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Curves are a normal part of the spine’s structure; however, everyone’s spine will look slightly different from the next person’s. In what is considered a typical spine, the curves run anterior and posterior to the body but sometimes, children and adolescents can develop a condition known as scoliosis, where the spine curves laterally.
Those with scoliosis don’t always experience pain or problems due to the condition while other cases may face reduced heart and lung capacities which will restrict their activity levels and lifestyle. So, how can osteopathy help treat scoliosis?
Evidence Based Approach
Our practitioners use a combination of current literature and clinical experience to achieve the best results for you
Hollisitic
Our practitioners use a combination of current literature and clinical experience to achieve the best results for you
Tailored Treatments
Your treatment is tailored specifically to your needs and with realistic prognosis and treatment plans.
What is scoliosis?
A typical spine has three natural curves, one in the cervical spine in the neck, one in the thoracic spine from the base of the neck to the lower back and one in the lumbar spine in the lower back to the tip of the coccyx.
People with scoliosis will have a subtle or obvious ‘S’ or ‘C’ shaped curvature of their spine. Other key things to look out for that may indicate scoliosis include one shoulder higher than the other, one shoulder blade protruding more than the other, uneven or protruding hips, head not centred when the body is relaxed and ribs showing more prominently on one side of the body.
Once scoliosis is detected it is important to monitor its progression. Typically, you will be referred for x-rays to determine the degree of the curve and its severity. It is recommended that children be imaged every 4-6 months as they grow, while adults only need a check-up every 5-7 years.
Curves less than 10 degrees are often considered asymmetry in the spine and are unlikely to progress but should still be monitored. Curves great than 25 degrees need regular monitoring and are likely to require medical intervention as it may continue to grow and impact internal organs.
Scoliosis can be classified into one of either two types. Functional scoliosis references spine curvature that is not caused by spinal complications or structural abnormalities and could include things such as poor posture, differences in leg length, pain and muscle spasm caused by an injury, as well as muscular over or under-use. Structural scoliosis describes a fixed curvature of the spine which cannot be reversed and requires lifelong management.
Causes can include congenial conditions, neurological disorders, and birth defects. In cases of structural scoliosis where treatment is individualised on a case-by-case basis, you will likely see several health care professionals that will work in harmony to optimise your quality of life.
Scoliosis and osteopathic treatment
Depending on the type of scoliosis diagnosed and the severity of the curvature, several common treatments may be offered to manage or correct spinal curvature.
- Bracing is suggested for children and adolescents who are still growing and have a more extreme case of scoliosis (25 degrees curvature or more).
- Surgery is for curves of 45 degrees or greater. It is the most invasive scoliosis treatment and the type of surgery offered varies for everyone.
- Exercise therapy is for cases of functional scoliosis. This can increase muscle strength and endurance while also helping to correct the muscles surrounding the curvature and improve posture.
- Manual therapy is the external manipulation and adjustment of the spine; this is where osteopathy comes in but can also be provided by a physiotherapist or chiropractor.
In combination with the other listed therapies and techniques, osteopathy can yield significant results in treating or correcting structural and functional scoliosis. In the case of functional scoliosis, the cause of the scoliosis can be identified and addressed accordingly, whether it is muscular tension or joint restriction.
In terms of treating structural scoliosis, although the curve cannot be reversed, treatment can help to release the tissues that are under excessive strain due to the curve.
Osteopathy can help by mobilising the thoracic and lumbar spine and the rib cage to increase the range of movement. The pelvis also benefits from mobilisation especially where there is a leg length difference. In cases of ‘C’ curve, you may notice that the chest and thoracic spine curve forward creating a ‘hunch’ in your back.
Stretching and massaging the chest muscles and hip flexors can help open out the front of the body to reduce tension and decrease the hunch. Our osteopaths at Still Point Osteopathy may also give you exercises and stretches to perform at home.
Book your first appointment
Our osteopaths at Still Point Osteopathy are a great first point of contact for assessment and will be able to prevent, restore, rehabilitate, and optimise the body’s performance.
It is a drug-free, non-invasive form of manual therapy where your qualified osteopathic doctor will look at the body as a whole to understand any underlying problems and how one small injury in one place may affect the rest of your body and cause dysfunction.
We focus on the musculoskeletal framework to improve our patient’s health via strengthening and mobilisation techniques. This might include remedial massage, stretches, counter strain, chiropractic style joint manipulation, at-home and gym exercise rehabilitation programs and more.
We look forward to working with you in identifying, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions to help your body return to, and maintain, a state of good health. Contact us today on (07) 3366 6831.
Still Point Osteopathy
North Brisbane Osteopathy
2 great locations Ashgrove and North lakes
Contact Us
Still Point Osteopathy (previously known as Discover Osteopathy) Ashgrove.
Ph: 0733 666 831
Fax: 0733 666 381
Address: 10/338 Waterworks rd
Ashgrove 4060
Email: admin@stillpointosteopathy.rehab