Scoliosis is a medical condition that affects the curvature of the spine. The condition can occur at any age, but it most commonly develops during childhood or adolescence. Scoliosis can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe pain and disability. In this post, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of scoliosis and possible treatments.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve to the side. The curvature can be in a “C” or “S” shape and can cause the spine to rotate, leading to a rib hump or uneven shoulders. Scoliosis can occur in any part of the spine, but most commonly affects the thoracic (middle) or lumbar (lower) regions.
Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis
The signs and symptoms of scoliosis can vary depending on the severity of the curvature. In some cases, scoliosis may not cause any noticeable symptoms, while in other cases, it can cause significant pain and disability. Common signs and symptoms of scoliosis include:
1. Uneven Shoulders or Hips
One of the most noticeable signs of scoliosis is uneven shoulders or hips. If you notice that your shoulders or hips are not level, it may be a sign of scoliosis. This is because the curvature of the spine can cause the body to tilt to one side.
2. Rib Hump
In more severe cases of scoliosis, the curvature of the spine can cause a rib hump. This is where one side of the ribs sticks out more than the other side. This can be noticeable when the person is bending forward.
3. Back Pain
Back pain is a common symptom of scoliosis, especially if the curvature is severe. The pain may be felt in the upper or lower back, depending on the location of the curvature. The pain may be mild or severe and can affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities.
4. Limited Mobility
If scoliosis is left untreated, it can lead to limited mobility. This is because the curvature of the spine can cause the muscles to become tight and rigid. This can make it difficult to move the back or bend over.
5. Breathing Difficulties
In severe cases of scoliosis, the curvature of the spine can affect lung function. This can cause breathing difficulties, especially during physical activity. If you experience shortness of breath along with any of the signs or symptoms above, it may be a sign of severe scoliosis.
Treatments for Scoliosis
The treatment for scoliosis depends on the severity of the curvature. For mild cases, no treatment may be necessary, and the condition may only require monitoring. However, in more severe cases, treatment may be required to prevent the curvature from getting worse.
Some common treatments for scoliosis include:
Bracing
Bracing is a common treatment for scoliosis in children and adolescents. A brace is worn around the torso to help prevent the curvature from getting worse. Bracing is considered the first line of attack with scoliosis, as it is non-invasive and has minimal side effects. However, bracing can be uncomfortable, especially at first, which makes it a hard treatment for some.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve mobility and flexibility in people with scoliosis. Exercise can help strengthen the muscles and improve posture. We offer a full array of physical therapy techniques here at Florida Injury & Wellness Center in Wesley Chapel, including:
- Active Assistive Range of Motion
- Aerobic/Endurance Exercise
- Ankle Active Range of Motion
- Ankle Joint Mobilization
- Ankle Joint Passive Range of Motion
- Ankle Progressive Resistive Range of Motion
- Core Strengthening
- Cold Therapy
- Elbow Active Range of Motion
- Elbow Joint Mobilization
- Elbow Passive Range of Motion
- Elbow Resistive Range of Motion
- Gait or Walking Training
- Hand Active Range of Motion
- Heat Pack
- Hip Active Range of Motion
- Hip Joint Mobilization
- Hip Passive Range of Motion
- Hip Resistive Range of Motion
- Ice Massage
- Isometric Exercise
- Knee Active Range of Motion
- Knee Joint Mobilization
- Knee Passive Range of Motion
- Knee Resistive Range of Motion
- Low Back Active Range of Motion
- Low Back Joint Mobilization
- Low Back Passive Range of Motion
- Low Back Resistive Range of Motion
- Lumbar Traction
- Middle Back Active Range of Motion
- Middle Back Joint Mobilization
- Neck Active Range of Motion
- Neck Joint Mobilization
- Neck Passive Range of Motion
- Neck Resistive Range of Motion
- Neck Traction
- Plyometrics
- Posture Training
- Proprioception Exercises
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
- Shoulder Active Range of Motion
- Shoulder Joint Mobilization
- Shoulder Passive Range of Motion
- Shoulder Resistive Range of Motion
- Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Stretching/Flexibility Exercise
- Therapeutic Ball Exercise
- Wrist Active Range of Motion
- Wrist Joint Mobilization
- Wrist Passive Range of Motion
- Wrist Resistive Range of Motion
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for scoliosis that can help relieve pain and improve mobility. Massage therapy can help release tension in the muscles and fascia surrounding the spine, which can help reduce the curvature of the spine. A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that massage therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with scoliosis. Massage therapy can also help improve posture and increase flexibility, which can help prevent the progression of scoliosis. It is important to work with a trained and licensed massage therapist who has experience working with scoliosis to ensure that the massage is safe and effective.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points of the body. Acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including scoliosis. Acupuncture can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, which can help improve mobility and reduce the curvature of the spine. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving the quality of life in people with scoliosis. Acupuncture can also help improve posture and increase flexibility, which can help prevent the progression of scoliosis. It is important to work with a trained and licensed acupuncturist who has experience working with scoliosis to ensure that the treatment is safe and effective.
Surgery
In severe cases of scoliosis, surgery may be necessary to correct the curvature. The surgery involves fusing the vertebrae together to prevent further curvature. Surgery should always be a last resort and only used in severe cases where other treatments have not yielded satisfactory results.
Scoliosis is Manageable With Proper Care
Scoliosis is a condition that affects the curvature of the spine. The signs and symptoms of scoliosis can vary depending on the severity of the curvature. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can help prevent the curvature from getting worse and improve the quality of life for people with scoliosis. With proper care, like what you’ll receive at Florida Injury & Wellness Center in Wesley Chapel, you can live well even with a scoliosis diagnosis. Call us at 813-437-1587 to schedule your appointment today!
