WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DIAGNOSIS IS SCOLIOSIS

Scoliosis is diagnosed when an abnormal curve is detected in the spine.

While children show most scoliosis in the thoracic spine, and is considered a congenital 'defect', it can also develop because of muscular or skeletal imbalances.

It is easily diagnosed on x-ray. This is what it looks like in children:

In adults NOT diagnosed as children, scoliosis is usually acquired and is more frequently seen in the lumbar spine. This is what lumbar scoliosis looks like:

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE SCOLIOSIS

Any scoliosis greater than about 40 degrees usually requires a customized hard plastic brace or, in some cases, surgery where metal rods are inserted on either side of the spine for stabilization.

Oftentimes lumbar scoliosis, even at a lesser degree of curvature, can also require surgery as the nerves in the lumbar spine are so compromised (pinched) that the pain is unbearable.

Outside of surgery, the most important thing you can do to for scoliosis is to lengthen the spine through exercise and stretching. Equally important is to maintain the most flexible spine you are capable of.

Remember: Due to gravity and weight placed on the spine, scoliosis tends to get worse as you get older. The good news is you CAN do something about it!