What exactly is scoliosis?

Simply put, scoliosis describes curvature that develops in the spine. This curve is lateral in direction, meaning it moves away from the in a sideways direction. Scoliosis is frequently accompanied by pain in the upper or lower back, and fatigue, and is marked by shoulders and hips that are uneven, as well as a spine that visibly curves laterally.

The extent of the condition’s progress tends to dictate the course of action in treatment. In cases where the curve is less than 20 degrees, treatment is generally limited, and the condition is monitored on a biannual basis by a doctor. In cases where the curve worse to more than 25 degrees, braces are often use to help slow the progress of the curve.

There are many different braces available, including a Charleston brace, a Wilmington brace and a Boston brace. Each brace looks and functions somewhat differently; and while none of them reverse the existing, they do work to straighten the spine, and they can be adjusted over time.

Surgery is usually recommended in cases where the curve is greater than 40 degrees. The surgical procedure involves fusing bones in the spine together and holding those bones in place with one or more metal rods. Post-surgical braces are often worn for a period of time as well.

Spinal Scoliosis Causes

There are a few causes of the condition, with some caused by neuromuscular issues such as poor muscle control or muscle weakness; they cases are called neuromuscular scoliosis. These issues are often associated with diseases such as muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, polio and cerebral palsy. Another type, congenital scoliosis, is present at birth, is more frequently found in girls, and is caused by poor formation of the spine, or fusion of the ribs, during the baby’s development period while in the womb. Idiopathic scoliosis, as the name suggests, does not have a known cause, and emerges from a straight spine. This is the most common form and is most commonly found in adolescents, and most often in girls.

Testing for the condition is done by visual examination of the spine, shoulders and hips. Shoulders and hips will often be tilted when scoliosis is present. The patient will also be tested for reflexes and strength. Findings can be verified through X-ray or through an MRI or other imaging technique. Patients can also be tested with scoliometer, which is a device for measuring the degree of curve in the spine.

The prognosis is dependent on a variety of factors, including: the degree of the curve, its cause, and where in the spine it is located. Less severe cases, which can be treated with braces, often get better over time, with a minimal of long-term lasting implications. However, some people will have a heightened risk for lower back pain as they age. The more severe the curve, the more likely it is to worsen over time, after the body has stopped growing naturally.

Patients with neuromuscular scoliosis are often confronted with larger issues than just the scoliosis; therefore their treatment tends to focus on the underlying issues and the objectives for treatment of the scoliosis are different.

Treatment can cause its own set of complications as well; one of the primary complications associated with treatment is the emotional challenges of wearing a brace through the teenage years. For this reason, psychological counseling is frequently recommended for children with the condition.

Physical complications can include respiratory problems, arthritis in the lower back as an adult, spinal cord or nerve damage, and post-surgical spinal infection.

Exercises for Scoliosis

The primary objective of exercise for scoliosis is to strengthen the muscles in the lower back, shoulders and upper back. To do this, the abdominal muscles are also an area of focus.

One exercise involves the use of an exercise stability ball. You sit on the ball (typically several feet in size making it easy to balance) with your left foot up on its toes and your right hand outstretched with you middle finger and thumb together and pointing down. Now, slowly lift your foot off the ground and extend and lift your arm. Hold the position for five seconds and slowly return to the rest position. Take about 30 seconds to rest and the repeat 10 to 20 times.

Another also involves the exercise ball. Get on your knees in front of the ball and lean forward until your stomach is on the ball and the ball is supporting your weight. Then move backward slowly until your back is parallel to the ball, with your arms raised and straight out (and also parallel with the ball). Hold the position for about five seconds. Rest and repeat for 10 to 20 repetitions.

Next sit on the ball with your feet flat on the ground. Make sure you spine is straight. Take a small weight in one of your hands, and drop that weight and hand behind your head. Use the other arm to stabilize if necessary as you move the weight up and down 10 times. Rest and repeat this three times.

Next, stand with your arms at your sides, facing your legs, and small weights in each hand. Pull your arms straight up your body, till your elbows are just slightly higher than your hands. Then return your hands to the rest position. Make sure to pause before continuing. Do this to the count of ten, and with short rests in between, do 10 repetitions.

back to articles