Scoliosis
What is Scoliosis ?
Scoliosis is the most common deformity of the spine comprising two abnormalities of the spine; a lateral curvature meaning the spine bends from side to side creating an ‘S’ shape; and a rotation of the spine, usually subtle, which causes a twisting effect of the vertebral bodies.
What causes Scoliosis?
The cause of Scoliosis can point to various factors such as genetic, neuromuscular, hormonal or growth factors, though the cause is usually multi-factorial.
In fact, the most common form of scoliosis is called “idiopathic scoliosis” which means that the cause is unknown, and furthermore it can affect people of different ages.
The most common is idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. There are cases however of congenital scoliosis that is an abnormality in the development of the vertebrae, and it is this failure of the spine to develop normally that causes scoliosis and sometimes deformity.
Scoliosis can also be non-structural which means that a problem in another part of the body, like a discrepancy in leg length, can cause a curve in the spine or an imbalance in the muscles caused by one sided activities such as racket sports or something simpler like a child carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder all day at school.
What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?
- Asymmetric alignment in the body such as uneven hip and shoulder levels
- One prominent shoulder blade
- Dissimilar size or location of breasts in females
- Often there is a muscle masses that causes a “hump” on one side of the body.
The pain caused by the irregular shaping of the spine and the resulting muscular compensation can vary from being mild to acute, and often affects the area directly surrounding the spine itself. Often there is stiffness in the back and neck.
What Treatment can you have for Scoliosis?
Things you can do yourself
- Participation in exercise and sport is important to keep to help maintain strength in the back
- Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (always seek the advice of a medical professional).
Rehabilitation treatment
- Chiropractic manipulation
- Physiotherapy
- Ultrasound
- In more serious forms of Scoliosis, bracing (especially in children) or surgery may be needed