Definition of Scoliosis (Skoliosis)
Scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional spinal disorder needing specialized scoliosis treatment that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy with customized rehabilitation and exercise program. Please read this article in total if you or a loved one needs scoliosis treatment in Kuala Lumpur. We have discussed what you need to know about scoliosis therapy and treatment programs available in KL. Before we start, we like to provide y9ou with some basic information on scoliosis.
What is Scoliosis?
The definition of scoliosis is an abnormal side-bending curvature of the spine. In general, scoliosis is a diagnosis reserved for side bending curves that measure 10-degrees or more using the cobbs method or cobb’s angle of scoliosis measured on an AP Full-Spine X-ray. AP full spine x-ray is the best method of assessing scoliosis curves, and they are primarily done on single x-rays the visualize the whole spine.
Scoliosis causes the backbone to be curved to one side if you view a person’s spine from the rear. A healthy normal spine should run straight down the middle, but those who suffer from a scoliotic condition will have a spine that bends to either the left or right. Smaller curves are harder to detect, while larger angles are easily identified as they may produce a hump adjacent to the spine.
Noteworthy Point: A side-bending curve of fewer than ten degrees bears repeated assessments, especially if the patient is under the age of ten. Many clinicians often hastily dismiss curves under 10-degrees. But the 10-degrees rule is not edged-in-stone. As such, spinal curves measuring less than the 10-degree rule may still pose issues, especially if the child is under 12. Therefore, parents with kids under the age of 12 should monitor kids with curves of any degree.
Defining the C-shaped & S-shaped Scoliotic Spines
Our clinical teams will use the letter “C” or “S” in their description of a scoliotic condition. C-shaped curves are similar to a C while S-shaped scoliosis resembles the letter S. C-shaped scoliosis is a single curve, whereas, for the S-type, two curves are present. S-shaped scoliosis is also known as double scoliosis. Double scoliosis is notoriously tricky to manage and associated with a faster progression.
The difficulty with S-shaped scoliosis is due to the nature of the curve. With a double scoliotic condition, the spine bends, but it also rotates as it bends. This coupled motion of abnormal side bending with rotation (turning) is the leading reason for its rapid progression.
The best definition of scoliosis is the one given by our director, Dr. Yama Zafer (Doctor of Chiropractic), who defines scoliosis as a three-dimensional disorder of the spine that involves bending and twisting in multiple planes. According to Dr. Yama Zafer, the three-dimensional component of scoliosis has been known for decades, but there are some who are still unaware of the facts. This lack of awareness is the primary reason why many centers fail to obtain the needed stability when it comes to scoliosis.
What are the Common Causes of a Scoliotic Spine?
Approximately 80% of scoliotic cases are of unknown cause. In other words, since has yet to establish why the spine curves and bends in an unnatural way and as such the most common terms for scoliosis are those that have the word “idiopathic” assigned to them:
Scoliotic curves with apparent causes are classified as structural and non-structural scoliosis.
Structural scoliosis is harder to manage and correct. In this group, the patient’s spine is rigid and will not correct. Often, the definition of scoliosis for the structural type is linked to causes that include the following conditions:
- Muscular dystrophy
- Tumors
- Cerebral palsy
- Infections
- Birth Defects
- Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome or Marfan syndrome
In contrast to the structural form of scoliosis, nonstructural scoliosis is a condition in which the spine is relatively healthy, but bent to one side. The most common cause of non-structural scoliosis is short anatomical leg length or muscular spasms.
Can scoliosis be prevented?
There are far too many rumors and old wives tales regarding scoliosis, and almost all are to be taken with a grain of salt. We will point some of them out for you here.
Some believe that sports in early childhood can lead to the scoliotic condition. This is a classic tale that is untrue, so don’t limit your young one for fear of developing a scoliotic condition.
Poor Posture, Heavy School Bags, and Your Spine
Also, there are rumors out there that heavy school bags can lead to scoliosis. Heavy school bags are not good for the spine, but their link as a root cause of scoliosis has been debunked; however, if your child has a mild curve, the heavy school bag can further aggravate and stress spinal joints to a point where the mild scoliotic condition progresses to a more severe degree. The ideal weight for book bags is one where the bag is less than 10% of your child’s weight. However, we encourage all to keep book bags at about 5-7% of body weight; if your loved one has to carry heavier bags, get them book bags with wheels.
Lastly, poor posture dose does not cause scoliosis, but it can dramatically impact a scoliotic condition. Our advice: Don’t tell your kids that! Make them aware of poor posture, as poor posture is the leading cause of back pain and early degenerative changes. If these degenerative changes are not kept in check, scoliosis can develop in adult life, and as such, it is termed adult degenerative scoliosis.
We hope to have provided you a well-balanced definition of scoliosis. For more information about scoliosis or the best scoliosis treatment in Kula Lumpur, Malaysia, please call or visit one of our centers today.