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Everything you need to know about scoliosis and treatment options

Scoliosis affects many people, from children to adults, with varying degrees of severity. While some may experience mild symptoms, others might see noticeable changes in posture or movement. Early detection is key to effectively managing the condition and determining the right treatment. Consulting with a dedicated scoliosis clinic helps ensure you receive a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.

What is Scoliosis?

Spine with and without scoliosis

Scoliosis is a progressive sideways curve of the spine, usually in a “C” or “S” shape. The spine normally has natural curves from the side but should look straight from the back. Signs may include uneven shoulders or hips, a visible spine curve, a forward lean or hunch, or back pain.

Scoliosis can affect people of all ages, from infants to adults, and its impact can vary depending on the age of onset and severity. Early detection is crucial to determine the best treatment. Regular screenings for all ages are important to catch scoliosis early and take proactive steps toward management.

What is Scoliosis?

Spine with and without scoliosis

Scoliosis is a progressive sideways curve of the spine, usually in a “C” or “S” shape. The spine normally has natural curves from the side but should look straight from the back. Signs may include uneven shoulders or hips, a visible spine curve, a forward lean or hunch, or back pain.

Scoliosis can affect people of all ages, from infants to adults, and its impact can vary depending on the age of onset and severity. Early detection is crucial to determine the best treatment. Regular screenings for all ages are important to catch scoliosis early and take proactive steps toward management.

What is Scoliosis?

Spine with and without scoliosis

Scoliosis is a progressive sideways curve of the spine, usually in a “C” or “S” shape. The spine normally has natural curves from the side but should look straight from the back. Signs may include uneven shoulders or hips, a visible spine curve, a forward lean or hunch, or back pain.

Scoliosis can affect people of all ages, from infants to adults, and its impact can vary depending on the age of onset and severity. Early detection is crucial to determine the best treatment. Regular screenings for all ages are important to catch scoliosis early and take proactive steps toward management.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

The benefits of non-surgical treatment

Scoliosis can be treated in various ways, and the right approach depends on each person’s unique situation. Non-surgical treatments, like scoliosis-specific exercises and custom bracing, offer significant benefits aiming to stabilise the spine, improve posture, reduce pain, and support long-term spinal health. These non-invasive options can be highly effective, especially in preventing curve progression and enhancing quality of life. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Treatment should always be personalised to the patient, with a thorough assessment by a dedicated scoliosis clinician, guiding the best approach.

FAQ’s

Here are some commonly asked questions around Scoliosis and available treatments:

What treatment options are there for scoliosis?2025-03-21T01:51:19+00:00

Treatment options for scoliosis depend on the type and severity of the curve. Mild cases may benefit from scoliosis specific exercise, while progressive curves in growing kids and teens, and degenerative curves in older adults, may benefit from custom bracing. Sometimes a combination of both treatment approaches may be of benefit. Severe cases may require surgery. Choosing the right treatment starts with a consultation at a dedicated scoliosis clinic, where a trained scoliosis clinician can develop a personalised care plan tailored to the patient’s needs.

How do I screen for scoliosis?2025-03-25T00:18:42+00:00

To screen for scoliosis, it’s important to look for signs early, especially during growth spurts in children and teens. Start with a visual inspection from the back, looking for asymmetry in the shoulders, hips, or waist, or a visible curve. Alternatively, you can use an online screening tool like ScoliScreen, which helps identify potential signs of scoliosis. It’s a simple, at-home tool that can be an early indicator of scoliosis.  If a screening suggests possible scoliosis, it’s important to follow up with a scoliosis clinician for a thorough evaluation.

I’ve been diagnosed with scoliosis and advised to ‘wait and see’ – what are my next steps?2025-03-21T01:51:45+00:00

If you’re unsure about your scoliosis diagnosis or treatment plan, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion from a dedicated scoliosis clinic.

Can exercise fix my scoliosis?2025-03-25T00:34:37+00:00

There is no scientifically-proven regular exercise therapy that will reduce a scoliosis or prevent a curve from progressing.  However, specialised scoliosis specific rehabilitation programs that have been designed to specifically address the scoliosis curve, have been shown to be effective in many cases. Finding the best approach to scoliosis care begins with a consultation with trained clinicians who can develop a personalised care plan tailored to your needs.

Are scoliosis braces effective?2025-03-25T00:43:19+00:00

Custom-made 3-dimensional asymmetric scoliosis braces can be effective, particularly for growing children and adolescents, as well as for older adults with spinal degeneration. These braces, tailored specifically to each patient, help prevent the curvature from worsening by applying corrective forces to straighten the spine. They can also improve posture, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life. The effectiveness of a scoliosis brace depends on factors such as the severity of the curve, the patient’s age, and how consistently the brace is worn. If you’re considering a brace or unsure about your scoliosis treatment options, it’s important to seek help from a team dedicated to scoliosis treatment, to determine the best approach for your situation.

When should I seek help?2025-03-21T01:53:01+00:00

If you think you may have scoliosis, it’s important to seek help. You might have noticed signs such as uneven shoulders, a tilted waist, a visible curve in your spine, or experienced pain. Early detection is crucial, so don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated scoliosis clinic for an assessment and guidance on the next steps.

Need More Information?

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