What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, which may appear like a C-shaped or S-shaped curve. It is most often seen in adolescents, especially during their rapid growth spurts. Out of 100 adolescents, about 2–3 may have scoliosis. Sadly, many people only realise they have scoliosis when it becomes more severe. Early diagnosis is important, as it allows more treatment options, better long-term outcomes and helps prevent the need for surgery.
What Causes Scoliosis?
About 80% of scoliosis cases are for unknown reasons, known as idiopathic scoliosis.
Some studies suggest associations with:
- Genetic predisposition
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Low bone density
- Vestibular impairment
But not everyone with these conditions develops scoliosis, so the exact cause is still unclear.
The remaining 20% of cases occur secondary to recognised medical conditions such as:
- Neurological disorder: Cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida
- Connective tissue disorder: Marfan syndrome, Enlers-Danlos syndrome
- Congenital malformations: Chiari malformation, Syrinx
How Do I Know If I Have Scoliosis?
The most convenient way to check is by looking at your standing posture in a mirror. Watch for:
- Uneven shoulder level
- Uneven hip level
- Unequal waist angle
If you notice these, try the Forward Bending Test:
How to do it:
- Starting position: Stand with feet together, palms pressed together.
- Action: Bend your trunk forward as if rounding your back over a big ball, arms dangling.
- Observation: Ask someone to look from the front or back for rib or trunk prominence/ hump. If one side looks higher than the other, scoliosis may be suspected.
You can check out this link to find out how we assess scoliosis: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMmMF4AJVSx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MWl4eHJ3dzg1am5obQ==
Do take note that this test is not 100% accurate — stiff back, muscle imbalance, or leg length difference may affect results. Always confirm with a specialist.
The gold standard for diagnosis is a full spine X-ray. According to the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), scoliosis is confirmed when Cobb’s angle >10°.
Why Does a Hump Appear During the Forward Bending Test?
Scoliosis is not just a sideways bend — it is a three-dimensional spinal deformity:
- Sagittal plane (side view): changes in thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis
- Frontal plane (front/back view): sideways deviation of the spine
- Transverse plane (top view): vertebral rotation, creating rib or lumbar prominence/ hump
Treatment for Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis
- Physiotherapy Specific Scoliosis Exercise (PSSE)
- At Rehab Concept, we use the Schroth method, also known as PSSE, to help treat scoliosis. It focuses on 3D expansion to achieve stable postural correction.
- When combined with bracing, it achieved 88.5% success in adolescents at high risk of progression (Karavidas et al., 2022).
- Works alongside bracing but does not replace it.
- Observation
- Recommended for curves <20°.
- Requires postural assessment and X-ray every 6 months.
- Important for monitoring mild, moderate, and severe scoliosis.
- Bracing
- Recommended for curves >25° but <45–50° if the patient is still growing.
- Surgery
- Recommended for curves more than 45–50 degrees, which are at high risk of worsening even after growth has finished.
What you need to know
✅ Idiopathic scoliosis is more common in adolescents population.
✅ Postural screening should be performed for adolescents age 10-13 years old every 6 months
✅ Early detection leads to more treatment options and better outcomes.
✅ Simple self-checks can help, but X-rays are essential for diagnosis.
✅ Rehab Concept provides quality assessment and PSSE treatment for scoliosis.
Unsure if you have scoliosis? Book a consultation session today with our Schroth therapist to find out!
Curious on what to expect during your first visit? Click the link below to know more.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNAqhoiJIKW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MTdqYWU0ZHVidHRtNA==