What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is curving of the spine (back bone) to sideways. It could be a C-shaped or S-shaped. There is no exact cause to scoliosis, but some possible causes of scoliosis.
What are the Possible Causes of Scoliosis?
1) Structural Scoliosis: fixed curve which may be caused by birth defects, disease, infection, tumor, injury, neuromuscular diseases (such as cerebral palsy)
2) Non-structural Scoliosis: structurally normal but appears curved which may be postural, leg length discrepancy (1 leg longer), painful muscle spasms
What are the signs and symptoms of Scoliosis?
The curve of the spine typically changes very slowly. May not be easily recognized until it becomes more severe.
– Scoliosis may cause the head to appear off center or one hip or shoulder to be higher than the opposite side.
– May have a more obvious curve on one side of the rib cage on your back from twisting of the vertebrae and ribs.
– For severe scoliosis, it can make it more difficult for the heart and lungs to work properly. This can cause chest pain and shortness of breath.
In most cases, scoliosis is not painful, but there are certain types of scoliosis than can cause upper back pain and lower back pain.
What are the physiotherapy treatments for Scoliosis?
Physiotherapy is helpful in the treatment of scoliosis, especially in non-structural cases where the cause may be corrected.
Our therapists at heal360 Physioclinic can help in the following ways:
- Assess and treat areas of postural pain and muscle tightness
- Provide advice on appropriate posture and postural correction/alignment
- Provide advice on pain prevention and management techniques
- Clinical Pilates
- Referral to an orthotist for consideration of bracing or lycra splinting if appropriate.
