Canberra Physiotherapy clinic – TM Physio Canberra

what-is-Scoliosis

What Is Scoliosis And How We Treat It.

Have you ever been told that carrying a heavy backpack on one shoulder or sleeping on one side can warp your spine? This isn’t necessarily the case (although carrying heavy backpacks certainly doesn’t do your back any good). There is, however, a condition called ‘scoliosis’ that can lead to the spine becoming unnaturally curved. It is usually first identified in childhood or adolescence, but can affect people of any age. keep reading to find out what is scoliosis.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways and to rotate. It can be caused by other conditions, such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, or by issues elsewhere in the body, but the cause of most cases of scoliosis is unknown. In fact, around 80% of cases have no identifiable cause.

There are two main categories:

Structural scoliosis is where there is a physical curve to the spine.

Functional scoliosis is where the spine appears to be curved, but this is a result of an irregularity elsewhere in the body, such as different leg lengths, or tightness in muscles.

Structural scoliosis is permanent, although symptoms can be reduced. Functional scoliosis, on the other hand, can often be resolved.

Most cases of scoliosis are mild, and it may take a while to notice if at all. However, the more severe the curve, the more of an impact it will have on your life. Some cases can continue to worsen over time. In severe instances, the amount of space within the chest can be reduced, affecting lung function and restricting the heart’s ability to pump effectively. The curve of the spine can also impact other areas of the body, causing pain or muscle spasms elsewhere.

Symptoms

Mild cases of scoliosis cause little or no pain, but there are other signs that you can look out for. The most common symptoms of scoliosis are:

  • Uneven shoulders
  • Uneven waist
  • One shoulder blade sticking out more than the other
  • One hip sitting higher than the other

In more severe cases, you may experience:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Back pain
  • Muscle Spasms

Cases of scoliosis are often first spotted when a friend or family member notices that the person’s clothes are hanging unevenly, or that their spine appears curved when they see them changing or in swimming clothes.

Most scoliosis patients will be identified as children or teenagers – commonly during growth spurts around the time of puberty. However, some cases of scoliosis may go undiagnosed well into adulthood, and some adults will develop degenerative scoliosis as they age.

what is scoliosis

The Impact Of Scoliosis

Around 90% of instances of scoliosis are considered mild, and these are often thought to not need treatment as they cause little or no pain. However, even mild curvature of the spine can lead to other issues, such as:

  • Difficulty maintaining balance
  • Uneven gait when walking or running
  • Loss of alignment in the hips
  • Reduced range of motion due to lessened flexibility in the spine
  • Muscle aches or spasms
  • Loss of stability, increasing the risk of injury or damage to tissues
  • Low self-esteem if the curve is noticeable or clothes appear uneven

Therefore, it’s always worth looking into what treatment options are available if and when scoliosis is first noticed.

Treatment

In some instances, particularly those of children with severe cases, it may be necessary to wear a back brace to prevent the curvature from worsening.

Physiotherapists will focus on developing an exercise routine to strengthen your muscles, increase your mobility and develop core stabilisation. Massage and hydrotherapy can also help to reduce pain and discomfort.

In severe cases, surgery may be required, but this is becoming much less common practice due to advances in early detection programs and bracing treatments. Surgery is always a last resort if all other forms of therapy have not proven effective.

Contact us on 6282 5898 or book online for a spine check to assess any issues you might be experiencing.

KIPPAX CLINIC TEMPORARILY RELOCATED TO HIGGINS

Dear clients.

Due to a fire in the Ochre Health Hub on 20 August, our Kippax clinic is now temporarily located at Higgins Medical Centre, Higgins Shops. 

NEW ADDRESS: Higgins Shops, 9 Higgins Pl 

All of our other details remain the same.

If you are unsure about the location of your appointment please contact us on 6254 9889.

Our Deakin clinic continues to be open as normal. Our team looks forward to seeing you in the new rooms!

Thank you.
The TM team