Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side. It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15. In around 8 in every 10 cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. This is called idiopathic scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis can't be prevented and isn't thought to be linked to things such as bad posture, exercise or diet.
Signs of scoliosis include:
- a visibly curved spine
- leaning to one side
- uneven shoulders
- one shoulder or hip sticking out
- the ribs sticking out on one side
- clothes not fitting well
Some people with scoliosis may also have back pain. This tends to be more common in adults with the condition. An X-ray of your back will be carried out in hospital to check whether your spine is curved and how severe the curve is.
Treatments for scoliosis Treatment for scoliosis depends on your age, how severe the curve is, and whether it's likely to get worse with time. A plaster cast or plastic brace may be fitted to babies to stop the curve getting worse with growth.Children may wear a back brace to stop the curve getting worse until they stop growing. Sometimes surgery may be needed to control the growth of the spine until an operation to straighten it can be done when they stop growing. Adults may need treatment to relieve pain, such as painkillers, spinal injections and, very occasionally, surgery.
What Physiotherapy can do?
Physiotherapy will help maintain movement and flexibility of your child’s spine, reduce pain and maximise function. Physiotherapy may involve:
- Exercises to strengthen to correct muscle imbalance.
- Postural re-education
- Muscle stretching to lengthen tight muscles and relieve pain
- Hydrotherapy treatment
- Pre- and post-surgery treatment
- Clinical Pilates
- Yoga
