In Episode 35, host Heather Rotunda and Dr. Xavier discuss the four main types of scoliosis, what causes each one, and why no case of scoliosis fits neatly into a box. Throughout the episode, you'll hear: What does “idiopathic” really mean, and why is it the most common type? How can X-rays point to a neuromuscular cause instead of an idiopathic...
People most often need wheelchairs due to severe muscular conditions, paralysis, stability issues, injury, and fatigue. While scoliosis can cause fatigue, muscular issues, and instability, paralysis isn't an effect of scoliosis, and disruptions to mobility can be managed with treatment in most cases. For the vast majority of patients, scoliosis won't put them in a...
A scoliotic spine curves and rotates unnaturally, and because the spine's healthy curves make the spine stronger, more flexible, and better able to absorb shock, an unhealthy curve can make the spine weaker and more vulnerable to injury, less flexible, and less able to evenly absorb and distribute force from impact. A car accident can aggravate scoliosis by...
There are many factors that shape spinal and bone health over time, and diet and nutrition matter. For scoliosis patients with an unnatural spinal curvature, being mindful of the best foods to eat may improve overall health and responsiveness to treatment. The best diet for adult scoliosis supports strong bones and is nutrient dense. A healthy diet with foods rich...
There are a number of factors considered when assessing a patient's scoliosis, and for young athletes with scoliosis, an early concern is how the condition affects participation in certain sports. Exercise is not only good for scoliosis patients, it can increase treatment efficacy, but sports need to be cleared by a patient's treatment provider. Sports...
The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and extends down the back of the lower body, but if the nerve root is irritated where it exits the lumbar spine, or anywhere along its pathway, symptoms may be widespread throughout the lower body. True sciatica affects the lower body and lower extremities due to nerve compression. The sciatic nerve doesn't reach the arms...
The spine consists of vertebrae, discs that sit between adjacent vertebrae, nerves, joints, and supportive structures. The spine is key to overall well being and health; it helps us stand upright, practice healthy posture, engage in a wide range of pain-free motion, and is the body's structural anchor. If the spine's vertebrae have shifted out of alignment, a...
For adults recently diagnosed and/or adults who have been living with scoliosis, it's important to understand the different treatment options available. Bracing for adult scoliosis can improve the spine's position and body posture, and becomes more effective when paired with a scoliosis-specific exercise program. Scoliosis bracing is an evidence-based nonsurgical...
Scoliosis patients have safe pregnancies and labors all the time. The primary effects of scoliosis are postural changes, mobility changes, muscular imbalance, and pain. While back pain may be worse for scoliosis patients, it's hard to determine whether the pregnancy is exacerbating the scoliosis pain, or the scoliosis is increasing the pregnancy-related back...
All levels of scoliosis require treatment. Mild scoliosis won't necessarily stay mild; a proactive treatment plan is needed to counteract the progressive nature of scoliosis. Mild scoliosis treatment works towards preventing progression, increasing symptoms, and the need for surgical treatment. Scoliosis ranges widely in severity, and for patients diagnosed with...
Scoliosis causes the spine to curve unnaturally to the side and rotate, and as a progressive 3-dimensional spinal condition, treatment needs to be proactive. There are also different types of scoliosis to consider, some more common than others; the most common type of scoliosis to affect all ages is idiopathic scoliosis with no single-known cause. Scoliosis is a...
While the majority of scoliosis cases are diagnosed during childhood, the actual rate of scoliosis increases among the aging population. While the symptoms of scoliosis and treatment needs differ in adults, early intervention is always the goal because as a progressive condition, most cases of scoliosis will get worse over time. There are two main types of...