Priority Health: Scoliosis

Susan asks, Can you discuss scoliosis? Do you have a link for special exercises for scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown.

Signs and symptoms of scoliosis may include:

Risk factors for developing the most common type of scoliosis include:

Age - signs and symptoms typically begin during the growth spurt that occurs just prior to puberty. This is usually between the ages of 9 and 15 years.

Sex - although both boys and girls develop mild scoliosis at about the same rate, girls have a much higher risk of the curve worsening and requiring treatment.

Family history - scoliosis can run in families, but most children with scoliosis don't have a family history of the disease.

Since scoliosis is a muscular skeletal problem, that is probably genetic, I am unaware of any special exercises or treatment protocols that will reverse or prevent the problems. Mild scoliosis does not require any major treatments. While it can cause some discomfort, it does not pose any major medical problems for the patient. Moderate to severe scoliosis can cause constriction of the thoracic cavity due to rotation and curving of the spine. This decrease is the ability of the patient to breathe deeply, and could cause complications such as pulmonary infections, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, portal hypertension.

Complications:

Treatment:

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Priority Health: Scoliosis