Skolios [< Gr. Σκολιóς >]: crooked, humped.
- A lateral curvature of the spine with rotation of the vertebrae within the curve. The spine curves from side to side, forming an S or C shape, rather than a straight line. It also turns on its axis like a corkscrew.
- This video is a wonderful presentation of this spinal deformity.
Scoliosis impacts infants, adolescents, and adults worldwide with little regard to race or socio-economic status. The primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10-15 years old, occurring equally among both genders. However, females are eight times more likely to progress to a curve magnitude that requires treatment.- Structural scoliosis is develops as a result of unequal growth of the two sides of the vertebral bodies. Usually appearsduring adolescence. Functional (Non-structural) scoliosis only affects the muscular back and does not alter the body structurally. It is much more common than structural scoliosis, and usually much less noticeable, since the degree of curvature is less and almost always reversible.
- 85% of the cases are classified as idiopathic. That is, a scoliosis patient's life is exacerbated by many unknowns, and treatments therefore that are often ineffective, invasive, and/or costly.
- In idiopathic scoliosis, not only the cause of the development is unknown, but also the progress of the condition (i.e. how far the spine will deviate from the middle line). The choice of treatment is mainly based on the patient's age, degree of curvature, as well as the physician/specialist's vision and background of practice.
- Scoliosis can impact the quality of life with limited activity, pain, reduced respiratory function, or diminished self-esteem.
The treatment of scoliosis depends on the location and degree (severity) of curvature, and should take into account the risk of progression of the deformity. Slight curves (curves measuring less than 20 degrees), usually require no treatment, but must be watched carefully for worsening during growth.
Some mild curves never worsen with growth and need no treatment. Most often the years before and during adolescence are a time of rapid growth and spinal curves will worsen quickly. Early detection of abnormal spinal curves as well as curve monitoring during growth are important to decide a treatment plan.
If a scoliotic curve shows significant worsening or is already greater than 30 degrees, a bracing program will probably be recommended. Bracing aims to modify the natural history of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, reducing the risk of progression. However, as long-term studies have demonstrated, the initial correction achieved with bracing may be lost over time. In addition, bracing does not impede the progression of scoliosis in patients who have stopped growing.
Surgery may be necessary in the case of very large curves, in those with persistent progression, or on the patient’s request to improve his/her physical appearance (cosmetic reasons). The goal of surgery in deformities of the spine is to straighten the curve and prevent progression. Generally, the surgeon uses metal implants (usually rods and screws/hooks/wires) to correct and sustain the region of the deformity until the operated vertebrae have joined (fused). If you are considering receiving surgical intervention you might find the links below informative, if not helpful:
Some believe that scoliosis exercises, if performed regularly, can lead to increased stability of the back, stronger muscles, improved flexibility, and better muscle balance. While scoliosis exercises cannot prevent the progression and worsening of the curve, they can however minimize the decrease in the functional ability of the spine. Some exercises in fact are made to make muscles of the back, shoulders, and upper back flexible and strong, as well as improve the spine’s mobility.
Exercise patterns for children and adults vary, and often they need to be performed under supervised conditions to be both safe and effective. Yoga exercises have been found useful in giving substantial relief from scoliosis by restoring the normal shape of the spine, and giving it increased function and mobility. However, not all exercises are equally suitable for every scoliosis, and one should better seek advice and supervision by a yoga teacher who has had special training on scoliosis.
Exercise patterns for children and adults vary, and often they need to be performed under supervised conditions to be both safe and effective. Yoga exercises have been found useful in giving substantial relief from scoliosis by restoring the normal shape of the spine, and giving it increased function and mobility. However, not all exercises are equally suitable for every scoliosis, and one should better seek advice and supervision by a yoga teacher who has had special training on scoliosis.
Many people have reported alternative scoliosis treatment solutions that did not involve braces or surgery. The methods have included any (or a combination) of Schroth 3-Dimensional Program for Scoliosis, osteopathic treatment, prolotherapy, and alexander technique to name a few.
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