Scoliosis: What is it and how to detect it?
- 1 day ago
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Scoliosis is an abnormal side-to-side curvature of your spine. Your spine (backbone) naturally has a slight forward and backward curve. With scoliosis, your spine curves to the left and right into a C or S shape.
Most cases of scoliosis are mild, don’t cause symptoms and don’t need treatment. Severe cases can cause uneven posture and pain. Treatment may include wearing a brace or surgery.
What are the types of scoliosis?
There are three types of scoliosis:
Idiopathic scoliosis: This is the most common type. “Idiopathic” means the cause is unknown. Research does indicate that it runs in families and has a genetic (hereditary) link.
Congenital scoliosis: This is a rare spine abnormality that a healthcare provider may detect at birth. It occurs when vertebrae (the bones that make up your spine) don’t form as they should during embryonic development.
Neuromuscular scoliosis: Abnormalities in the muscles and nerves that support your spine cause this type. It usually happens alongside neurological (nerve) or muscular conditions like an injury, cerebral palsy, spina bifida or muscular dystrophy.
You may hear your provider refer to scoliosis diagnosed during adulthood as adult-onset scoliosis or degenerative scoliosis. You may have had mild, undiagnosed scoliosis throughout your life. Symptoms can increase or appear as your body ages, which results in a late diagnosis. Specifically, adult-onset scoliosis happens when your disks and joints weaken or you lose bone density (osteoporosis).
Key Signs:
Rib Hump: One side of the rib cage is higher than the other.
Shoulder Blades: One shoulder blade sticks out more than the other.
Waistline: The waist is uneven (e.g., one side is flatter or more curved).
Spine Curve: The spine does not look straight down the middle.
Physical Indicators:
Clothes Fitting: Clothes may hang unevenly (e.g., one pant leg seems longer).
Head Position: The head is not centered over the pelvis.
Side Leaning: A tendency to lean to one side.
What are the complications of scoliosis?
Without treatment, severe cases of scoliosis can lead to:
Long-lasting pain.
Physical deformity.
Organ damage.
Nerve damage.
Difficulty breathing.
Contact emergency services if you have trouble breathing.
In conclusion, back pain should never be ignored or dismissed as simple overuse, as it may be a sign of an underlying condition like scoliosis. Left unaddressed, scoliosis can gradually affect your posture, movement, and overall quality of life. The earlier it is identified, the better your chances of managing its progression and minimizing long-term impact. A chiropractic evaluation can help detect spinal changes and guide you toward the right care. Even if surgery is not an option or the condition has progressed, there are effective non-surgical treatments that can help reduce discomfort, improve function, and support you in living well with scoliosis.
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