Scoliosis is a medical condition that involves an abnormal curvature of the spine. While it can occur at any age, it most often develops during childhood or adolescence, typically between the ages of 8 and 15. As the body grows, the spine, which is supposed to form a natural S-shape when viewd from the side, can begin to curve abnormally to the left or right, leading to a variety of physical challenges. One of the most noticeable impacts of scoliosis is its effect on posture, which can lead to discomforst and long-term health issues if left untreated.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis refers to a condition where the spine curves sideways generally "S" or "C" shape. In most cases, the cause remains idiopathic. However, there are other forms of scoliosis, including congenital scoliosis (caused by diseses such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy). The severity of scoliosis can vary, with some cases being mild and others more severe. The degree of curvature is measured in Cobb angle method in degrees, and the higher the number, the more severe the curvature. In severe cases, the abnormal curve can lead to physical discomfort, breathing issues, and even difficulty walking.
The Link Between Scoliosis and Posture
Posture is how the body aligns when standing, sitting, or lying down. Good posture refers to an alignment where the bones, muscles, and ligaments work together to minimize strain on the body's systems. For people with scoliosis, however, maintaining proper posture becomes a challenge. The spine's abnormal curvature shifts the body out of alignment, causing a range of postural issues.
How Posture Affects Individuals with Scoliosis
Poor posture can exacerbate the symptoms of scoliosis, making daily activities more difficult. When posture is altered due to scoliosis, muscles are forced to work harder on one side of the body to counterbalance the uneven pull of the spine. Over time, this additional strain can lead to muscle fatigue, pain, and even degenerative changes in the spine. In addition to muscle and joint pain, poor posture related to scoliosis can impact an individual's ability to breathe efficiently. Severe cases of scoliosis, especially in the thoracic (upper) region of the spine, can compress the lungs and reduce their capacity to expand fully. This can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty engaging in physical activities.
Managing Posture in Scoliosis
Early detection and intervention for scoliosis is the best way to treat scoliosis, there are strategies to manage the effects of scoliosis on posture and reduce discomfort. These approaches focus on improving alignment and relieving muscles strain.
1. Physical Therapy and Exercises
A key component of scoliosis management is physical therapy. Therapeutic exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improve flexibilty, and correct posture. All Well Scoliosis Centre provide ScoliBalance® therapeutic exercises. ScoliBalance® is a form of PSSE (Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises) that is an approach to correct individual posture with scoliosis that focuses on elongating the spine, improving alignment, and correcting muscle imbalances. Individuals with scoliosis may benefit from working with a certified Scolibalance® trainer to develop a personalized exercise regimen.
2. Bracing
Bracing is recommended if the curve is larger than 25º Cobb angle or more. The purpose of bracing is to stop progression of the curve. Traditional bracing uses a three-point system of squeezing that actually been shown to increase scoliosis-related rib arches and decrease spinal flexibility. However there are corrective brace that are design to help reducing scoliosis curve by helping individuals untwisting their spine. All Well Scoliosis Centre is a ScoliBrace® provider. ScoliBrace® is the latest bracing technology that helps correcting scoliosis through posture improvement by untwisting and elongating the body.
3. CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment approach
CLEAR stands for Chiropractic Leadership Education Advancement Research, it was founded by late Dr. Dennis Woggon, D.C. that focus on combination of Physical Therapy, exercises and Bracing. All Well Scoliosis Centre is a certified CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment since 2011 and has been actively treating scoliosis since. CLEAR scoliosis treatment is a combination of MIX-FIX-SET which means MIX to increase musculature flexibility, FIX to align spine and extremities, and SET to strenghten posture through specific exercises. CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment using a customize equipments such as Cantilevers, Scoliosis Traction Chair, and Flexion-Distraction Table to enhance and speed up posture improvements.
The Role of Lifestyle and Ergonomics
In addition to physical therapy and bracing, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the impact of scoliosis on posture. This includes eating a balanced diet to promote bone and health and engaging in regular low-impact exercise to strengthen the back and core muscles. All Well Scoliosis Centre provide a customize core exercises program for individuals with scoliosis as well as non-scoliosis condition. It is also important to practice proper ergonomics when working at a desk, lifting objects, or engaging in sports activities to avoid exacerbating scoliosis symptoms.
Conclusion
Scoliosis is a complex condition that affects not only spine, it is also affecting posture from muscle imbalance, lack of muscle coordination that can lead to discomfort even aesthetic of the individuals. By focusing on posture correction, core strengthening exercises, and physical therapy, individuals with scoliosis can manage their condition and maintain a more balanced, pain-free life, building better confidence. All Well Scoliosis Centre providing a holistic approach to individuals with such condition that are looking for scoliosis treatment that are giving a better
