So called "curvature of the spine" or scoliosis is a sideways curving of the spine that often gets started in childhood, when the bones of the spine are still growing.
It is thought that scoliosis is the result of a hereditary problem or an adaptation to some type of trauma, repetitive strain or an injury during birth or later life, such as falling off the bicycle.
Another very common cause of scoliosis is a difference in leg length, which causes spine to curve to one side to compensate.
There are several types of scoliosis, classified by location of the curve. On this picture below you are looking at the spine from the back and of course it has to be staright.
The curve may develop in thoracic, lumbar or both areas. Often scoliosis involves the neck too and can have up to four curves along the spine.
All spinal joints should move like a well oiled machine, therefore even minimal scoliosis may affect the quality of movement of the whole spine, affecting the nerves and important functions this nerves have.
It often starts in childhood, and because spinal bones continue to grow well into the early 20s, if left uncorrected, scoliosis often worsens causing uneven wear and tear on the spinal bones and further weakening of the spine.
Unfortunately, the most common treatment approach has been to wait and see how bad it gets, resorting to unsightly braces, or eventually surgery, if it progresses too far.
The chiropractic approach is to use specific spinal adjustments, combined with corrective exercises. If detected early enough, chiropractic doctors have had excellent successs with scoliosis cases.
Early detection and chiropractic correction is important for optimum results.
There is also a whole system of correction and management of scoliosis developed by Christa Lehnert-Schroth, which incorporates a special system of unique correctional breathing, where you breath and exercise your back in a way which aids the balance in your posture and correction of the curve. I put a link for this book on this page, because it is an absolute "must have" for people with the "curvature of the spine".
Schroth method is the most advanced and effective non-surgical method of management scoliosis known to date. We have seen great results with our patients who were taught this method of management and reversing scoliosis.
You can find out more about this method in London at Scoliosis SOS clinic here
While chiropractic offers to restore natural mobility in spinal joints, Scroth method of breathing, stretching and strengthening adds this important bit of day to day management which gives you full control over this condition.
If you wish to visit us at The Back Pain centre, print the "Health Check Pass" here. This pass will entitle you to a Consultation, Examination, X-rays if needed and a full explanation of our findings and diagnosis, including recommendations for treatment and exercise.