By Dr Danica Newbold, B.HSci (Chiro), M.ClinChiro, Ad.Dip Myo. Certified Cox® Technic Chiropractor and Myotherapist.
What is Scoliosis? Derived from the Greek word ‘skoliosis’, meaning bent or curved, is a musculoskeletal condition of the spine where the spine bends or curves sideways (laterally) from the centre. Scoliosis is not a diagnosis; it is more of a descriptive term for a condition. Scoliosis appears in about 3% of the population (1), typically affects girls (more than boys) and is usually identified during the 10-20-year age range (2). When a scoliosis develops, the spine bends and twists along the vertical axis of the body. Curvatures can either appear as ‘C’ or ‘S’- shaped. These curvatures can have cosmetic and physiological effects on the body. Long-term, they may have significant health problems in cases of severe curvatures.
Fig 1. https://www.scoliosissos.com/news/post/s-curve-vs-c-curve-scoliosis-treatment
The most common type of scoliosis is Structural (Idiopathic) Scoliosis. Often referred to in the literature as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and is typically discovered during adolescence in young girls aged 11-14 years and. In 80% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown (idiopathic) (3). A family history of scoliosis has been observed in 1 in 4 cases of scoliosis (3). If left untreated, scoliotic curvatures may progress. While small curves are common and rarely of clinical significance, about 2% of the young girls with scoliosis have curvatures that necessitate medical observation during growth and approximately 3:1000 requiring medical intervention during this time (4).
Contrary to popular belief, scoliosis does not develop from poor posture. However, it may progress pre-existing spinal curvatures due to weakened musculature. Without monitoring and intervention, scoliotic curvatures worsen by up to 0.73 degrees per year (3). Checking for scoliosis is done during routine examinations by qualified Chiropractors. The practitioners at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic are well educated in diagnosing, treating, and managing scoliosis patients at any stage of life.
The primary goals of treating any form of Scoliosis is to:
- Reduce spinal joint compression and tension that may be causing pain.
- Release tightened spinal musculature.
- Improve strength and flexibility throughout the spine and core muscles.
- Prevent any recurrent pain and avoid further progression of the curvature.
Reduction or ‘straightening’ of the spinal curvature is not considered a realistic goal when seeking conservative management for Scoliosis. Scoliosis can be managed quite efficiently from a pain reduction and spinal mobility perspective.
We continue to learn from new research that core-based exercise programs may have a beneficial role in reducing the scoliosis curve’s angle and improving quality of life in the short term (5). Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic prescribe rehabilitation programs to incorporate appropriate spinal mobility and strengthening exercises to manage of pain and symptoms. Since, in many cases, scoliosis is a permanent condition, ongoing active and passive management is paramount in preventing further irritation and deterioration of the spine. The Cox® Certified Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic and Melbourne Spine Clinic use Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Decompression therapy to manage Scoliosis. Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Decompression therapy is a gentle, low force, non-invasive therapy for back and neck pain treatment with more than 40 years of research in successfully treating back pain. If you have been identified as having Scoliosis or think you may have Scoliosis, talk to your Chiropractor about an appropriate exercise and rehabilitation program.
REFERENCE:
- Shakil H, Iqbal ZA, Al-Ghadir AH (2014). Scoliosis: review of types of curves, etiological theories, and conservative treatment. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 27(2): 111–5. doi:10.3233/bmr-130438. PMID 24284269.
- Questions and Answers about Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents. NIAMS. December 2015. Archived from the original on 25 August 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
- Choudhry MN, Ahmad Z, Verma R. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Open Orthop J. 2016; 10: 143–154. doi: 10.2174/1874325001610010143
- Adolescent Scoliosis Spinal Curvature. Self-Detection Fact Sheet. Scoliosis Australia. www.scoliosis-australia.org.
- Xin Li, Jie Shen, Juping Liang, Xuan Zhou, Yuqi Yang, Dexuan Wang, Shanshan Wang, Lixia Wang, Hong Wang, Qing Du: Effect Of Core‐Based Exercise In People With Scoliosis: A Systematic Review And Meta‐Analysis. ClinRehabil2020;269215520975105
Getting back to the office? Check your posture!
Remember FLAGSHIP
F – Feet flat on the floor, or a foot-rest.
L – Legs uncrossed.
A – Ankles in front of your knees.
G – Gap between the backs of your knees and the front of your seat.
S – Shoulders down and relaxed.
H – Hips at the same height as your knees.
I – Inward (slight) curve of the low back (use a pillow or rolled towel as support)
P – Parallel forearms to the floor.
It’s the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) Mobility Month this March. With more people returning to work, it is important to remember that keeping active and mobile is just as important.
We will be posting tips and tricks to our Facebook page about ways to keep active and mobile during March and how to continue to make this a priority in our day-to-day routines.