Scoliosis

Scoliosis normally most often occurs in the thoracic or lumber spine, producing a deformity of varying degrees. A normal spine has a curvature of less than 10 degrees. A spine affected by scoliosis will have a curvature ranging from 10 to up to 90 degrees.

The most obvious symptom for children with scoliosis is back pain and some are forced to wear a brace for most of their childhood. This interferes significantly on their ability to play, be involved in sports or any other activities associated with being a child as well as having a great impact on their self-esteem.

Most of scoliosis is idiopathic, which simply means that it's cause is just not known. Whilst some scoliosis is be found in adults, about 80% of scoliosis emerges in adolescents, between the ages of 10 and 18. The condition affects girls more than boys.

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However scoliosis can also be functional rather than structural ie due to poor posture. Other types of scoliosis include neuromuscular conditions cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, muscular dystrophy and spina bifida. Other hypothesised causes of scoliosis include connective tissue disorders, hormonal imbalances, genetic factors and emotional/physical stress.

As children approach adolescence parents should observe signs such as shoulders that are not level, shoulder blade that is prominent, non-level hips or a propensity to lean to one side. In adolescents, a mild spine curvatures can very quickly worsen by 10 degrees (or more) in just a few month. Practitioners consider that early detection is vital. Apart from back pain other symptoms of scoliosis include laboured breathing, which may be caused by increased forces on the heart and/or diminished capacity of the lungs.

In addition scoliosis may be intertwined with or cause the following: thoracic outlet syndrome, TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, strain or dysfunction of the sacro-iliac joint, headaches, digestive problems, etc.

Diagnosis of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is normally diagnosed by the 'Adam's Forward-bend Test." Since the curvature is more commonly in the thoracic spine, a visable hump in the rib cage is observed when bending forward. However an X-ray is usually require to confirm diagnosis and quantify the magnitude of any curvature. Empirically curves ranging from 20-25 degrees require monitoring. Any curve over 25 degrees in a child or adolescent will result in treatment.

Treatment of Scoliosis
The typical medical approach to scoliosis ranges from examining the spine every few months, to bracing and/or surgery in extreme cases. The severity and position of the scoliosis, age, and the health of the patient are all considered by medical practitioners. It is considered a fact that the younger the patient, and the larger the curve, then it is highly likely the condition will get worse. Bracing is the treatment most often employed for scoliosis, is for curves of around 30-40 degrees. A brace (eg the Milwaukee brace) is used to prevent the progression of the spinal curve and they are generally worn for 23 hours a day.

Structural integration and/or Rolfing can play a role in managing scoliosis by lengthening

• soft tissue on the concave side of the scoliosis,
• erector spinae muscle group,
• hip flexors

whilst strengthening the muscles on the weakened side of the body

Please note: if you are suffering from this condition (or think you may be) then you should consult your health care practitioner. The advice given here is only of a general nature and specific cases require specific treatment. Inner West Massage accepts no responsibility.

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