Treatment for Scoliosis

Scoliosis is the abnormal sideways curve in the spine. Most of the scoliosis occur during the growth years and has no identifiable cause. Scoliosis is seen in about 3% of adolescents.

In most cases scoliosis is mild and need only periodic observation to check for progression. In case of severe progressive scoliosis, the space in the chest may decrease leading to reduced lung function.

Scoliosis

Some children may need brace to prevent scoliosis progression, others may need surgery to straighten the spine.

Scoliosis can be identified by:

Uneven shoulders
Shoulder blade that is more prominent than the other
Uneven waist
One hip higher than the other

As the scoliosis worsens, spine not only curves side to side but also rotates or twists. The ribs on one side stick out farther than on the other side and backs out on the other side.

Causes

Scoliosis has been found to run in families. Most scoliosis doesn’t have any cause. A few types may be due to:

Neuromuscular disease, like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
Birth defects in the development of spine
Injuries or infections of spine

Risk factors

There are few risk factors associated with scoliosis:

Age. Usually just prior to puberty during growth spurts.
Sex. Mild scoliosis is equally common in both sexes, but progression to severity is seen more in girls.
Family history. Though scoliosis runs in families, most cases are isolated ones.

Complications are seen in moderate and severe scoliosis:

Lung and heart damage due to compression inside the deformed chest cavity.
Back pains
Appearance and cosmesis

Diagnosis of scoliosis is made on clinical examination and radiological investigations such as x-ray and MRI

Additional test are done to find any underlying disease.

Treatment

Mild cases don’t need treatment but periodic check-up by the doctor is necessary to find out any progression early. Any progress in the curvature may need treatment.

Moderate cases can be easily treated with brace. These are beneficial only till bones grow. They are not effective after maturity. It doesn’t cure scoliosis or straightens the spine, it only arrests further progression.

Severe scoliosis which compromises heart/ lung function need to be treated surgically.

Surgery

Surgery is needed to straighten the spine to some extent. Even when it is not possible to straighten the spine, surgery prevent scoliosis from getting worse. Most commonly spinal fusion is done for scoliosis.

Physiotherapy and exercises don’t prevent or stop scoliosis. Other treatments for scoliosis are also ineffective:

Chiropractic manipulation
Electrical stimulation of muscles
Dietary supplements

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FAQs

Can scoliosis be cured?

There is no cure for scoliosis but it can be treated to reduce symptoms.

What are the early signs of scoliosis

Uneven shoulders
Uneven waist
Chest deformity
Bump in back
Unexplained back pain

Can scoliosis get worse as you age?

Scoliosis may worsen during the growth years.

What happens if scoliosis is left untreated in adults?

Most scoliosis in adults remain unchanged but few may worsen and cause symptoms. Worsening of scoliosis in adults warrants search for underlying cause like infection or tumour.

Can one exercise with scoliosis?

Stretching and exercise are important aspect of management of scoliosis. These are not cure but help maintain heart and lung function.

Is scoliosis caused by poor posture?

No scoliosis is not caused by poor posture or lack of exercise.

What is the best exercise for scoliosis?

Core body exercises are the best for scoliosis.

What is the best treatment for scoliosis?

Treatment for scoliosis depends on the severity, progression and stage of progression. Most of the scoliosis doesn’t need any trestment, some may need bracing only a very few need surgeries.

What exercises to be avoided in scoliosis?

Back extension exercises should not be done by a scoliotic person. Back extension causes further rotation of the spine and may lead to increase in deformity.

Does scoliosis run in families?

Scoliosis do run in family but still most cases of scoliosis doesn’t have a family history.

How to stop scoliosis from progressing?

Exercising and wearing fitting brace are best to prevent scoliosis progression.

Can someone with scoliosis lift weights?

Heavy weight lifting or lifting weight on one side or on one shoulder may cause tilting of body and rotation of spine causing increase in deformity.

What happens if scoliosis is not treated?

Mild scoliosis may remain same. Moderate and severe scoliosis may progress causing increase in deformity and poor heart and lung function.

What systems are affected by scoliosis?

Scoliosis affect whole body, from balance to gait but most severe effects on the heart and lung function.

Do swimming help in scoliosis?

Swimming strengthens whole body especially core muscles. Swimming help reduce pain and may prevent progression.

Does scoliosis make you tired?

Due to decreased lung capacity and heart function in scoliosis, one can tire easily especially after exercises.

What sports should be avoided with scoliosis?

Playing sports doesn’t cause scoliosis, certain repetitive heavy loading can exacerbate scoliosis:

Squatting.
Lifting weight over the head.
Hard landings.
Long distance running.

Can someone live a normal life with scoliosis?

Most people with scoliosis live normal life, do all activities including sports and exercise.

What is the life expectancy of someone with scoliosis?

Life expectancy and prognosis along with need for surgery and quality of life depends on severity and progression of scoliosis.

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