Scoliosis; what it is, treatment options.

Scoliosis is one of the most common musculoskeletal, non-traumatic vertebral abnormalities in pediatrics. They can appear at birth or can develop during childhood or adolescence.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional abnormal curvature of the spine. When you examine someone’s spine you will see that the spine runs straight down in the middle, but when you examine a person with scoliosis then you can see that their spine curves sideways.

There are different types of scoliosis, “C” or “S” shape curve of the spine and also in different parts of the spine, most commonly on the upper back (thoracic) and lower back (lumbar).

Some of them can be aggravated and can give a non-aesthetic physical aspect, alternation of pulmonary and cardiac functions and a degenerative arthritis of the vertebral column.

New information about the impact of scoliosis on a patient’s body acknowledges that body systems work together. When one of the body’s systems suffers from a disease it can create problems in one or more systems.

What causes scoliosis?

More than 80% of diagnosed scoliosis is considered idiopathic (unknown cause) scoliosis.

The other 20% can be caused by various reasons, such as traumatic scoliosis after an accident, degenerative scoliosis happens in late adulthood, congenital scoliosis and neuromuscular scoliosis that occur in muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.

How to diagnose scoliosis?

Diagnosis of scoliosis is done by the physical exam such as observation of the posture and by imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or bone scan.

The most known physical test is the Adam’s forward bend test where the patient bends forward until the back comes to a horizontal plane. The examiner stands behind of the patient and examines any abnormalities of the horizontal plane.

How to treat scoliosis?

Treatment of scoliosis depends from age (the sooner the better), type of scoliosis (thoracic, lumbar etc.) and shape (“S” or “C”).

The best way to treat scoliosis is by physical therapy. Physiotherapists are experts in using different methods to treat and prevent scoliosis from deteriorating.

Some of the methods that physiotherapist can use are:

Schroth Method. The use of Schroth exercises teach patients how to correct the spinal rotation and increase lung capacity. Help restore the normal spinal position with breathing techniques, pelvic correction and overall improves the posture of the patients.

Pilates  is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance movements. Is a form of exercise that aims to develop flexibility, good posture, strength, and balance all at the same time. Be careful that if this method is not performed with the right intensity it negatively affects the functional autonomy.

Spiraldynamik concept is an anatomically based movement and therapy concept, instructions for your own body from head to toe; It is known as the art and science of human movement.

Brace. Using a brace or corset may be effective in stopping the progression of the scoliosis, but sometimes the effects are temporary. Once the skeletal growth is complete and the corset is removed, the scoliosis is expected to return even more aggressive than at the beginning. So always combine bracing with exercises and physical therapy.

Surgery. Scoliosis surgery is mostly recommended for curves bigger than 40° and when scoliosis affects other organs. Children who have only mild curves are not likely to need surgery.

Conclusion

Scoliosis is not a disease; it is just a structural deviation.

Scoliosis cannot be cured, but symptoms can be reduced.

Always consult with a physiotherapist and a rehabilitation medical doctor for the best treatment plan.