Scoliosis Awareness

Articles

Jun 1

During the month of June, advocates around the US highlight information and promote education related to scoliosis. Like so many other disorders, early detection is key in administering the most effective treatment plan. In order to detect symptoms, more individuals need to be able to recognize them, by understanding the signs and being aware of what it might look like. During Scoliosis Awareness Month, you can do your part by learning about scoliosis and helping to spread the word with your family and loved ones.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis occurs in the spine. It is often detected and diagnosed in younger patients, but can occur or carry on into adulthood. Scoliosis is characterized by a curve of the spine that extends to the side, rather than keeping the spine stacked and aligned. Because the spine is curving to the side, it can sometimes restrict lung capacity and make breathing difficult for some. With scoliosis, the spine may curve to either side and may occur at the top of the spine or the bottom lumbar region.

What Causes Scoliosis?

In most cases, the causes of scoliosis are unknown. It is common that individuals with cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy may also have scoliosis, but they are not exclusively related. There are indications that scoliosis can occur for hereditary reasons and is more likely to occur if it exists in your family history. Another cause is related to development before birth. In utero, if development is affected in a way that causes the spine to grow with a defect, it is more likely that scoliosis may result after the baby is born. Injury can also cause scoliosis, particularly injuries to the chest or spinal column.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

There are many ways to detect scoliosis and warning signs that seem innocuous at first glance but can help determine whether someone has scoliosis when they are unsure. When standing straight, the shoulders typically are even horizontally where they sit. An individual with scoliosis will likely have one shoulder that sits higher than the other. In the same way, one can look at the hips or shoulder blades to see if one sits higher than the other, which can also indicate scoliosis. Related to the shoulders, the arms may hang slightly off-balance from one another, longer on one side. Another test would be to bend the upper body forward, and if one side of the back and ribs naturally sits higher than the opposite side, it is likely a result of scoliosis. Because the curvature of the spine is setting the body off from where it naturally should sit, it can affect other areas of the body. Some people experience pain in the spine or spinal cord to be sure, but they also may experience pain in their legs, shoulders, hips, arms, or elsewhere throughout the body, depending on the severity of their spine’s curve.

Types of Scoliosis

Generally, two types of scoliosis occur in adults. Children may be diagnosed and an additional type, but often children diagnosed with scoliosis are able to engage in treatment and early interventions to lessen or relieve symptoms.

Idiopathic Scoliosis

Occurring in teenagers and young adults, idiopathic scoliosis worsens as the body grows. Depending on the severity, young adults or teens may not notice the onset of scoliosis until they are much older. Because this type of scoliosis is related to growth in the body, it is more important to address concerns early, while the body is still growing and changing.

Degenerative Scoliosis

The adult body naturally degenerates over time. But for some, a degeneration of the spine can occur, which can cause scoliosis. Excessive wear and tear over time can create problems in the spine and a spinal curve can start to form toward one side of the body. Often, adults experiencing the onset of degenerative scoliosis may feel pain in their lower back, as well as sharp pains which extend down the leg – often referred to as sciatica.

Treatment for Scoliosis

In many cases, scoliosis can be treated in a non-invasive way, without surgical intervention. When pain becomes a major issue, some adults will opt to receive a steroid injection to help them mitigate the pain associated with the spinal curvature while they receive treatment.

Physical Therapy for Scoliosis

A physical therapist can help individuals with scoliosis by engaging in activities and stretches that develop strength and mobility. While strengthening other muscles throughout the body, an individual can relieve some of the pressure and cause of the spine’s curvature. Alignment of the spine through exercise, coupled with strength training can help individuals manage pain and solve bodily issues related to scoliosis. In addition to exercise and activity, assistive braces can help some individuals reduce pain and keep the spine aligned as they progress through their daily activities.

If you or someone you love has scoliosis, the first step is to find the right treatment path. Your healthcare professionals can help you determine the right course toward improved mobility and whether that includes physical therapy. If you are in need of physical therapy in the Southern Nevada, Northern Nevada, or Oregon regions, contact the professional team at Tilton’s Therapy. Our therapists are mobile, providing treatment in the natural environment.