of this review included the small number of studies that met the inclusion criteria and a high risk of bias, particularly selection bias. More randomised controlled trials are needed in this area, along with a deeper understanding of the types of SSEs useful for the adolescent with AIS.

Comment from Dr. Kevin Lau: I have seen time and time again that therapies that merely focus on the physical deformity and imbalance to be ineffective... Treating scoliosis at its source involves diet and lifestyle changes which can affect how genes are expressed. For more info read my book.

About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a rare (2% to 3% of the general population) spinal deformity affecting young people aged 10 through the end of the growth period. The deformity may continue into adulthood. AIS is characterised by one or more three-dimensional spinal curves. Disability, cosmetic deformity, pain, activity limitation, quality of life issues, breathing problems and the possibility of the scoliosis remaining with the person into and throughout adulthood are commonly associated with this condition. The cause of AIS is unknown.

Treatment for AIS varies according to the degree of severity of the curves. Just the same, exercise is almost always a part of the treatment plan. In milder cases, exercise may be the main treatment, and in more severe cases it may serve as an adjunct. In the UK and the US, physical therapy for scoliosis consists mainly of general strengthening and stretching exercises, along with exercise protocols with which the treating therapist is familiar. There is a corresponding feeling among practitioners in these geographical locations that physical therapy for scoliosis is not effective.

Scoliosis specific exercises (SSEs) are individualised exercises aimed at reducing the deformity. SSEs are taught in clinics that specialize in scoliosis. The exercises work by changing the soft tissue that affects the spine. SSEs are also thought to work by altering control of spinal movement. There are no known side effects or risks to using SSEs .

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of SSEs in reducing curve progression and postponing or avoiding invasive treatment such as surgery in adolescents with AIS. Two studies involving 154 patients total were included. The review found no evidences for or against SSE. The two included studies yielded very low quality evidence that SSEs added to other treatments are more effective than electrical stimulation, traction and posture training for avoiding curve progression, and that SSEs as a standalone treatment yield almost the same results as general physiotherapy.

Possible limitations of this review included the small number of studies that met the inclusion criteria and a high risk of bias, particularly selection bias. More randomised controlled trials are needed in this area, along with a deeper understanding of the types of SSEs useful for the adolescent with AIS.

Comment from Dr. Kevin Lau: I have seen time and time again that therapies that merely focus on the physical deformity and imbalance to be ineffective... Treating scoliosis at its source involves diet and lifestyle changes which can affect how genes are expressed. For more info read my book.

About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

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Some doctors find law to fight pill mills confusing and overreaching, and some say they will stop writing prescriptions

Dr. Kathy Nieder, with patient charts
(C-J photo by Michael Clevenger)

Dr. Ralph Alvarado’s medical practice in Winchester has prescribed controlled substances to 1,800 patients in Central Kentucky over the past three years. But he and other doctors in the practice decided to put down their pens four weeks ago. That’s because, Mike Wynn of The Courier-Journal reports, "The standards imposed under a new Kentucky law designed to crack down on prescription drug abuse are so strict and complex that he would go bankrupt in a month -- or worse -- if he were to continue prescribing controlled substances."

Alvarado, who has made two unsuccessful campaigns for the state Senate, told Wynn, "I’m not going to be threatened with jail time or criminal charges and lose my career." He said he would refer patients to specialists to get pain-pill prescriptions.

Proponents argue that the new prescribing standards in House Bill 1, passed by the 2012 General Assembly "in hopes of combating an epidemic of drug abuse that kills nearly 1,000 Kentuckians each year were intended only to root out pill mills and crooked doctors and should not hamper legitimate physicians or prevent patients from receiving needed drugs," Wynn writes. However, "Some doctors contend the legislation is excessive, confusing and time-consuming, and across Kentucky, many have been seeking advice from attorneys about following the law, and warning patients about potential cutbacks to common drugs for pain, anxiety and other conditions. Some doctors are even talking about leaving the state. . . . Others say they have sent patients home in tears or in pain because they lack the time and resources to comply with the law."

"Patients who have never been a problem are bound up in all of this," Greg Hood, Kentucky chapter governor of the American College of Physicians, told Wynn. "There are so many unintended consequences." Hood's group and the Kentucky Medical Association are trying to determine how many clinics are declining to write prescriptions, but neither is advocating that approach. According to state offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration, only three in-state doctors have voluntarily surrendered their DEA registration — required for prescribing controlled substances — in recent weeks for reasons related to the new law. Still, the Greater Louisville Medical Society held a meeting with about 200 members recently in which attorneys tried to explain the law’s details. Doctors cited nearly two dozen areas of concern stemming from what they call vague and ambiguous legal language, the group reported. (Read more)

Dr. Kathy Nieder, with patient charts
(C-J photo by Michael Clevenger)

Dr. Ralph Alvarado’s medical practice in Winchester has prescribed controlled substances to 1,800 patients in Central Kentucky over the past three years. But he and other doctors in the practice decided to put down their pens four weeks ago. That’s because, Mike Wynn of The Courier-Journal reports, "The standards imposed under a new Kentucky law designed to crack down on prescription drug abuse are so strict and complex that he would go bankrupt in a month -- or worse -- if he were to continue prescribing controlled substances."

Alvarado, who has made two unsuccessful campaigns for the state Senate, told Wynn, "I’m not going to be threatened with jail time or criminal charges and lose my career." He said he would refer patients to specialists to get pain-pill prescriptions.

Proponents argue that the new prescribing standards in House Bill 1, passed by the 2012 General Assembly "in hopes of combating an epidemic of drug abuse that kills nearly 1,000 Kentuckians each year were intended only to root out pill mills and crooked doctors and should not hamper legitimate physicians or prevent patients from receiving needed drugs," Wynn writes. However, "Some doctors contend the legislation is excessive, confusing and time-consuming, and across Kentucky, many have been seeking advice from attorneys about following the law, and warning patients about potential cutbacks to common drugs for pain, anxiety and other conditions. Some doctors are even talking about leaving the state. . . . Others say they have sent patients home in tears or in pain because they lack the time and resources to comply with the law."

"Patients who have never been a problem are bound up in all of this," Greg Hood, Kentucky chapter governor of the American College of Physicians, told Wynn. "There are so many unintended consequences." Hood's group and the Kentucky Medical Association are trying to determine how many clinics are declining to write prescriptions, but neither is advocating that approach. According to state offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration, only three in-state doctors have voluntarily surrendered their DEA registration — required for prescribing controlled substances — in recent weeks for reasons related to the new law. Still, the Greater Louisville Medical Society held a meeting with about 200 members recently in which attorneys tried to explain the law’s details. Doctors cited nearly two dozen areas of concern stemming from what they call vague and ambiguous legal language, the group reported. (Read more)

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