Scoliosis

What is Scoliosis?

Because we walk on 2 feet, the human nervous system constantly works through reflexes and postural control to keep our spine in a straight line from side to side. Occasionally, a lateral (sideways) curvature develops. If the curvature is larger than 10 degrees, it is called scoliosis.

Curves less than 10 degrees are often just postural changes. Scoliosis can also be accompanied by Lordosis (abnormal curvature of the spine towards the front) or Kyphosis (abnormal curvature of the spine towards the back).

In more than 80% of cases, the cause of Scoliotic curvatures is unknown; we call this condition Idiopathic scoliosis. In other cases, trauma, neurological disease, tumors, and the like are responsible. Functional scoliosis is a curvature of the spine due to a problem that does not involve the spine, such as having legs that are different lengths or muscle spasms caused by pain. A Functional scoliosis can often be helped with spinal adjustments, massage and rehabilitation exercises.

Although scoliosis can begin at any age, it most often develops in adolescents between the ages of 10 and 15. Girls are more commonly affected than boys. Because scoliosis can be inherited, children whose parents or siblings are affected by it should definitely be evaluated by a trained professional, such as an Osteopath or Chiropractor.
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
Scoliosis can significantly affect quality of life by limiting activity, causing pain, reducing lung function, or affecting heart function. Diminished self-esteem and other psychological problems are also seen. Because scoliosis occurs most commonly during adolescence, teens with extreme spinal deviations from the norm are often teased by their peers.

Fortunately, 4 out of 5 people with scoliosis have curves of less than 20 degrees, which are usually not detectable to the untrained eye. These small curves are typically no cause for great concern, provided there are no signs of further progression. In growing children and adolescents, however, mild curvatures can worsen quite rapidly-by 10 degrees or more-in a few months. Therefore, frequent checkups by qualified professionals are often necessary for this age group.

How is scoliosis evaluated?
Evaluation begins with a thorough history and physical examination, including postural analysis. If a Scoliotic curvature is discovered, a more in-depth evaluation is needed. This might include a search for birth defects, trauma, and other factors that can cause structural curves.
Patients with substantial spinal curvatures very often require an x-ray evaluation of the spine. This procedure helps determine the location and magnitude of the scoliosis, along with any underlying cause not evident on physical examination, other associated curvatures, and the health of other organ systems that might be affected by the Scoliosis.
Is scoliosis always progressive?
Generally, it is not. In fact, the vast majority of Scolioses remain mild, are not progressive, and requires little treatment, if any.

In one group of patients, however, scoliosis is often more progressive. This group is made up of young girls who have Scolioses of 25 degrees or larger, but who have not yet had their first menstrual period.

Girls generally grow quite quickly during the 12 months before their first period and if they have Scolioses, the curvatures tend to progress rapidly. In girls who have already had their first periods, the rate of growth is slower, so their curves tend to progress more slowly.

What is the treatment for scoliosis?
There are generally 4 treatment options for scoliosis:

1. Careful observation is the most common “treatment,” as most mild Scolioses do not progress and cause few, if any, physical problems.

2. Bracing is generally reserved for children who have not reached skeletal maturity (the time when the skeleton stops growing), and who have curves between 25 and 45 degrees.

3. Surgery is generally used in the few cases where the curves are greater than 45 degrees and progressive, and/or when the scoliosis may affect the function of the heart, lungs, or other vital organs.

4. Physical Therapy. Due to the abnormal curvature caused by scoliosis, sufferers can experience muscle tightness and referred pains. Spinal adjustments, massage and rehabilitation exercises can help to reduce the spinal muscle tension, and with regular ‘Spinal MOT’s’ adverse symptoms caused by the condition can be reduced.

Juvenile scoliosis’ treated early on can also benefit from treatment as it may help to reduce the progression of the scoliosis.

If you are concerned that you or a friend or family member are developing or already have developed a scoliosis, ask your practitioner for the appropriate advice.

The information provided is for general guidance only and must not be used for diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.