Scoliosis is one of those phrases that just about everyone has heard of, but many people hold a lot of misconceptions about what it actually is. The thing is, scoliosis is probably a lot more common than you think it is! And while many cases can go easily untreated, any concerns about your child having scoliosis of any severity should always be checked out. Continue reading to learn more about what scoliosis is, how it’s caused, and what symptoms you should be looking out for.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Northern Districts Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic today.
What is Scoliosis?
The term ‘scoliosis’ refers to an abnormal, sideways curvature of the spine. When looking at it from the side, a healthy spine will have three natural curves that look a bit like a loose ‘S’. These curves at at the neck, the upper back, and the lower back. When an individual has scoliosis, they have a sideways curve, which makes it look as though the spine is tilted to one side when looking at it from behind.
Most commonly, scoliosis will develop in late childhood to teenagehood. This condition is incredibly common, with roughly one in every two people thought to have mild scoliosis. These cases are painless, will not grow worse over time, and won’t require treatment. Severe scoliosis cases that are painful and require medical treatment are comparatively quite rare – though they certainly exist!
Common Symptoms of Scoliosis
For the most part, cases of scoliosis are diagnosed in young children. This is because the symptoms are relatively easy to notice, and many families will pick up on the indicators their children are presenting. Now, depending on the severity of the condition, scoliosis can sometimes cause some pain and discomfort. This is because the curve of the spine may irritate or place pressure on the nerves in and around the spine, which can also cause numbness and ‘pins and needles’ radiating down through the back and lower limbs.
Here are some of the noticeable signs and symptoms of scoliosis:
- One shoulder is higher than the other
- One shoulder blade ‘sticks out’ more than the other
- The head is not centred over the body
- One hip is higher than the other
How is Scoliosis Caused?
In most cases, the underlying cause of scoliosis is unknown. The majority of scoliosis diagnoses are involving otherwise healthy children with no clear cause. Sometimes scoliosis is congenital, which means it is present at birth. It may also be caused by other conditions of the nerves or muscles, including spina bifida and cerebral palsy. There is a tendency for scoliosis to run in families as well, so genes may be a contributing factor, and it is much more common for girls to develop the condition than boys.
There are some misconceptions surrounding the causes of scoliosis or factors that can lead to developing scoliosis. There is no research that shows things such as poor posture or soft mattresses causing scoliosis. At the end of the day, many people will never have a direct cause that they can point to!
When to Get Your Spine Checked Out
When it comes to your health, you are always better safe than sorry. There is no clear point in which it suddenly becomes appropriate to book an appointment with a GP or physio. To put it simply, you should see somebody as soon as you have reason for concern! If it turns out everything is okay, then you will have at least gained some peace of mind.
If you are worried about your spine or are concerned about your child perhaps having scoliosis, it is best to book an appointment right away. For children especially, early diagnosis and quick treatment is important for ongoing development. A diagnosis assessment will typically involve a physical examination of the spine, shoulders, ribs, and hips, though sometimes an x-ray or alternative scan will be arranged.
There are a wide variety of treatment options available depending on your age and the severity of your scoliosis symptoms. For children, treatment will generally include ongoing observation, an external brace to be worn constantly, and in some rare cases surgery.
Book an Appointment at NDPE for Scoliosis Treatment in West Ryde
The earlier scoliosis is caught, the better. Discomfort and other symptoms associated with scoliosis can often be managed with the support and advice of an experienced healthcare provider. If you’re concerned about your back, or if you think that your child may have scoliosis, then there is no reason to wait! Here at Northern Districts Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic, we see countless cases of scoliosis. No matter your age or present health, we want to help find a treatment that may alleviate your concerns.
Book an appointment with one of our friendly team members today for scoliosis assessment and treatment. Or, feel free to contact us to chat with a staff member and discuss your plans. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Related Link: Is Sleeping On My Side Causing My Shoulder Pain?
