What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a disorder where the spine becomes curved, forming either a C-shape or an S-shape. The appearance of the curve varies depending on the angle from which it is viewed:
- Sideways: Appears normal
- Front: Appears straight
There are two major types of Scoliosis:
- Kyphosis: Spine bent forward, curvature in the middle part
- Lordosis: Spine bent backward, curvature in upper and lower parts
High-risk groups for Scoliosis include girls, typically developing around age 10, and those with a hereditary predisposition.
Causes of Scoliosis
Causes include hereditary factors, spine injuries, infections, birth defects like cerebral palsy, and spine tumors.
In Adults:
| Type | Cause | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Functional | Problem in other body parts | One leg shorter, muscle spasms |
| Neuromuscular | Bone formation issues | Common with birth defects, weak muscles |
| Degenerative | Age-related | Arthritis, weak ligaments, bone spurs |
Symptoms of Scoliosis
Common symptoms include uneven shoulders, tilted head, uneven hips, rib protrusion, and visible height difference in the back.
Physiotherapy for Scoliosis
Physiotherapy exercises can help straighten the spine and reduce pain:
- Deep Breathing
- Pelvic Tilt
- Arm and Leg Raises
- 'Cat-Camel' Exercise
- Good Posture Practices
- Hamstring Stretch
Self-care Tips
- Bracing
- Choosing ergonomic furniture
Treatments for Scoliosis
- Ultrasonic Therapy
- TENS Therapy
- Ice and Heat Packs
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6708126/
https://europepmc.org/article/med/28975160
https://scoliosisjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13013-016-0076-9
https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0103-51502017000500325&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en
Dr. Garima Singh
Physiotherapist
BPT and DPTR.