Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity in the world. It is defined by a lateral curvature (a curve in the spine leaning toward the outside of the body) of greater than 10 degrees.
Types of scoliosis:
● Idiopathic (unknown cause).
● Congenital (began prior to birth).
● Neuromuscular (due to neuromuscular conditions like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy).
● Degenerative (due to osteoarthritis or osteoporosis).
Scoliosis affects a lot more than just our spine. Here are just a few impacts of scoliosis on our:
Heart and lungs: Increased pressure or stretch to the heart, lungs, and diaphragm that impact quality of breathing.
Skin: Skin breakdown from uneven skin folds
Nerves, muscles, and bones: Decreased balance. Tight, over stretched, or weak muscles.
Quality of life: Decreased participation in sport or exercise. Pain, discomfort, frustration with every day activities.
Scoliosis is a Lifelong Battle
Scoliosis is a lifelong battle that requires an individual treatment plan. There are many different treatment types for scoliosis include.
Invasive management
Spinal fusion surgery → quite literally “fuses” the spine together to decrease deformity.
Indicated for curves > 45 degrees.
Will stunt growth, so not appropriate for non-mature children.
Decreases mobility and range of motion in the spine.
Rod hardware placement surgery → magnetic rods implanted that are adjusted by external hardware.
Usually indicated for non-mature children prior to spinal fusion.
Noninvasive management
Brace usage
Indicated for curves 25-45 degrees.
Custom made to slow progression of scoliotic curves.
Recommended wear time 22-23 hours daily.
How can Physical Therapy help?
Prescribed treatment plans through physical therapy – here’s where we come in!
The main goal in PT with scoliosis treatment is to de-rotate, elongate, and stabilize the spine. We are working toward strengthening the weak areas and lengthening the tight areas. We also work toward remediating all the discomfort mentioned above for the:
● Heart and lungs: Breathing and endurance focused exercises.
● Skin: Skin integrity maintenance and education.
● Nerves, muscles, and bones: Balance exercises, re-orientation to midline, global stretching and strengthening.
● Quality of life: Improving ability for participation in sport or exercise. Reducing pain, discomfort, and frustration with every day activities.
Physical Therapy for Scoliosis is specific, challenging, and overall hard work – but so worth it in the end!