1. Curvature of the spine
What does it mean to have Curvature of the spine and why should you care?
The diagnosis, curvature of the spine, could mean you have Scoliosis. Scoliosis affects an astounding 12
million+ people today (1 in 7 people has scoliosis). So what? Curvature of the spine (scoliosis) can
reduce one’s life on average by 12 years! So how do you know if you have scoliosis? What does it look
like? A scoliosis curvature of the spine is when your spine has a lateral curvature.
Spinal curvatures above 10 degrees, as measured via X-rays, are considered scoliosis. Scoliosis can
happen in the thoracic spine, lumbar spine or both. It is more prevalent in girl then boys. If scoliosis runs
in your family or if you suspect your kids may have scoliosis you want to make sure to look for the
following signs/symptoms and stay on top of it:
Rib hump- have you child bend over and have her hands hang by the knees if you see a hump in her ribs
(usually on the right ) this could be an indication of scoliosis.
Low hip- have the patient stand in front of you and look at their hips if you notice one hip lower than the
other this is another indication.
Leg length discrepancies- have them lay face up and face down if the feet are not balanced it could
mean there is a curvature of the spine. In children, Scoliosis is considered to be highly progressive and
needs to be monitored by a health care professional.
Curvature of the spine could also mean that there is simply an increased curve in the thoracic spine ( or
dowager’s hump) . The person presents with a greater than 40 degrees thoracic curve (i.e., hump in
their back) and forward head posture. Hyperkyphosis can present in children and in adults. When it
presents in adults the most common cause is osteoporosis.
About the Author:
Treating Scoliosis.com offers alternatives to scoliosis surgery when treating scoliosis of the spine in
adults and children. Visit http://www.treatingscoliosis.com for more information on non-invasive
scoliosis treatment plans.