Andrea Nederveen, RMT - Registered Massage Therapist
The human spine has 3 natural curves in it. These curves are in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. These natural curves enable the body to move the way it does and protect our organs. Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine that disrupts the mechanical motion of the spine and can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
Some interesting facts about scoliosis are:
It is not due to poor posture
There is a 30% chance that it is genetic
It is the most common spinal abnormality in children
Girls are more at risk for developing it
Most types are mild and do not require medical treatment
You can still play sports if you have it
Scoliosis is usually confirmed with an x-ray and in most people, it is a very mild degree of curvature. However, if you have scoliosis, you may notice that your shoulders are uneven, your head is not centered directly above your pelvis, your rib cages may be at different heights or your entire body leans to one side. Scoliosis is measured by degree of the lateral curvature. If the curve is greater than 25 degrees, it is considered significant. No matter what the degree of curvature is, scoliosis will require some type of treatment. Early detection and awareness are key in order to maintain the spine.
Treatment and maintenance are important because one may experience pain and discomfort in the back and depending on the degree of the curvature, one may also experience visceral pain, headaches, shallow breathing, sciatica and insomnia.
Massage Therapy cannot stop or reverse scoliosis, but specialised treatment has proven effective to help treat pain that arises from the curvature such as back pain, headaches and sciatica. The direct benefits are:
Better sleep due to decreased pain
Increased mobility and body awareness
Increased circulation
Positive state of mind
If you are experiencing any of the following signs and have not seen a doctor or Chiropractor, please do so as early detection is key for spinal maintenance and pain management.
At Wellness for the Body, we can help you with many of your needs. Our team of professional are qualified to assist you on your journey to enjoy quality of life while managing your symptoms.