Understanding and Managing Scoliosis
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine develops an abnormal sideways curve, often resembling an “S” or “C” shape when viewed from the back.
While mild cases may not cause noticeable symptoms, more pronounced curves can lead to posture changes, discomfort, and, in some cases, functional impairments.
What Causes Scoliosis?
Scoliosis can occur at any age, but it most commonly develops during adolescence as the body grows rapidly. The exact cause of most scoliosis cases (called idiopathic scoliosis) is unknown. However, other types of scoliosis may result from:
- Congenital factors: Abnormal spinal development before birth.
- Neuromuscular conditions: Such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
- Degenerative changes: In adults, wear and tear on the spine (e.g., arthritis) can cause a curve to develop.
- Injury or trauma.
Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis
- Uneven shoulders or hips.
- A prominent shoulder blade or rib hump.
- Unequal waistline or trunk shift.
- Leaning to one side.
- Back pain (common in adults but less so in adolescents).
TRY this at home – Forward Bending test:
- Stand both feet together, legs straight.
- Hold the palms of the hands together with arms straight.
- Bend forward towards the feet until the back is flat or horizontal.
- Look at your child’s back from behind for any asymmetry such as one side higher than the other.
If you notice any of these signs or notice your child has poor posture, book online at www.painfreephysio.com or call (07) 32738887 to get an appointment with our physiotherapist or chiropractor.
