Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional abnormality that occurs when the spine becomes rotated and curved sideways. Most often this condition has no known cause, in which case it is called idiopathic scoliosis.
While the cause is unknown, idiopathic scoliosis does tend to run in families. The specific genes involved have not all been identified yet, and there could be factors beyond genetics as well.
3 Types of Idiopathic Scoliosis
Typically, idiopathic scoliosis is categorized by the age at which the deformity developed:
- Infantile idiopathic scoliosis: develops from birth to 3 years old
- Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis: develops from 4 to 9 years old
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: develops from 10 to 18 years old
Adolescent scoliosis comprises approximately 80% of all idiopathic scoliosis cases. Adolescence is when rapid growth typically occurs, which is why the detection of a curve at this stage should be monitored closely for progression as the child’s skeleton develops.
Broadly speaking, all cases of scoliosis can be sorted into two different categories: functional scoliosis and structural scoliosis. Determining which type of scoliosis a patient is actually suffering from helps to ensure that an appropriate course of treatment is selected.
The difference between functional and structural scoliosis is as follows:
- Structural scoliosis is when the patient’s spine actually has a physical curve.
- Functional scoliosis arises from something external to the spine that causes the spine to adopt a curved posture. Examples of this may be asymmetrical movement habits (such as asymmetrical sports or carrying a baby always on the 1 hip) or leg length discrepancy.
Spinal decompression for scoliosis
Spinal decompression is an effective way to treat scoliosis by a series of movements, exercises and adjustments specifically designed to counteract the abnormal curvature of the spine.
With the use of belts attached to the spinal decompression table, we can gently stretch and mobilise the spine in opposing directions. This helps stretch ligaments, muscles and spinal structures that are compressed and shortened.
