Scoliosis

What is Scoliosis?
When the spinal column twists or curves permanently to one side, this is a condition known as scoliosis. Discomfort and pain arise from the ribcage and back muscles being forced from their natural position, making scoliosis a serious spinal condition. Around 3 out of 1000 individuals experience scoliosis, and require professional medical treatment.

Scoliosis Symptoms
Early stages of scoliosis rarely have obvious symptoms, meaning scoliosis can continue to develop untreated for long periods of time. Amongst adults, symptoms for scoliosis are usually confused with common back pain symptoms. Signs you can look out for include:

– Uneven hips that stand or sit at a certain angle
– Unaligned shoulder blades
– Visibly curved spine
– Stiffness
– Fatigue

If you are unsure as to whether or not you have scoliosis, consult your doctor if you experience:

– Continuous back pain that worsens after a week of home remedies
– Pain that shoots from the back down to the legs
– Unbearable back pain, making it difficult to perform daily tasks

Scoliosis Causes
While scoliosis is most commonly seen in children, the spinal condition can develop in people at any time of life. People who suffer scoliosis fall into four categories:

– Congenital: Having it when born
– Early Onset: Developing the condition in their first few years
– Adolescent Idiopathic: Developing it during adolescence
– Degenerative: Developing it during adulthood

The pain from scoliosis comes from several sources. These include:

– Awkward pressure on spinal discs
– Pinched nerves due to the abnormal spinal curvature
– Strained joints, leading to inflammation
– Bad posture

How is Scoliosis treated?
There are a number of ways to treat scoliosis, depending on the severity of the condition. These treatment methods include:

– Hydrotherapy
– Massage
– Back muscle strengthening through exercise and stretching
– Spinal braces
– Spinal injections