Scoliosis

A Dowager’s hump commonly affects older females and refers to an excessive rounded-forward appearance of the upper back at the base of the neck (hyperkyphosis), referencing the spine’s natural outward curvature (kyphosis) that characterizes the thoracic spine. While postural hyperkyphosis may respond well to postural restoration alone through kyphosis-specific exercise-based treatment, a Dowager’s hump commonly … Read more

Lordosis and kyphosis are types of spinal curves, and the spine’s curves can shape overall spinal health. A spine with its natural and healthy curves in place is stronger, more flexible, and better able to handle the stress of daily activity. Lordosis makes the spine curve inward, while kyphosis refers to an outward curvature of … Read more

The spine’s natural curves facilitate its optimal function; they make it stronger and more resistant to injury, more flexible for a wide range of motion, and better able to absorb and distribute mechanical stress. There are also unhealthy spinal curves that can disrupt the spine’s strength and function. There are healthy and unhealthy spinal curves, … Read more

Scoliosis affects the body in a myriad of ways, but what’s important to understand is that it doesn’t always have to. With early detection and a proactive customized treatment plan, scoliosis can be highly treatable, and many potential effects can be minimized and/or avoided completely. Primary scoliosis symptoms include postural changes, mobility changes, and pain … Read more

The spinal cord consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves, and if the spine’s unnatural curve and twist exposes the spinal cord to excessive/uneven pressure, nerve compression can disrupt an affected nerve’s function. While neurological symptoms aren’t considered a primary effect of scoliosis, they can occur and are most closely associated with severe cases of … Read more

The effects of scoliosis aren’t just limited to the back. Although scoliosis causes the development of an unnatural lateral curvature of the spine with rotation, because the spine is so integral to overall health and mobility, changes to its health can be felt throughout the body. An important scoliosis-characteristic to understand is its progressive nature; … Read more

Scoliosis symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the larger the size of the unnatural spinal curve, the more noticeably it affects the body. Because scoliosis is progressive, its symptoms can also change over time. Common symptoms can include postural and mobility changes, back and nerve pain, and headaches are generally considered a secondary … Read more

Scoliosis is a condition that affects the spine: an unnatural sideways-bending spinal curvature that rotates develops. As a progressive lateral curvature of the spine, the nature of scoliosis is to increase in severity over time, along with its effects. As spinal health is key to overall health, it can be beneficial to understand how the … Read more

Running with scoliosis may be deemed safe for some, safe with modifications for others, or can be restricted. Potential pros of running include the mental health benefits of staying active, improved circulation, weight management, maintaining core strength and muscle balance; potential cons of running with scoliosis can include increasing compression, strain, and risk of injury. … Read more

Scoliosis is progressive, so its effects can change and increase over time. While daily self-care strategies are important, the most powerful step a patient can take, in terms of long-term comfort, is to treat the scoliosis proactively. No two cases of scoliosis are the same, so each patient’s experience, symptoms, and everyday needs will vary. … Read more