Scoliosis And Maintaining A Healthy Spine

Life is all about balance, even during the difficult times.  The body is constantly changing to maintain a balanced environment.  This includes posture.  When there is an imbalance with posture, the body will adapt, and this can cause dysfunction and pain within the body. 

So, what is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is defined as a lateral (sideways) and/or rotational shift in the lumbar (lower) and thoracic (middle) spine.  There can be two types of curves, which depends on the number of apices: a C-Curve has one apex, where an S-Curve has two.  Sometimes these curves are visible while observing posture, while other minor ones require further testing and special assessments.  (Rattray, Ludwig, 2005, p. 569).

Treatment of scoliosis depends on the cause.  If there is an underlying factor such as changes in the bone structure in the spine, a surgery or bracing will help the body to correct the imbalance.  This type of scoliosis is considered Structural. (Rattray, Ludwig, 2005, p. 569)

The other type of scoliosis is called Functional.  This type is caused by muscle and joint imbalances in the spine, causing it to shift to a side.  Common sources of this type of scoliosis are (Rattray, Ludwig, 2005, p. 571-573):

• Biomechanical – if you cross your legs in a particular way, or stand more on one leg, this will shift your pelvis, causing a shift in the pelvis and spine.

• Muscle and Joint Imbalances – sometimes caused by an injury to one side, causing the opposing side to compensate.

• Soft Tissue Contractures – shortening of these tissues on one side can make the spine shift.

• Short Bones In The Legs – if there is a bony imbalance in the lower limbs, this will cause the pelvis to shift and put more stress on the spine.

Can Massage Therapy Help With Functional Scoliosis?

YES!  Massage therapy can be very helpful for people with scoliosis and postural imbalances (Rattray, Ludwig, 2005, p. 584-588).

• Proper positioning on the table will help to encourage the body to return to a more neutral position while you relax.

• Building stability and awareness to muscles that are long and weak.

• Relaxing and lengthening short/tense muscles and contractures.

• Hydrotherapy applications (Heat for tense muscles and cold for weak muscles)

• A through remedial exercise plan to help restore proper function in the body in between treatments to encourage the body to build and maintain a stable spine.

Referrals to other health care professionals will help with these imbalances as well.  We work very closely with chiropractors and physiotherapists to help rehabilitate the body and restore proper function.

As for Structural Scoliosis, massage therapy can help with pain management and other secondary symptoms as other forms of therapy will help with this type of imbalance.

Other types of postural dysfunction include:

Hyperlordosis – an increase in the anterior curve in the lower back, causing the pelvis to tilt forward. (Rattray, Ludwig, 2005, p.545)

Hyperkyphosis – an increase in the posterior curve of the mid back. (Rattray, Ludwig, 2005, p. 557)

Massage Treatment considerations are similar to the ones listed above depending on the diagnosis.

Do you think you have a postural imbalance?  Get it checked soon before your symptoms get worse.

As always, thank you for stopping by my blog, and I hope you have a great day!

Reference:

Rattray, F., & Ludwig, L. (2005). Clinical Massage Therapy: Understanding, Assessing And Treating Over 70 Conditions (11th ed.). Elora, ON: Talus Incorporated.