Scoliosis

The human spine naturally curves differently in different places, which is significant for their activities. Spinal deformities arise when a person's spine curvature deviates from its usual state by 2–3%. Of them is scoliosis. A spine's abnormal sideways curvature is called scoliosis. Typically, the curve has a S or C shape in three dimensions. The most usual age range for it to happen is between 10 and 20. Women are more impacted.

Reasons for scoliosis:
According to “American Association of Neurological Surgeons”, 10% are neuromuscular, 15% are congenital and 65% is the idiopathic cause of scoliosis. Injury or infection is another reason for scoliosis.

Types of Scoliosis: 

• Idiopathic  Scoliosis- The reasons are mainly unknown

• Congenital Scoliosis-This is a rare condition and it begins at birth.

• Neuromuscular Scoliosis-The condition caused by other disorders like spina bifida, cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury.

• Degenerative Scoliosis-The condition usually develops at an older age.

Sign and symptoms of Scoliosis: 
Generally, most of the scoliosis is mild but sometimes the deformities get more severe as the child grows and leads to disability.

• Uneven shoulder

• Uneven waist

• Pain in back, shoulder, neck and buttock

• Prominent shoulder blade

• Chest pain

• Restricted Physical activity

• Breathing difficulties

• Gait Deformity

• Constipation

Diagnosis of Scoliosis:
Confirmed diagnosis of Scoliosis is X-ray, MRI.

Treatment of Scoliosis: 
Treatment depends on age of patient, sex, family history, degree of curves and location. Some factors related to effectiveness of treatment .They are-

• Age-The treatment of children is more effective than adult or teenager.

• Curve of spine-‘S’ shaped curves or double curve is more worse than ‘c’ shaped curve

• Location of Curve– Thoracic curve is worse than others

Although the effectiveness of treatment for scoliosis is very minimal and has many side effects, scoliosis patients require to remain under observation of a doctor to prevent further progress.

Treatment of scoliosis include Physiotherapy-
Physiotherapy is a recognized treatment for milder forms of scoliosis helping to:

• Correct side-shift

• Improve coordination and control

• Increase endurance and strength.

The Schroth method is the most studied and widely used technique for treating scoliosis through physiotherapy. The exercises are designed to:

• Improve muscular symmetry

• Improve postural awareness

• Rotate the spine with breathing to help reshape the rib cage and surrounding soft tissue (known as rotational angular breathing).

The Schroth method:

• Improves back muscle strength

• Improves breathing function

• Slows curve progression

• Improves Cobb angles (the standard measurement used to track the progression of scoliosis)

• Reduces the need for back surgery

• Eases pain

• Boosts self-image.

When children's bones are still growing and he or she has moderate scoliosis, the doctor may recommend a brace. Wearing a brace won't cure scoliosis or reverse the curve, but it usually prevents further progression of the curve.

If you’d like to experience Spine Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre (SPTRC) differences, please book an appointment today.