Scoliosis – What Is It? How Is It Treated?

Scoliosis is a common musculoskeletal condition which affects the spine. Signs of scoliosis usually show up just prior to puberty (between the ages of 10-15), but it can also occur in adults later in life.  The condition can be quite debilitating, as people often experience one sided back pain, difficulty bending over and persistent pain when standing or sitting. With careful management and guidance from your physiotherapist, the symptoms of scoliosis may be reduced. In this blog post, Orthosports Physiotherapy will be providing an overview of scoliosis.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a term that most people would have heard before, but few people understand the meaning. Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, with a clearly visible sideways curve showing up in X-Rays and on examination. 

We all understand the importance of maintaining a good posture, and a healthy spine should appear straight when looking from behind. A spine with a crooked appearance, usually in the shape of an S or C, is an indicator of scoliosis. 

Scoliosis usually occurs during the formative years, just before reaching puberty. Birth defects, neurological abnormalities and genetics are all thought to play a role in the development of paediatric scoliosis. In adults, mild scoliosis is quite common and is caused by age-related wear and tear and the presence of conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis. Mild scoliosis is usually pain free and does not worsen, and hence a formal diagnosis is never sought. Severe cases of scoliosis will require physiotherapy treatment or potentially surgery, as the symptoms can be debilitating and may worsen with age.

Symptoms and Indicators of Scoliosis

Symptoms can vary in severity, but typically include:

• Intermittent or chronic back pain

• Obvious curvature of the spine

• Uneven shoulders

• Tilted rib cage

• Sore hips

• Body leaning to one side

Diagnosis of Scoliosis

Diagnosis of scoliosis involves a physical examination and X-rays to determine:

• The shape of the curve (Typically an ‘S’ or ‘C’)

• The specific location of the curve 

• The direction in which the curve leans (left or right)

• The angle of the curve

Treatment of Scoliosis

Treatment is designed to reduce the severity of your symptoms and improve posture and ergonomics. It will typically involve muscle strengthening exercises which will assist in developing core and postural muscles. Manual therapy, bracing, tailored exercise programs and movement re-education may also make up part of your treatment plan. 

Surgery is a last resort option for severe cases. It is important to seek an assessment of your condition, and we invite you to schedule an appointment at Orthosports Physio at your earliest convenience.

Call Orthosports Physio Today

To schedule an assessment and discuss your treatment options, please call Orthosports Physio today on 9744 2201.