Understanding scoliosis is not as difficult as the name sounds. It is basically the abnormal curving of the spine, which is the human backbone. The spine runs straight to your back, and this curve is normal in people. But for people with scoliosis, the curve is unusual and often gets too much. To better put it together is like the shape of S or C, to be precise about scoliosis.

Upon the occurrence of scoliosis, people are generally unaware of cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy; the cause of most childhood scoliosis is unknown. According to general perception, the diagnosis of scoliosis usually shows symptoms during the first 7 years of a child’s life. At the same time, the common causes remain the same such as birth defects, genetic conditions, and neurological abnormalities. For which physiotherapeutic solutions and game-changers.

Types of Scoliosis

Now, it is imperative to understand the different types and categories of scoliosis, which breaks down into the following age group;

  • For infants, it ranges from 0 to 3 years.
  • For juveniles, the range is 4 to 10 years.
  • For adolescents, the breakdown is from 11 to 18 years.
  • For adults, it starts from 18 years of age.

Out of this breakdown, scoliosis is most common among adolescents, which is named idiopathic scoliosis. When further study on scoliosis leads to two different reasons;

  • The first is congenital, in which the spinal deformities are apparent and result from the birth year.
  • The second is neurological, in which the abnormalities affect muscles in the spine.

Common Symptoms of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is either structural or nonstructural. This means that the spine curve is caused by disease, birth defect, or severe injury in structural scoliosis. The symptoms of scoliosis are many. Some of the common symptoms that are seen in the scoliosis patients are;

  • The first and most commonly found symptom is one shoulder blade which is higher than the other. While in some cases, one shoulder blade sticks out more than the other shoulder blade.
  • The other visible symptom is the uneven shape of your hips.
  • In some cases, a rotating spine is a clear symptom of scoliosis.
  • People with scoliosis often have problems in breathing just because they have reduced the area in the chest for the lungs to expand.
  • Excessive back pain for a prolonged period is another clear indication of scoliosis.

Causes of Scoliosis

While understanding the primary causes of scoliosis, the trained and highly experienced doctor on call in Dubai identifies the happening because of the following reasons;

  • The first and primary reason for scoliosis is cerebral palsy, a group of nervous system disorders that hinders movement, seeing, learning, and hearing properly.
  • The next and probable cause for scoliosis is muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder resulting in muscle weakness.
  • The occurrence of scoliosis is mostly from birth defects that affect a person from infancy, mainly in the spinal bones, such as spina bifida.
  • The cause can be beyond expectations upon being involved in a severe accident with severe spinal injuries and infections.

Moreover, people with a family history of scoliosis tend to develop this condition. And there is a strong and popular opinion as it happens with females more as compared to males.

Physiotherapeutic Remedies for Scoliosis

Here are a few of the solutions and recovery methods for scoliosis by acquiring physiotherapy at home from the professional, trained, certified, and experienced physical therapists at Aims Healthcare.

a. Side Stretch on the Floor

Firstly, we have a side stretch on the floor exercise that involves the following step;

  • The targeted area in this exercise is the side of the rib cage, which is to the side of the thoracic spine.
  • The person has to lie down with the side of concavity towards the ground.
  • As soon as the patient lies down, pinning the waist down to the ground with the torso right up is the following movement.
  • Now, the stretching on the side of the rib cage comes into action. Moreover, while stretching, take a deep breath to feel the stretch and push the ribs and belly as much as possible.

b. Side Tilt Stretch for Lumbar Area

  • The first step for a patient is to stand with feet wide apart and leave food turned out to the side.
  • The next step is to outstretch the arms while bending to the left side.
  • Upon doing this movement, the patient should reach the upper arm as far to the left as possible.
  • Keep the body in line with the left leg, but do not rotate the entire body and keep the leg straight.

c. Traction/Hanging for Spine Area

The next is traction which is commonly understood as hanging which is quite easy and effective for tightening the joints in the spine.

  • In this exercise, the person is asked to hold onto a horizontal bar.
  • Hang and then drop down on a squat position. While doing so, allow the bodyweight to hang off the arms completely.
  • The next step is to ensure that your feet are gently resting on the floor for support.
  • Here leaning slightly backward, with upper torso forwards, and tucking in the chin while looking downwards.
  • This exercise will make you feel a stretch in the upper back region.

d. Torso Rotation

The torso rotation includes cat and cow position to heel scoliosis. Here is how to do the torso rotation using cat and cow positioning;

  • The first is for a patient to attain a sitting position.
  • Soon after, the next step comes where rounding up the upper back is done to the most of your capacity.
  • Now, rotating the torso to one side becomes pivotal.
  • This leads you to feel a gentle stretch at your back.
  • It is to ensure that the pelvis does not move.

e. Stretch with Flexion

  • Using this exercise, the target area is the side of the spine.
  • A person needs to sit in a chair while bringing the upper back region forward and making a curve.
  • This aims to curve the spine at the level of the apex and bend the spine away from the side of concavity.
  • This is how a person will feel a stretch on the side of the spine.

The Final Takeaway!

Scoliosis doesn’t affect everyday activities and functions. However, if the severity doesn’t get treatment in time, it results in harsh physical limitations. Physiotherapy is an excellent way to get control over scoliosis and get back to a healthy and contented lifestyle.