Scoliosis: a problem of uneven curves

Scoliosis is a condition in which a person has side-to-side spinal curves in addition to the normal curves through which the lower portion of the human back curves inwards. Standing upright cannot cure these side-to-side curves. Some of the bones of a person suffering from scoliosis also shift from their normal position, thus making his/her waist or shoulders appear uneven.

Most of the times, scoliosis develops in the thoracic spine, which is the upper portion of our back or the area between the thoracic spine and lumbar spine, which is the lower portion of our back. The curvature of the spine of a person suffering from scoliosis appears to be C or S shaped.

There are different types of scoliosis, which can occur in various stages of human life. Congenital scoliosis is a rare type of scoliosis and generally occurs in the infancy. The weakness of the spinal muscles or neurological problems can also result in the formation of sideway curves in the spine, leading to a condition called Neuromuscular Scoliosis. Degenerative scoliosis generally occurs quite late in the life and is the result of the degeneration of joints in the human back. The most common form of scoliosis is Idiopathic Scoliosis, which largely occurs in adolescents and aggravates with age.

Ideopathic scoliosis can be due to hereditary or development factors and can be treated non-surgically, if the curvature of the spine is less than 40 degrees. However, one must undergo non-surgical treatments, such as spinal exercises, which strengthen the back muscles, immediately after the detection of the condition. Spinal mobilization through various exercises aims to re align the joints in the spinal column and decompress the nerve roots, the pressure on which can often result in back pain. Pressure on the nerve roots can also lead to weakness, numbness and pain in the spinal cord.