Scoliosis 101: Cause, Symptoms, and Management

Scoliosis is a skeletal disorder that causes your spinal cord to curve to the sides. This may compromise your posture and stability and affect your mobility and flexibility. Read on as Terrapin Care Center, your massage therapy and pain management clinic, sheds light on this condition.

Cause and Risk Factors

Currently, the root cause of scoliosis remains unknown. In fact, approximately 80% of the reported cases have unidentified causes. However, heredity plays a role and females, particularly those in their early teens, are also more prone to developing it.

Types of Scoliosis

Your trusted pain management center explains that there are two types of scoliosis: structural and non-structural. The former occurs when you have a rigid vertebral curvature that may not be easily corrected. This may develop as a complication of muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy or genetic conditions like Down and Marfan syndromes. Congenital structural defects, tumors and infections may also cause this problem.

Non-structural scoliosis, on the other hand, causes a temporary change in your spinal curvature. It often occurs when you have an inflammatory disease or uncontrolled muscle spasms. Once you treat these pre-existing problems, your backbone may return to its normal form.

Symptoms and Treatment

Scoliosis may cause your spine to curve in the shape of an “S” or “C.” This can cause your shoulders to look uneven, with one protruding more than the other. You may also have uneven hips, causing difficulties when standing or walking. This condition may prevent your chest from fully expanding as well, compromising your breathing.

The most common problem scoliosis brings is recurring lower back pain. We may recommend physical therapy or chiropractic manipulation to relieve your discomfort. These methods aim to realign your backbone, improving your posture and your balance.

For more information about scoliosis, call us today at (301) 220-1930. You may also fill out our form to request an appointment. We serve Greenbelt, Silver Spring and the surrounding communities in Maryland.