There are differences in appearance, causes, and progression rates in patients with S and C-shaped scoliosis. S-shaped scoliosis, the more dangerous form, is its affinity to rotate or twist spinal bones as it bends sideways. The C-shaped scoliotic curve may not present with the rotatory component, and as such, they are easier to treat.
Both the S-shaped and C-shaped scoliosis forms need attention, especially during growth spurts. Also, a rapidly progressive C-shaped can change and become an S-shaped or double scoliosis. Juvenile and adolescent scoliotic curves that are S-shaped require urgent attention.
Chiropractic Specialty Center® provides the best alternative to scoliosis surgery for both the S-shaped and C-shaped scoliosis curves. Our methods are breakthrough and provided through holistic, evidence-based methods chiropractic combined with clinical physiotherapy and customized rehabilitation. Our customized scoliosis rehabilitation programs include scoliosis exercises programs and neuromuscular re-education programs. Contact a CSC center for the best alternative to scoliosis surgery today.
The S And C-Shaped Scoliosis
There are various methods of describing types of scoliosis. The S and C-shaped scoliosis are descriptive of curve presentations. It must be kept in mind that description and classification are separate, but linked. We can classify scoliosis based on age at the time of diagnosis or presentation. Classification of scoliosis is primarily based on an age-based scoliosis classification include the following:
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine bends sideways. This sideways curve can occur in either a c- or an S-shaped configuration. But, to enhance our readers’ understanding, it is appropriate to provide a brief overview of the spine before getting on with our explanation of the S-Shaped-Scoliosis and C-Shaped-Scoliosis.
The Human Spine
The human spine is divided into three main sections, plus the tailbone: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. The cervical spine (neck) has seven bones (spinal bones or vertebrae), there are twelve spinal bones in the thoracic (upper and mid-back) area, while the lumbar spine (lower back) section contains five bones. The tailbone is a combination of the sacrum and coccyx. The sacrum is a major, weight-bearing bone of the spine as it transfers the weight of the upper body onto the pelvis; the coccyx is a non-weight-bearing joint and a point for muscle attachments of the sphincter muscles (muscles used in defecation). In talking about the spin, it is important to take all of its associated structures into consideration. This is even more critical in discussions of scoliotic curvatures.
What are the Different Types of Scoliotic Curves?
The S and C-shaped scoliosis can happen at any age. The S-shaped variety, as the name suggests, has similarities with the letter S and is also known as double scoliosis. S-shaped scoliosis is becoming common fast, and it is a more dangerous form as it can progress rapidly, especially when it appears in the juvenile period (between 4 and seven years) or adolescents (ages 9 to 17).
A typical S-shaped or double scoliotic curve is one where the spine bends in different sections such as the thoracic and lumbar segments of the spine. In short, S-shaped or double scoliosis has two parts—an upper part and a lower part—bending in opposite directions. The upper part often involves the thoracic spine (upper and mid-back), while the lower part impacts the low back (lumbar spine). However, there are situations in which a curve can involve two segments, such as a thoraco-lumbar curve or a cervico-thoracic curve.
The Cervico-thoracic curve is the upper part of scoliosis that impacts the neck (cervical) as well as the upper back and even portions of the mid-back (thoracic). Alternatively, the Thoraco-lumbar curve is associated with the lower part of double scoliosis, impacting the mid-back (thoracic) and the low back (lumbar spine). Collectively, they represent transitional scoliosis that crosses borders of deferring spinal segments, and as such, they are harder to manage.
Types of S-shaped (Double Scoliotic Curve)
In S-shaped or double scoliosis, there are two curves. There is a need to classify both regarding location related to the midpoint of the body and the severity or stiffness of a curve. Nowadays, there is much talk about the flexibility of a curve. Its stiffness dictates the flexibility of a curve.
Most surgeons classify a curve based on its flexibility. This stiffness is given to curves that do not reduce when bending toward the side of the scoliotic curve, which is better known as the “convex side” or “convexity.” A 25-degree or more curve, failing to be reduced following a side bending, is classified as a stiff curve. The noteworthy point is that this is an x-ray assessment that Dr. Linke established. An important characteristic of stiff curves is that they are notoriously troublesome and, as such, difficult to manage or treat clinically, either conservatively or surgically.
Location of the “S” or “C” Scoliotic Curves
The location of the S-shaped curve is just as critical to the treatment and management of scoliotic patients. The location of the curve is better assessed by using a “plumb-line” on the coronal plane (viewing the body from the front or back).
S-shaped curves present with two scoliotic curves, each bending to the opposite side. The two curves of the S-shaped scoliosis are best classified as minor curves and major curves. The major curve is the more significant or larger curve. The minor curve is the smaller curve.
In other words, one of the two curves will always be more prominent. The lumbar curves are often more significant when compared to the curves present in the upper and mid-back (thoracic spine). However, there are times when the upper and mid-back (thoracic) curves are more significant than the lower back curves. To elaborate further, we have provided a brief description of each presentation below:
Types of C-Shaped Scoliosis
There are two basic types of C-Shaped scoliosis: Dextroscoliosis and Levoscoliosis. Dextro-scoliosis is the term given to a “C-Shaped” scoliosis when the spinal curve is on the right side. Similarly, Levo-Scoliosis is the name assigned to c-shaped scoliosis on the left. Therefore, the so-called c-shaped scoliosis can even resemble a backward “C.” However, it is important not to confuse C-shape scoliosis with Kyphosis. While the C-shape scoliosis is visualized when viewing a person from the rear, the kyphosis c-shaped curve of the spine is identified when visualizing the spine from the side. Kyphosis is a natural curve of the mid and upper back in which the spine bends forward.
What are the Clinical Implications of Curve Location and Severity?
Sound clinical assessments providing an in-depth analysis of the scoliotic curve are critical to successful outcomes. Hence, the more we know, the better results you get. The severity and location of the curve and the analysis means or methods we use in our centers are all focused on getting you better faster. Double scoliosis is a difficult condition to treat. Therefore, the need for identifying the most offending of the two curves is essential in our target-specific scoliosis treatment programs.
The most challenging of scoliotic conditions is the “S” shaped scoliosis, as it presents with two curves, each bending to an opposite side. Our methods of scoliosis treatments are based on sound clinical chiropractic methods enhanced with physiotherapy and therapeutic devices. This collaborative process requires the utmost attention to location and the severity of the curve, so that we may be able to provide a better means of targeted care through our methods.
We hope you found our S and C-shaped scoliosis section helpful. Please contact one of our centers today for an in-depth analysis of your scoliosis today: Our clinical teams of Chiropractors and Physiotherapists will discuss the type of curve, its classification, and effective treatment or management program before the start of your sessions. So, call our center today for a clinical assessment of either the S and C-shaped scoliosis today.