Scoliosis Awareness Month

I have had many questions about scoliosis; how I got it, it's effects and such.  Since June is Scoliosis Awareness Month I figured this would be a great time to share some basic information.

Signs of scoliosis include:
One shoulder higher than the other
One shoulder may protrude more
Rib cage appears higher than the other
Hip appears higher or more prominent than the other
Leg may appear shorter than the other
Body tilts to one side
Waist appears uneven

The most common screening is the Adams forward bend test.  This is what you'll see.  The rotation of the ribs causes this rib hump.

There are different forms of scoliosis.  I have the most common type of scoliosis, idiopathic.  This just means there is no known cause.  It is not caused by injury and cannot be prevented.  Idiopathic scoliosis is more likely to affect girls than boys.  About 2-3% of adolescents at the age of 16 have scoliosis.  Even after skeletal maturity scoliosis can continue to progress.

Scoliosis is defined as a lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine with an axial twist that causes a distortion of the ribs.  There are two types of curves. C curve or a single curve and S curve or two curves. Lucky me!  I get twice as much fun with my double curve.  Actually I am glad I have an S curve. The two curves compensate for each other and give me a more balanced back (in a wacky, out of balance way) than a C curve. Research shows that scoliosis compromises five of the body's systems.  Obviously the spine is affected along with the ribs and pelvis.  With the impact on the brain and central nervous system it can deplete the body's nutritional resources and damage major organs including the heart and lungs.  It can cause shortness of breath, digestive problems, chronic fatigue, acute or dull back pain, leg, hip and knee pain, acute headaches, mood swings, and menstrual disturbances.

Don't you feel so informed?!  I hope this helped answer some questions.  I check my children's backs regularly.  Even though idiopathic scoliosis has no known cause it does run in families.
For more information check out National Scoliosis Foundation