What is Scoliosis?

While the human spine features several natural curvatures to allow for movement and flexibility, scoliosis is diagnosed when there is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Scoliosis is diagnosed when a posterior view of the spinal column reveals lateral bends. A scoliosis curve to the right side of center will form a compensating bend back to the left side, and vice versa. Scoliosis usually occurs in the thoracic or lumbar areas of the back. A normal spine has a vertical curve measuring less than 10 degrees, a scoliotic spine measures curves of 10 degrees in mild cases and up to 90 degrees in the most severe cases.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

There are quite a few common physical symptoms that may indicate scoliosis:

• One shoulder is higher than the other, causing an uneven hem or shirt line
• One shoulder blade sticks out more than the other
• One side of the rib cage appears higher than the other
• An uneven neck line
• One hip appears higher or more prominent than the other
• The waist appears uneven

Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have scoliosis. It just means that your symptoms match those commonly associated with this condition, and that there is a possibility that you have or are developing it. In any case it would be a good idea to visit a doctor or orthopedist.

Due to the elongated musculature on one side and the shortened musculature on the opposite side, back pain, shallow breathing, sciatica, headaches and insomnia are frequent issues that a person with scoliosis must contend with. Consequently, many alternative treatments have been used to help reduce the problems caused by excessive curvature of the spine.

Cause of Scoliosis

Most cases of scoliosis are considered to be of unknown origin, otherwise known as idiopathic. Statistics confirm that scoliosis is more prevalent in girls than in boys, and develops in adolescence in eighty percent of all cases. While it is also found in adults, most professionals assume that these scoliosis diagnoses were missed during childhood.

Sometimes, scoliosis can be a result of physical trauma or stress, such as a car accident. While all of the following theories have not yet been validated, research has indicated that possible causes of scoliosis include:

• connective tissue disorders
• nervous system abnormalities
• hormonal imbalances
• genetic/hereditary factors
• consistent physical or emotional stress

Prevention / Treatment of Scoliosis

The following guidelines are for information purposes only. Seeking professional advice before beginning rehabilitation is recommended.

The therapists at Advanced Alternatives Massage Therapy may utilize techniques such as Cranial-Sacral Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release or assisted stretching to address restricted tissue patterns surrounding the spinal column. By elongating these tightened areas, the causal pull on the spine can relax.

Alternative treatments are not suggested to replace a traditional physician’s prescription. However, massage therapy can help reduce some of scoliosis’ related symptoms.