Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that usually affects the back or thoracic region between the shoulder blades. When viewed from the side, a normal spine should be S-shaped from the base of the skull to the tailbone. However, when viewed from behind, the spine should be straight and not tilted to one side. If your spine curves to the right or left, you have scoliosis. Unfortunately, most cases of scoliosis, especially those that develop in childhood (idiopathic scoliosis), cannot be prevented, although progression can sometimes be slowed. On the other hand, some forms of adult scoliosis can be prevented by practicing good posture, maintaining symmetry when exercising, and eating well.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Slowing Child Scoliosis Progress
Step 1. Consult a doctor
If you suspect your child has scoliosis, either through a check-up at school or because someone has noticed that his/her back/body looks tilted, make an appointment with a doctor or medical professional, such as an orthopedist. Scoliosis can progress very quickly in teenagers, so the sooner you seek medical help, the better. Doctors cannot prevent scoliosis completely, but can properly assess it and provide options to slow its progression.
- The doctor will likely take an X-ray and measure the angle of curvature of the child's spine. Scoliosis is not considered too significant if the curvature is less than 25–30 degrees.
- Scoliosis affects more women than men and runs in families, so some cases are hereditary.
Step 2. Ask your doctor about back braces
A common option for adolescents with progressive scoliosis is to wear a back brace. Buffers can't prevent scoliosis, but in some cases they can prevent progression to more serious conditions. The supports are made of rigid plastic or elastic rubber with metal inserts, and the type used depends on the severity and position of the abnormal curvature. The brace usually covers most of the torso area and can be worn under clothes. Supportive treatment is usually used when the curvature is greater than or equal to 25 degrees and appears to be developing rapidly, or the curvature is discovered in a young child when the spine is still growing and has exceeded 30 degrees.
- Most braces must be worn for at least 16 hours a day for several months or even years, until the spine stops growing.
- Several studies have concluded that back braces in cases of scoliosis can block the development of the arch and thus do not require surgery.
- In general, about of children/adolescents with scoliosis can be helped with a back brace.
Step 3. Talk to your doctor about spinal surgery
Spinal surgery is a last resort, but in some cases it is necessary to stop the development of spinal deformities and those that may cause health problems (due to the position of the internal organs close together), as well as chronic pain and disability. Scoliosis surgery is performed by fusion of two or more vertebrae with bone grafts and inserting metal pins or other hard materials to keep the spine straight and well supported. Scoliosis surgery is primarily used to correct significant curvature or milder forms of scoliosis. However, spinal fusion is not a common option for adults with scoliosis or hyperkyphosis (hunchback) due to loss of the middle spine.
- Stainless steel or titanium pens are used to support the spine until bone fusion is complete. Metal pens are attached to the spine with screws, hooks, and/or wires.
- Complications that may occur due to spinal surgery are infection, heavy blood loss, allergic reactions to anesthetics, nerve damage/paralysis, and chronic pain.
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Scoliosis in Adults
Step 1. Find out what causes adult scoliosis
Most cases of adult scoliosis are idiopathic, meaning that there is no known reason. Other causes are:
- Congenital curvature-Meaning you were born with scoliosis. This condition may go unnoticed when you are a child, but it gets worse over time.
- Paralytic curvature-If the muscles around the spine start to stop working, the spine will start to curve out of place, causing scoliosis. This is usually caused by a spinal cord injury and may result in paralysis.
- Secondary causes-Scoliosis may occur due to various spinal problems, such as degeneration, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, or after spinal surgery.
Step 2. Understand the limits of preventing scoliosis
Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to prevent scoliosis in adulthood. You can only focus on reducing the pain caused by scoliosis. Severe cases may require surgery, but for mild cases, you will only need to focus on straightening your spine and managing the pain.
Step 3. Increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion with exercise
There are several things you can do to strengthen your muscles and prevent the development of scoliosis or pain. Physical therapy and water therapy can help, while chiropractic care can reduce pain.
- Talk to a licensed physical therapist to develop a program to strengthen muscles and stretch your back.
- Water therapy or pools can reduce pressure on your joints so you can focus on strengthening the muscles in your back without the limitations of gravity.
- A chiropractor can help flex the small joints that connect the spine to other bones and relieve pain.
Step 4. Eat nutritious food
To keep your vertebrae and other bones strong, straight, and healthy, you must eat foods rich in certain vitamins and minerals. In particular, you should consume calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from the mineral matrix of bones (including the spine), as mineral deficiency can cause weakened and porous bones (osteoporosis) making them prone to fracture. When the vertebrae begin to crack and fracture, the spine can tilt to one side and develop into a condition called degenerative adult scoliosis. Vitamin D is also an important nutrient for strong bones because it is needed in the absorption of calcium in the intestines. Vitamin D deficiency can cause "soft" bones (called rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults) that easily result in deformities or unnatural curvature.
- Food sources of calcium are mustard greens, kale, spinach, sardines, tofu, dairy products, almonds, and sesame.
- Vitamin D is produced by the skin in response to intense sunlight, although many people try to avoid the sun. Vitamin D is not found in many foods, but the best sources are fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), fish oil, beef liver, hard cheese, and egg yolks.
Tips
- Exercise doesn't seem to prevent the development of scoliosis, but strong back muscles can help reduce the pain often associated with scoliosis.
- A simple way to assess spinal curvature is to bend forward from the waist, hands extended to the floor, and have someone else look at your shoulder blades. If one is higher than the other, you may have scoliosis.
- Although chiropractic, massage therapy, physiotherapy, and acupuncture can help reduce pain from scoliosis, no treatment (other than surgery) can restore the natural curvature of the spine.
