What exactly is scoliosis?

Scoliosis (derived from the Greek for curvature) refers to a lateral curvature of the spine with simultaneous rotation of the vertebrae, that can no longer be fully straightened. The curvature and rotation that are characteristic of scoliosis lead to a visible rib and lower back hump, as well as changes in the shoulders and pelvis.

Scoliosis is not a disease, but a symptom and can be classified based on its cause. Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common, accounting for approx. 85% of all cases. The causes of idiopathic scoliosis remain unknown. Neurogenic scoliosis is caused by a known underlying disease (e.g. ICP or myelomeningocele).

Scoliosis can be treated surgically or conservatively (physiotherapy and corset).

It happens again and again that scoliosis is recognized too late because it has not triggered any complaints. Some adolescents and adults complain of back pain as well as tension in the shoulder area. However, the signs of scoliosis become clearer primarily through visible changes in the upper body:

• Different shoulder heights 
• Prominent shoulder blade
• Crooked head position
• Unevenly shaped waist
• Unevenly high ribs (rib hump) noticeable during forward bends
• Pain in the back (usually only occurs in adulthood)

Idiopathic scoliosis occurs without any apparent cause. Since it does not cause pain during growth, affected persons or parents usually first notice the visible characteristics of scoliosis. Scoliosis can lead to significantly reduced physical performance and back pain in adulthood.

Therapy for idiopathic scoliosis depends on the patient’s age and severity of curvature. Generally speaking, girls between the ages of 10 and 15 are affected more often. However, since scoliosis starts as early as the age of eight and the main growth phase of the spine ends with the onset of the first menstrual bleeding, it is important to start therapy as early as possible. At this young age, the spine is still malleable and can be corrected using an individually adapted corset. Regular physiotherapy and exercises at home are recommended alongside orthotic treatment. Spinal growth is complete by the end of puberty. If the scoliosis has not been treated up to that point, it is likely that the individual will have back pain in adulthood.

Other causes of spinal deformities may include neurological disorders. Any neuromuscular disease during the years of growth can cause scoliosis. In contrast to idiopathic scoliosis, which only becomes noticeable in adolescence, neurogenic scoliosis is already present in infancy and early childhood. It can take on completely individual forms and dimensions.

Neurogenic scoliosis occurs in connection with the following neurogenic diseases:

• ICP (Infantile Cerebral Palsy)
• MMC (Myelomeningocele, Spina Bifida)
• Spinal muscular atrophy

Spinal deformity requires a therapy concept adapted to the underlying disease.

• Counteract the progression of spinal curvature 
• Improve body awareness
• Improve posture
• Improve breathing function
• Provide support for everyday life

If we provide you with a corset, our physiotherapists will accompany you and give you helpful tips for therapy in your home town.

Schroth therapy requires a high degree of self-motivation and dedication on the part of the scoliosis patient. In order to be successful with therapy, you must carry out individual exercises on your own on a daily basis. These should be developed by trained Schroth therapists in private practice or during your stay at a rehabilitation center. Your own body awareness or a mirror can be used at home for correction. It is your responsibility to ensure that the scoliosis exercises are carried out diligently. The home exercise routine should be monitored at regular intervals by the attending therapists.

The Vojta method is based on neurophysiological principles and uses reflexes that are anchored in the brain of every human being. The therapy starts by bringing patients to a fixed starting position and then pressure is used to activate reflexes in specific zones. The movement patterns cause extension and straightening of the spine, resulting in correction of all segments of the spine.

A Vojta therapist establishes a daily program that can be performed at home with only the help of one parent. The program should be corrected and adjusted regularly.

Displaced vertebral bodies are detected using the thumb with the aid of Dorn therapy. The affected vertebrae (or sections of affected vertebrae) are then brought towards the optimal position by gently pressing with the thumb. This method can be surprisingly effective at treating scoliosis.  Nonetheless, the Dorn method can only be used as a supplement to a different therapy concept, as this method does not include the active training of the affected muscle groups needed to sustain a corrected spine.