Definition/Description

Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It is most often diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence.

Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some spine deformities continue to get more severe as children grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. An especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly.

Symptoms/Characteristics

There are several signs that may indicate the possibility of scoliosis.

• Sideways curvature of the spine
• Uneven shoulders
• Uneven waist
• Decreasing pulmonary function, major concern in progressive severe scoliosis
• Sideways body posture

Causes

Scoliosis shows up most often during growth spurts, usually when kids are between 10 and 15 years old. About the same number of boys and girls are diagnosed with minor idiopathic scoliosis. But curves in girls are 10 times more likely to get worse and may need to be treated. Below are some of the possible causes of scoliosis:

Treatment

For mild scoliosis, you may not need treatment. Instead, your doctor might watch you and take X-rays once in a while to see if it's getting worse. Some children grow out of scoliosis. If you or your child need treatment, your doctor might suggest:

Braces In kids who are still growing, wearing a brace around your torso can stop the curve from getting worse. They're usually made of plastic. Many kids wear them 24 hours a day. You can't see them under clothes, and they don’t stop you from doing everyday activities.

Spinal fusion surgery In this operation, your doctor puts pieces of bone or a similar material between bones in your spine. They use hardware to hold the bones in place until they grow together, or fuse. The surgery can lessen the curve in your spine as well as keep it from getting worse.

Exercise Program for Scoliosis

Scoliosis causes the spine to curve sideways, causing pain, weakness, and changes in the way a person walks. Exercise and stretching are vital components of treatment.

Cat-Camel

Purpose: The Cat-Camel is a yoga pose. It can help keep the spine flexible and pain-free.

How to perform Cat-Camel:

1. Begin on the hands and knees, ensuring your back is level, and your head and neck are comfortable.
2. Breathe deeply, then draw the abdominal muscles in and up, arching your back.
3. Exhale and release the abdominal muscles, dropping the back, letting the belly fall, and lifting the head toward the ceiling.
4. Do two sets of 10.

2. Latissimus dorsi stretch

How to perform a Latissimus dorsi stretch:

1. Stand with good posture in a neutral position.
2. Keep the feet shoulder-width apart and the knees very slightly bent.
3. Reaching over your head with both hands, grab your right wrist with your left hand.
4. Bend slightly toward the right side until you feel a stretch in the left side of the body.
5. Hold for one to two breaths, then push with the left foot to return to the original position.
6. Repeat on the opposite side.
7. Do 5–10 repetitions on each side.

3. Pelvic Tilt

Purpose: To strengthen your lower abdominal muscles and stretch your low back.

How to perform a pelvic tilt:

1. Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor.
2. As you exhale, contract your abdominal muscles while you push your belly button toward the floor and flatten your low back.
3. Using your hands, gently pull your leg in until you feel a comfortable stretch.
4. Hold the position for 5 seconds.
5. Repeat 10 times, holding the position for 5 seconds each time.