Scoliosis rehabilitation.
WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?!
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.
Scoliosis doesn’t normally improve without treatment, but it isn’t usually a sign of anything serious and treatment isn’t always needed if it’s mild.
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.
Treatment for scoliosis depends on your age, how severe the curve is, and whether it’s likely to get worse with time.
Many people won’t need any treatment and only a small number will need to have surgery on their spine.
- Babies and toddlers may not need treatment as the curve might improve over time. A plaster cast or plastic brace may be fitted to their back to stop the curve getting worse as they grow.
- Older children may wear a back brace to stop the curve getting worse until they stop growing. Sometimes surgery may be needed.
- Adults may need treatment to relieve pain, such as painkillers, exercises, spinal injections and, very occasionally, surgery.
In around 8 in every 10 cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. This is called idiopathic scoliosis.
scoliosis may also be caused by:
- the bones in the spine not forming properly in the womb – this is called congenital scoliosis and is present from birth
- an underlying nerve or muscle condition, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy – this is called neuromuscular scoliosis
- wear and tear of the spine with age – this is called degenerative scoliosis, which affects older adults
If you feel you have scoliosis, feel free to call us at Rainham Physiotherapy Centre on 01634 377 638 and book in to see one of our physiotherapists.