Finding yourself having unexplainable back aches which comes and go?
Looking different in different angles of photos? You might have scoliosis.
Scoliosis refers to abnormal lateral curvature of spine. It is most often diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence. Scoliosis can be more complex and its three-dimensional problem which involves all planes of body (coronal plane, sagittal plane and axial plane). Most of the types of scoliosis is Idiopathic scoliosis (80%) and is usually diagnosed during puberty or even later.
There are several signs that may indicate the possibility of scoliosis. If one or more of the following signs is noticed, schedule an appointment with a doctor.
- Shoulders are uneven – one or both shoulder blades may protrude or more prominent
- Head is not centered directly above the pelvis
- Uneven pelvic alignment (one side higher or tilted)
- Rib cages are at different heights or more prominent
- Uneven waist
- Appearance or texture of the skin overlying the spine changes (dimples, hairy patches, color abnormalities)
- Body leans to one side
Scoliosis is usually confirmed through a physical examination and imaging (X-ray).
Physiotherapy Approach
- Shoulders are uneven – one or both shoulder blades may protrude or be more prominent. The head is not centered directly above the pelvis.
- There is uneven pelvic alignment (one side higher or tilted).
- The rib cages are at different heights or more prominent.
- There is an uneven waist.
- The appearance or texture of the skin overlying the spine changes (dimples, hairy patches, color abnormalities).
- The body leans to one side.
