What is Scoliosis?
Definition: Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine of > 10°. It most commonly occurs in the thoracic and lumbar regions.
3 Types of Scoliosis:
NEUROMUSCULAR (NM) - This scoliosis forms in relation to a neurological or muscular problem that is already present in a patient.
CONGENITAL - This form of scoliosis is a defect formed at birth.
IDIOPATHIC - The cause of this is unknown, with no single factor contributing to its development. Mainly occurs in adolescence.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis (NMS):
NMS occurs when the muscles of the trunk go into spasm, or the hip muscles are too tight, causing the spine to shift over to one side. Research would suggest that NMS is a secondary problem alongside conditions like:
Cerebral Palsy (affecting neuromuscular control of the body).
Syringomyelia (are condition causing cyst formation in the spinal chord).
Lateral Medullary Syndrome (lack of blood flow to a specific part of the brain)
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (lack of certain protein causing progressive muscular degeneration.
Management:
Short-Term Goals: Manual Therapy
The main short-term goal for NMS patients is to reduce mechanical pain that their postural deviations entail.
Long-Term Goals: Exercise Therapy Management and Manual Therapy
The main long-term goal for treating a patient with NMS is to correct their postural deviation as much as possible. Stabilising their new position is vital.
Home Advice:
Patient will perform all demonstrated movements including lateral shift and postural/trunk/core exercises to ensure correct technique is occurring.
Depending on their stage of injury or progression, they will be distributed a personalised home-exercise plan consisting of the previous exercise.
If a patient has had surgery to correct spinal deviation we can still do specific exercises to aid and strengthen new posture. Manual Therapy can be used to relax the supporting muscles and joints.
If you would like further information or to book in with our Scoliosis specialists please do not hesitate to call the clinic on 0151 528 8820
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