Understanding Scoliosis: Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Scoliosis is a spinal condition that affects many individuals, often in their adolescence. At Back2Balance Clinic, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of scoliosis, its various forms, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to help you make informed decisions about managing this condition.

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine. Unlike the spine's natural curves, which include lordosis (inward curve in the lower back) and kyphosis (outward curve in the upper back), scoliosis results in an abnormal lateral curve. This condition can take several forms, including idiopathic scoliosis (the most common form with no known cause), congenital scoliosis (present at birth due to abnormal vertebral development), and neuromuscular scoliosis (linked to neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy).

To avoid confusion, it's essential to distinguish scoliosis from normal spinal curvatures. Lordosis is the natural inward curve in the lower back, while kyphosis represents the normal outward curve in the upper back. Scoliosis differs by creating an abnormal lateral curve.

Scoliosis is often detected during adolescence, with signs including uneven shoulders or waist, one shoulder blade protruding more than the other, asymmetrical hips or ribcage, and leaning to one side when standing.

Diagnosing scoliosis involves a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination to assess posture, spinal alignment, and range of motion, as well as imaging through X-rays or MRI scans to measure the spinal curvature. Radiologists can measure the angle of curvature by drawing specialized lines known as the Cobb angle. You can download our simple guide to prescreening your child’s spine for scoliosis at home by clicking here.

Treatment options for scoliosis vary based on its severity and progression. These options include exercise and stretches to improve flexibility and muscle strength, manual care like chiropractic adjustments to align the spine, improve mobility and reduce discomfort, physical therapy with targeted exercises to stabilize the spine and improve posture, bracing to prevent further curvature progression, and surgical intervention for severe cases to correct the curvature.

Each treatment option carries different expectations, with exercise and stretches aiming to improve posture and reduce discomfort, manual care (chiropractic and massage) focusing on symptom relief and improved spinal alignment, physical therapy striving to stabilize the spine and prevent further curvature progression, bracing slowing down or halting curvature progression, and surgical intervention offering the potential for significant spinal correction.

Scoliosis severity as measured by the Cobb angle demonstrates mild cases having a Cobb angle less than 20 degrees, moderate cases having a Cobb angle between 20 and 45 degrees, and severe cases having a Cobb angle greater than 45 degrees. Parents and patients should consider factors like age, curvature severity, and lifestyle when choosing a treatment option. It's essential to have realistic expectations, understanding that milder cases may respond well to non-invasive treatments, while severe cases may require surgery.

Leaving scoliosis untreated can have significant consequences beyond potential back pain. As the curvature progresses, it can lead to uneven shoulders and hips, causing an asymmetrical appearance that may affect self-esteem and body image. Furthermore, untreated scoliosis can impact the respiratory system, reducing lung capacity and making it harder to breathe. In severe cases, this can lead to respiratory difficulties and decreased overall lung function. Additionally, untreated scoliosis can result in spinal deformities that may limit mobility and lead to a decrease in the quality of life. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to mitigate these potential long-term consequences and ensure a healthier, more comfortable future.

Scoliosis is a complex spinal condition that requires a tailored approach to diagnosis and treatment. At Back2Balance, our experienced team specializes in understanding the nuances of scoliosis and providing personalized care to manage this condition effectively. We always take care to analyze each case before creating an individualized care plan to stabilize and correct the spine. Results with chiropractic care for scoliosis are typically favorable, however it is important to note that not all cases of scoliosis will show improvement in the Cobb angle after treatment. Our focus is in creating long lasting spinal health that will negate the effects of scoliosis on quality of life.

To learn more about Back2Balance’s evaluation process, click here.