What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine, the presence of which is abnormal. We know that as early as 500 BC Hippocrates was writing about it and its name is derived from the Greek word for curvature. It can be disfiguring because when the spine bends to the side, the vertebrae become twisted and pull the ribs round with them, which sometimes form a "bulge" on the back and cause the shoulder blade to stick out.

Causes and risk factors

The causes of scoliosis are many and although we well understand the consequences, the origins of this condition remain complex and obscure. There are two main types of scoliosis:

• Idiopathic scoliosis (meaning cause unknown) accounts for most spinal curvatures and they may be either early onset (before age seven years) or late onset (accounting for about 85% of cases) after that age and usually in adolescence.
• Congenital scoliosis is when a child is born with a scoliosis, for example when a vertebra is not formed properly. In a number of cases, scoliosis forms secondary to a different condition, particularly those that cause an imbalance in the muscles, such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. It may also follow problems with the bones or connective tissues, such as neurofibromatosis or Marfan’s syndrome.

Overall, about two per cent of the population have scoliosis. There is a definite genetic connection; around 25% of those with a scoliosis have a direct relative with a curvature. 80% of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis arises in girls and 80% of these girls have their rib prominence on the right side.

Symptoms

Scoliosis often starts at about the age of eight but may go unnoticed, especially as it rarely causes problems in the early years. Parents may see an uneven waist or shoulders, particularly prominent shoulder blades, elevated hips or leaning to one side.

The spine can bend towards either side of the body at any place in a C-shape; in the chest area (thoracic scoliosis); in the lower part of the back (lumbar scoliosis); or above and below these areas (thoracolumbar scoliosis). It can even bend twice causing an S-shaped curve. When the curve has this double curvature it is often not noticeable and the person can appear quite straight because the two curves counteract each other. If the curve is low down in the spine, the ribs will not be affected but one hip may be higher than the other.

As scoliosis progresses it may cause back, limb or abdominal pain and may start to restrict breathing as lung cavity is distorted.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis should be made after a thorough medical examination by a scoliosis specialist. The child's back should be examined when they're bent forward as sometimes bad posture can be incorrectly diagnosed as scoliosis. An x-ray of the spine will confirm the diagnosis.

By taking measurements from an x-ray it is possible to tell the severity of the curvature. From here the course of treatment will be decided. If the curvature is mild it will simply be monitored every six to twelve months dependent on the patient.

Treatment

Treatment consists of observation, bracing and surgery. If the curvature isn't severe or the child has nearly finished growing, they may simply be checked on a regular basis. Most will get better without treatment.

However, a brace is sometimes necessary to prevent scoliosis getting worse. The Boston Brace is commonly used in the UK, particularly in curves that become evident before puberty as these are more likely to increase during the adolescent growth spurt than curves that start during adolescence. Braces are normally worn 23.5 hours a day after a preliminary period. They are generally only removed for exercises and swimming. Towards the end of the treatment they may be worn at night only.

A special programme of exercises is recommended by some as a non-invasive way to improve posture and function. However, these involve a very intensive and expensive course of training and there is no convincing scientific evidence to prove that there are any long lasting effects or that the exercises prevent the need for surgery.

In severe cases, especially if the child is still growing, surgery may be necessary to straighten the spine. About one child in every thousand will need hospital treatment usually for major corrective surgery with the insertion of a permanent metal rod.

There is no reliable evidence that other techniques such as osteopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy, reflexology, acupuncture or neurostimulation can make any difference to a potentially increasing spinal curvature. However, these techniques can be useful if backache or pain is present.

Useful Contacts

The Scoliosis Association (UK) was founded in 1981. It is the only independent support group for scoliosis in the UK. The Association provides a helpline, leaflets and has a website. As a member of the organisation you receive a twice yearly newsletter and access to the database so that you can be put in contact with others who have already been through similar experiences. www.sauk.org.uk

The Scoliosis in Infants campaign is a joint venture between SAUK and ARISE (Association of Research into Idiopathic Scoliosis - Registered Charity No. 298604). It is sponsored by the London Law Society.

If you have three or more living family members with idiopathic scoliosis, and wish to help us with this study, please contact:

Dr Anne Child
St George’s Hospital Medical School
Cranmer Terrace
London
SW17 0RE
Telephone and Fax: 0208 725 5248
Email: achild@sghms.ac.uk

Ingrid van der Toorn has joined the team at Wickford Chiropractic Clinic having graduated in 2006 from Durban University of Technology, South Africa. Ingrid is registered with the General Chiropractic Council, a Member of the British Chiropractic Association and an Associate Member of the College of Chiropractors.

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