What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine (from side to side or in a c or s shape). It is most often diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence, but adults can develop too due to bad posture. Scoliosis affects 2-3 percent of the population. It can affect all genders, however, Females are eight times more likely to progress to a curve magnitude that requires treatment.
SCOLIOSIS SYMPTOMPS
You may experience some or all the following:
- Uneven shoulders. One shoulder blade is higher than the other.
- Head is not centered directly above the pelvis.
- Uneven hips. One or both hips are raised or unusually high.
- Rib cages are at different heights.
- Uneven waist.
- Rotary spine.
- The appearance or texture of the skin overlying the spine changes (dimples, hairy patches, color abnormalities).
- The entire body leans to one side.
- Breathing problems. Your lungs cannot expand completely because of reduced area in your chest.
- Back pain
SCOLIOSIS CAUSES
Some common causes of scoliosis are:
Neuromuscular scoliosis
It´s when your scoliosis is secondary to neurological or muscular diseases such as: spinal cord trauma, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and spina bifida, etc. These type of scoliosis generally progresses more rapidly than other types and often requires surgical treatment.
Cerebral palsy
It is due to a group of nervous system disorders that affect movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking.
Muscular dystrophy
It is a group of genetic disorders that result in muscle weakness
Other causes are:
- Birth defects that affect an infant’s spinal bones.
- Spinal injuries or infections, such as Vertebral osteomyelitis or Epidural abscess.
- Embryological malformation, also called congenital scoliosis.
- Idiopathic scoliosis. It is diagnosed when all other causes are excluded. it comprises about 80% of all cases and it´s most seen in adolescents.
- Family heritage. People with a family history of scoliosis are more likely to develop this condition.
- Gender. People with a vagina are more likely to have a more severe form of scoliosis that also needs treatment than those with a penis.
SCOLIOSIS DIAGNOSES
Diagnosis is based on full medical history, physical examination to test muscles strength and reflexes. In addition, image tests will allow the therapist or professional to determining the severity of your scoliosis by measuring the curve using the Cobb Method. Severity is diagnosed by the number of degrees.
Imaging tests for scoliosis include:
X-ray
This test uses small amounts of radiation to create a picture of your spine. It shows the structure of the vertebrae and the outline of the joints.
MRI scan
It uses radio and magnetic waves to get detailed three-dimensional images of body structures like the spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding areas, as well as enlargement, degeneration and deformities.
CT or CAT scan
During this test, X-rays are taken at a variety of angles to get a 3-D picture of your body. It can show the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents and the structures around it.
Bone scan
This test detects a radioactive solution injected into your blood that concentrates in areas of increased circulation, highlighting spinal abnormalities.
SCOLIOSIS TREATMENTS
Sciatica pain can be severe and debilitating and stops you from doing the simplest of life’s activities, which become impossible to perform. It is important to find a position where the pain response can be quietened down and decrease the central sensitisation which amplifies the pain.
The two most important priorities are to:
- Decompress the nerve impingement
- Decrease the chemical inflammation of involved structures
- Stabilise weak areas
- Restore normal movement to areas above and below that could put undue load on the damaged areas
- Self- management advice
- Cold/hot alternating packs, relief position • Active movements within pain limit
- Dos: nerve flossing, hip opener stretches
- Don’ts: low and soft seats, no lifting, no bending and twisting movements
Please note general back exercises that you may come across may not be suitable for your presentation and could aggravate your condition.
Make sure you see one of our specialists who can prescribe the right combination of exercises and movements for you
We can help you!
DIAGNOSE
CONDITIONS
TREATMENTS
Treatments that can help
Here are some treatments that can help with Scoliosis Pain:
- Massage (Soft Tissue)
Help decompress the nerve impingement due to tight muscles - Osteopathy
Helps restore normal movement due to misalignment and decompress nerve impingement - Physiotherapy/Sports Therapy
Helps stabilise weak areas and restore normal movement - Acupunture
Helps to loosen up the tissue decompress the nerve impingement in tight muscles
Book a Consultation with
Here are some therapist that can help with Scoliosis Pain: