Spinal CurvesCurves are a normal part of the spine’s structure. Looking at the spine from a lateral view, a properly formed spine resembles a soft ‘S’ shape to maintain balance over the pelvis. From a posterior view, a normal spine will appear vertically straight from the neck to the sacrum.
Scoliosis is diagnosed when a posterior view of the spinal column reveals lateral bends. A scoliosis curve to the right side of center will form a compensating bend back to the left side, and vice versa. Scoliosis usually occurs in the thoracic or lumbar areas of the back. A normal spine has a vertical curve measuring less than 10 degrees. By measuring the curve’s angle using the vertebra at the apex of the curve as a starting point, a scoliotic spine measures curves of 10 degrees in mild cases and up to 90 degrees in the most severe cases.
Distribution and Causes Most cases of scoliosis are considered to be of unknown origin, otherwise known as idiopathic. Statistics confirm that scoliosis is more prevalent in girls than in boys, and develops in adolescence in eighty percent of all cases. While it is also found in adults, most professionals assume that these scoliosis diagnoses were missed during childhood.
Sometimes, scoliosis can be a result of physical trauma or stress, such as a car accident. Rarely, congenital or infantile scoliosis occurs when severe spinal deformities are present at birth. While all of the following theories have not yet been validated, research has indicated that possible causes of scoliosis include:
- connective tissue disorders
- nervous system abnormalities
- hormonal imbalances
- genetic/hereditary factors
- consistent physical or emotional stress
- if the spine is still growing and changing
- how severe the curvature is
- the extent the patient’s lifestyle is impacted
- the curve’s location – according to the Scoliosis Research Society, thoracic curves are more likely to progress than lumbar curves
- the curve’s potential for progression – those with large curves prior to their adolescent growth spurts are more likely to experience curve progression.
- Observation – In mild cases of scoliosis, the only treatment warranted is periodic physician observation to ensure that the problem has not increased.
- Orthopedic Bracing – The most common treatment used for scoliosis, bracing is used for curves of 30-40 degrees. While a brace does not change the amount of curvature already present, a brace can stop the curve’s progression. Since most curve progressions occur during a child’s growth phase, bracing is most common from infancy through adolescence. Braces have replaced full torso non-removable casts and are usually worn 23 hours per day.
- Surgery – Surgery is used to stabilize the spine. In a procedure called Bone-Fusion, an orthopedic surgeon takes tiny pieces of bone from the patient’s pelvis and inserts them between the vertebrae in hopes of stimulating the bones to eventually grow together. During the surgery a metal rod, hooks and wire are inserted to keep the spine straight until the bones fuse. The hardware is rarely removed because that would require another extensive surgery.
While Rolfing®, yoga, acupuncture, structural integration and exercise have a history of improving scoliosis symptoms, two massage therapy techniques also can help this condition such as Cranial-Sacral Therapy and Deep Tissue Massage:
- Cranial-Sacral Therapy – By gently addressing restricted tissue patterns surrounding and within the spinal column, adipose tissue and the dural tube, cranial-sacral therapy’s mobilization of fascia, gentle traction and enhancing mobility of the body can help bring some balance to the spine.
- Deep Tissue Massage – Deep tissue work, neuromuscular therapy and assisted stretching techniques to hypertonic muscles enhance local circulation and can bring relief from muscular pain and related adhesions. By elongating these tightened areas, the causal pull on the spine can relax. However, therapists should be aware that deep work on the overstretched fascia covering the ribs is not beneficial.
Alternative treatments are not suggested to replace a traditional physician’s prescription. However, massage therapy can help reduce some of scoliosis’ related symptoms. Appropriate application of cranial-sacral therapy and deep tissue massage can provide a respite for continuously over-stretched fascia and muscles, thus lessening the stress on a wrenched spinal column.