Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, often with a rotational component, measured on X-ray using the Cobb angle — the angle between the upper and lower boundaries of the curve. What a scoliosis diagnosis means depends heavily on the degree of curvature, the patient’s age, the type of scoliosis, and whether the curve is progressing — a small, stable curve in an adult may need nothing more than monitoring and specific exercise, while a moderate curve in a growing adolescent needs careful review and, depending on progression, bracing alongside physiotherapy.

Idiopathic scoliosis, cause not fully understood, accounts for roughly eighty percent of cases and is classified by age of onset — adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, more common in girls and typically affecting the thoracic spine, is the most common presentation. Congenital scoliosis is present from birth; neuromuscular scoliosis develops secondary to conditions like cerebral palsy; degenerative scoliosis develops in adults, usually after fifty, as asymmetric disc and facet joint arthritis gradually curves the spine.

Physiotherapy for scoliosis, honestly, does not straighten the spine the way bracing or surgery might. What evidence-based physiotherapy does is reduce pain, improve posture and body awareness, strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, and — in adolescent scoliosis within the appropriate Cobb angle range, combined with bracing — may slow the rate of curve progression. The Schroth method, a three-dimensional approach using postural correction, specific breathing and curve-adapted exercise, is the most evidence-supported conservative exercise treatment available.