SCOLIOSIS

Kinesiology: Assignment 01

Submitted by: FATIMA SEHAR AQEEL

Enrolment: 17/2019/699

Session: DPT Batch’20-Semester II

Submitted to: Dr Umair (PT)

Date: 6th November 2020

Ø INTRODUCTION :
Scoliosis causes the spine to curve to one side. The curvature can be
in any part of the spine, but the most commonly affected regions are
the upper spine and lower back.

Ø DEFINITION :
“Scoliosis” - Greek word meaning “crooked.”

• It is a lateral curvature of the spine in upright position.

• Scoliosis is defined as a lateral deviation of the normal vertical line of

the spine >10º associated with rotation of the vertebrae.
Ø ETIOLOGY:
In most cases, there is no known cause of scoliosis. Doctors call this
idiopathic scoliosis. In other cases, scoliosis may have an association
with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida. Alternatively,
it may be a birth abnormality.

Below are some of the possible causes of scoliosis:

Neuromuscular conditions: These conditions affect the nerves and

muscles. They include cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, and muscular
dystrophy.

Congenital scoliosis: Congenital means that the condition was

present at birth. Scoliosis is rare at birth, but it can occur if the bones
in the spine develop abnormally when the fetus is growing.

Specific genes: Researchers believe that at least one gene plays a

role in the development of scoliosis.

Leg length: If one leg is longer than the other, an individual may
develop scoliosis.

Syndromic scoliosis: Scoliosis can develop as part of a medical

condition, including neurofibromatosis or Marfan’s syndrome.

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 Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis can cause secondary scoliosis due to
bone degeneration.

Other causes: Poor posture, carrying backpacks or satchels,

connective tissue disorders, and some injuries can cause spinal
curvature.

Ø CLINICAL REPRESENTATION:
Scoliosis usually becomes apparent from infancy or adolescence.

Symptoms in adolescents:

The most common form of scoliosis appears in adolescence and is

known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It can affect people between
10 and 18 years of age.

Symptoms can include the

following:

• the head may appear a bit off

center
• the ribs on each side may be
slightly different heights.
• one hip may be more prominent
than the other.
• one shoulder or shoulder blade
may be higher than the other.
• the person may lean to one side
• the legs may be slightly different lengths

Some types of scoliosis can cause back pain, but it is not usually very
painful. This symptom is more common in older adults.

Symptoms in infants:

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 In infants, symptoms can include

• A bulge on one side of the chest

• Consistently lying with the body curved to one side
• In severe cases, problems with the heart and lungs, leading to
shortness of breath and chest pain.

Ø DIAGNOSIS:
• Scoliosis is usually confirmed through a physical examination, an
x-ray, spinal radiograph, CT scan or MRI.
• The curve is measured by the Cobb Method and is diagnosed in
terms of severity by the number of degrees. See link
• A standard exam that is sometimes used by paediatricians and in
grade school screenings is called the Adam's Forward Bend Test.

Ø MEDICAL MANAGEMENT:
Patients with early-onset scoliosis, defined as a lateral curvature of the
spine under the age of 10 years, are offered surgical treatment when
the major curvature remains progressive despite conservative
treatment (Cobb angle 50 degrees or more). Spinal fusion is not
recommended in this age group, as it prevents spinal growth and
pulmonary development.

Bracing: When children’s bones are still growing and he or she has
moderate scoliosis, the doctor may recommend a brace. Wearing a
brace won't cure scoliosis or reverse the curve, but it usually prevents
further progression of the curve.

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 Conservative treatment: Most people with scoliosis have mild
curves and probably won't need treatment with a brace or surgery.
Children who have mild scoliosis may need regular checkups to see if
there have been changes in the curvature of their spines as they grow.

Surgical Treatment: Severe scoliosis typically progresses with time.

A specialist may suggest scoliosis surgery to reduce the severity of the
spinal curve and to prevent it from getting worse. The most common
type of scoliosis surgery is spinal fusion.

Physical Therapy Management: Physical therapy and bracing are

used to treat milder forms of scoliosis to maintain cosmesis and avoid
surgery. Conservative therapy consists of:

• Physical exercises
• Manipulation
• Electrical stimulation
• Insoles
Exercises: Exercises may help you use self-correction to change
your spine’s position during daily activities.
• The Schroth Method is a nonsurgical option for scoliosis
treatment. It uses exercises costumized for each patient to
return the curved spine to a more natural position. The goal of
Schroth exercises is to de-rotate, elongate and stabilize the spine
in a three-dimensional plane.

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 • There are also other exercises that have been found effective eg
Scientific Exercises Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS) exercises.
• Klapp Exercises are another exercise program. It was a
nonsurgical method established with the aim of correcting the
spinal curvature by stretching and strengthening the back
muscles.

Ø RISK FACTORS:
The risk factors for scoliosis include:
Age: Signs and symptoms often start during a growth spurt just
before puberty.
Gender: Females have a higher risk of scoliosis than males.
Genetics: People with scoliosis often have a close relative with
the condition.