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Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescents.
Scoliosis is diagnosed when you have a lateral curvature with a cobb angle of more than 10 degrees (combined with rotation).
WHAT CAUSES SCOLIOSIS AND WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
Approximately 80% of cases of scoliosis no known cause, scoliosis can affect children and adults. In children, it normally starts to appear when they undergo the most accelerated growth of their spines. This is usually around 11-12yrs for girls and 13-14yrs for boys.
HOW DO YOU DIAGNOSE SCOLIOSIS?
There are some postural features that are generally present in people with scoliosis.
Shoulders asymmetrical
Prominent or uneven scapulae
Visible curve of the spine
Hips asymmetrical
Waist asymmetrical
To confirm the diagnosis, a full spinal Xray is needed.
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SCOLIOSIS?
There are four primary treatments available for scoliosis. The first is observation, which involves structured and timed follow ups (not just a ‘wait and see’ approach). In addition, treatment can include Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises (PSSE), bracing and Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) or Spinal fusion.
There are four key factors that should determine the appropriate treatment, these are:
1. The physical maturity of the patient 2. The severity of the spinal curvature 3. Stability of Spine (in mature spines only) 4. Coronal and sagittal balance
IS IT SAFE TO EXERCISE?
Yes Definitely! People living with scoliosis may experience back pain and fatigue. If suffering from pain caused by scoliosis, the exercises can help you improve your spine's positioning. Exercises will help strengthen your core muscles and improve your overall posture, reducing pain, strengthen muscles in your lower back and muscle fatigue.
