Understanding scoliosis

JOHANNESBURG - As part of Scoliosis Awareness Month, We spoke to experts to get their opinions on what scoliosis is, how to test for it and how it is treated.

A medical drawing depicting a normally shaped spine versus a twisted rear and front view of scoliosis.

As part of Scoliosis Awareness Month, we spoke to Rowan Berkowitz of Berkowitz Shnier Orthotists and Prosthetists to get his expert opinion on what scoliosis is, how to test for it and how it is treated.

What is Scoliosis?

According to Berkowitz, scoliosis has several causes and is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine in the frontal plane of the body, which means that the spine curves from side-to-side.

“Normally, the spine is straight, as seen from the front or behind. With scoliosis, the spine curves to the side in the shape of the letter ‘S’ or ‘C’,” Berkowitz said.

The most common form of scoliosis is termed ‘idiopathic’, which literally means of unknown cause or origin and may occur in early childhood or adolescence. Scoliosis may occur anywhere in the spine but is usually found in the lower and mid back regions.

A diagram showing a scoliosis affected spine in a human.  

How can I tell if my child has Scoliosis?

“A proper diagnosis must be made by a medical practitioner or scoliosis professional, but a simple two-minute evaluation of your child will give you an indication if further investigation and treatment is required,” Berkowitz said.

On its website, www.scolicaresa.com Berkowitz and fellow scoliosis researcher, Dr LouAnn Rivett, have put together a free simple-to-follow guideline you can use to determine whether your child needs further investigation.

Berkowitz continued, “If you are concerned that your child may have scoliosis, Scheuermann’s disease, or other postural deformities of the spine, consult your healthcare practitioner. They will request X-rays of the spine to confirm a diagnosis. They may wish to refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in disorders of the adolescent spine, a scoliosis physiotherapist or orthotist for further treatment.”

What are the treatment options?

According to Berkowitz, treatment protocol depends on several factors such as skeletal maturity, size of the curve, other underlying conditions and considerations.

The condition may be monitored with X-rays, physiotherapy may be advised, bracing either full-time or night-time or surgery may be recommended. This applies to both scoliosis and hyperkyphosis (Scheuermann’s disease).

Berkowitz said, “There is a perception that neither specific physiotherapy nor bracing is effective. This is not correct. There is a lot of clinical data on trials and international research studies, which have been conducted, proving the effectiveness of both physiotherapy and bracing.

“Research has also shown that general fitness exercises and some other exercises can make the condition worse. However, specific methods such as the Schroth method (Germany) and the Seas Method (Italy) have shown favourable results and improve the condition. These methods are conducted only by therapists trained in these methods.”

Berkowitz added that the earlier the problem is detected, the more effective the treatment is and, naturally, compliance is a key factor.

Details: www.scolicaresa.com