Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It is often diagnosed in childhood or early teenage years. Mostly the cause is unknown in 80-90% of cases, and the teenagers are otherwise very healthy this is called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis AIS. And it mostly 90% of the time affects females.

Infantile: develops when the child is less than 2 years of age and is very rare and tends to improve with stretching and time. Medical observation over time is necessary.

Juvenile: develops when the child is between 2 and 10 years of age it is also rare and requires medical observation over time, to implement treatment if necessary.

Adolescent: develops after 12 years of age. It is more common in girls and medical observation over time is required to implement treatment as the scoliosis may accelerate during the growth spurts.

• Head not centred over body
• One shoulder higher
• One shoulder blade higher and possibly more prominent 
• Unusual gaps between arms and trunk
• Spine obviously curved
• One hip more prominent 

Sometimes scoliosis may be painful after long days standing or sitting or vigorous sport. Pain may be an indicator that further investigation is required, especially if the curve changes during a growth spurt.

After thorough investigation a watch and see approach may be adopted and a Physio or EP will provide a suitable exercise program.

Sometime bracing is required to reduce the progression of scoliosis. In some cases, spinal surgery may be required to stop progression of the curve.

If a scoliosis is painful, Therapeutic exercise, bracing or surgery may be required to improve strength, balance the curves and improve the teenager’s quality of life.

If scoliosis is severe, a teenager may want surgery to improve their appearance, especially if they are self-conscious about how they look.

Physios and Ep’s are skilled in assessing for scoliosis and referring to your GP for more investigations. They also provide advice and reassurance if the scoliosis is mild but the teenager or their parents are worried about how it looks or their mobility in the future.

Physio and Eps are also skilled in developing uniquely specific exercises to help each individual. Exercise cannot replace bracing or surgery when needed but it can assist in reducing pain and distress. It can improve overall wellbeing and assist with returning to normal teenage sports and activities.