How Do I Know If I Have Scoliosis?

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What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis refers to a medical condition that can cause back pain, in which the spine curves sideways. On an X-ray film, the normal spine looks straight, but the scoliotic spine will look like a “C” or “S”.

C-Shape
S-Shape

How Do I Tell If I Have It?

When it comes to identifying potential signs of scoliosis, it’s not just X-rays that can provide valuable insights. Posture analysis is a useful method for detecting early indications of this condition. Look out for these key signs:

  1. Head Misalignment: Check if the head is not centred with the body, and if the shoulders are uneven, with one being positioned in front of the other or appearing higher.
  2. Uneven Shoulder Blades: Notice if one shoulder blade seems more prominent or higher than the other.
  3. Asymmetrical Waist Angle: Observe whether there is a noticeable gap between the arm and the trunk on one side, indicating an uneven waist angle.
  4. Hip Imbalance: Detect if one hip is more prominent than the other or if the hips are not level.
  5. Spine Curvature: Examine the alignment of the spine to see if it follows a straight line.

For a quick self-assessment of scoliosis, refer to the image below. Recognizing these signs early can be crucial for addressing scoliosis through effective physiotherapy interventions.

What is Scoliosis

You can also perform a Forward Bend test (also called “Adam’s test”) to detect for possible scoliosis.

  • Standing with the feet together, then bend forward as far as you can with your palms together, fingers pointing at between your toes.
  • Look at the back, one side of the back (either upper or lower back region) will be higher than the other side
Forward Bending Test for Scoliosis
Forward Bending Test for Scoliosis

What are the main causes of scoliosis?

Scoliosis can have several causes – here are the 4 main causes of scoliosis:

  1. Idiopathic, which typically emerges during adolescence and has no known underlying cause.
  2. Congenital, which develops due to abnormal spinal development in the womb.
  3. Neuromuscular, arises from conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, where muscle imbalances affect spine alignment.
  4. Traumatic, results from injuries, such as fractures or accidents, which can impact the spinal curvature.

Understanding these various causes is vital for physiotherapists to tailor effective treatment plans and support individuals with scoliosis on their journey to improved spinal health

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