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Writer's pictureShruti GOCHHWAL

Scoliosis: What To Do And How To Prevent It?

Scoliosis brace is a condition of the spine where the curvature of the spine is slightly towards the side. The doctors may describe the angle of the curve as “C” or “S”. The curve may appear to be small, large, or somewhere in between when seen in scoliosis X-ray.

Symptoms and signs of scoliosis

scoliosis

A scoliosis patient consulting doctor, Credits: pixabay


A person with scoliosis may observe the following signs:

  1. A curve which is visible in your back

  2. Waist, hip and shoulders that look uneven

  3. Uneven shoulder blades where one looks larger than the other

  4. Ribs may stick out farther on one side of your body

Symptoms include:

  1. Pain in the lower back

  2. Stiffness in the back

  3. Numbness in legs

  4. Fatigue

Types of scoliosis

There are 4 types of scoliosis which include:

  1. Idiopathic

  2. Congenital scoliosis

  3. Neuromuscular scoliosis

  4. Degenerative scoliosis

How to Prevent Scoliosis from Getting worse?

The vast majority of Scoliosis cases cannot be prevented. However, the progression of the disease can sometimes be curtailed from getting worse.

Let’s see some of the points below on how scoliosis condition can be prevented.

  1. Use of braces

  2. Scoliosis traction chair

  3. Remaining physically active

  4. Consuming nutritious food

  5. Spinal surgery


Use of Braces

Braces for scoliosis

Braces for scoliosis, Credits: pixabay


Back braces can help kids who are still growing. Many studies have shown that wearing braces for scoliosis for at least 16 hours a day can keep spinal curves from getting large enough to prevent them from surgery. In general, about ¼ of children suffering from scoliosis is likely to benefit from scoliosis braces. Braces for scoliosis are usually made of plastic and cant be seen under the clothes.


Scoliosis traction chair

Scoliosis chair

Scoliosis chair to help keep the back straight, Credits: pixabay


A Scoliosis Traction Chair (STC) is a corrective instrument for scoliosis. It can be used as a chair for back pain to address adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.  It has shown proven benefits by promoting a powerful effect on the spine. The recommended seating time in the scoliosis chair is 30 minutes twice daily. It is not for use by the general public and can be used only by chiropractors.  STC can be ineffective or even harmful if it is not used properly.


Remaining physically active

Exercise for back pain

Exercise for back pain, Credits: pixabay


Including flexibility and strengthening exercises in your daily routine can help strengthen your muscles and possibly prevent scoliosis from worsening.

You can also speak to a physiotherapist who can help improve pain, strengthen muscles, and increase the flexibility of your spine.

A chiropractor may also help you with scoliosis pain by keeping your facet joints supple.

Water or pool therapy can take some of the stress off your joints and help you cope up with pain


Eat nutritious foods

Healthy and nutritious food

Eating healthy and nutritious food, Credits: pixabay


Consuming foods rich in certain minerals and vitamins can help maintain strong, and healthy vertebrae as well as other bones of the body. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus form the mineral matrix of your bones including your spine. Vitamin D is also an important nutrient to build your bones healthy and strong.


Spinal surgery

Spinal surgery view

Spinal surgery, Credits: pixabay


Spinal surgery should always be the last option considered for scoliosis. However, in some cases, it becomes increasingly important to stop the deformity from progressing. In such cases, surgery can be considered where two or more vertebrae are fused together with bone grafts and metal rods or other hard devices to support the spine in order to keep it straight.

An altered curvature of spine is not preventable but the progression and worsening of the condition can be managed through braces, traction chairs, eating healthy and nutritious food and remaining physically active.

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