Read This Before Treating Scoliosis

As the famous adage goes, “It is the tragedy of science that all the wonderful theories are spoiled by a few bothersome facts”. Given that, over the years, people have allowed themselves to be drawn to theories with no scientific proof, one of the biggest lessons, we hope, this Coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic will leave for society as a whole is that personal theories do not marry science, for science has entirely and always been about learning from the facts.

One of the biggest mistakes many of us generally make, in medicine and healthcare, is failing to be led by science in our choices. And the field of scoliosis is no exception to this. Then, of course, there is interpretation of scientific data, that creates further differences of opinions, between medical practitioners. There are some areas in which these differences are pretty small like the cells in the human body, as the scientific evidence is strong and plentiful. However, very often there are considerable differences of interpretation and numerous theories in circulation; precisely because scientific evidence is still scarce. The field of scoliosis and spinal deformities, specifically with regard to non-surgical treatment approaches, belongs to the latter category.

Another aspect to consider is the fundamental need for continuing medical education. Scientific knowledge doubles in less than five years. Thus it becomes very necessary to stay abreast of developments. Failing to fit in may have consequences. How ever can a physician imagine that what he or she learned at university, donkey number of years before, will continue to be enough? Thus we must all take a moment to appreciate healthcare professionals who refer patients to another specialist whenever they feel poorly-equipped to deal with a particular clinical situation.

It is unfair to sketch professional pride from attempting to deal with absolutely everything you encounter. The ability to recognize when a patient’s needs are out of your sphere of competence and refer the patient to the right specialist, is the true mark of good doctor.

However, a doctor’s ability to deal optimally with every situation that arises within own particular sphere of expertise is also the mark of a good professional and definitely a source of professional pride.

Shared decision-making and personalized medicine are cornerstones of modern medicine. Interacting with patients and involving them in the decision-making process means reaching decisions on basis of what the patient prefers and is willing to accept.

Patients are satisfied with decisions only if they are adequately informed. However, patients themselves must take on some of the responsibility to grasp the pros and cons of the treatments offered. “Doctor Google” may often be a poor source of information but consulting “him” may help patients to formulate questions to be answered fully and authoritatively by a capable professional. Hence instigating the right choices and a successful therapeutic outcome.

And a successful outcome may never mean exactly the same thing for all patients; since success depends on the clinical condition in question and the brave-choices the patient is willing to make.

Finally, there comes the question of trust. Doctor-patient interactions are human interactions depending primarily on the relationship between the two people involved. If one of the two parties fails to engage or in the absence of this relationship choices made will be purely technical ones, not weighed upon the basis of the needs of the person in question.

The current pandemic has rightly taught us that medicine offers no guarantees. Sometimes highly important human factors come into play and it is not always possible to simply overlook them.

Medicine is an entirely human reality.
Medicine is an entirely human reality.

There still may be many diseases we cannot “cure”, but can certainly “care” for all our patients offering them the best available techniques and treating with all the humanity they need.

Medicine today is not just holding the patient’s hand and offering comfort and reassurance, but also comes with a responsibility to guard against returning to the depersonalized variety develop in the 1900s.

P.S. As we treat scoliosis patients at Dr. Pratik’s Spine Care Clinic, we consider sharing this information with you ultimately crucial when embarking on a long journey together.