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The Align Clinic Blog
​ Your Home For Orthotic and Prosthetic Knowledge

First Signs of Scoliosis and What to Do When They Appear to Stop Its Progression

7/15/2020

14 Comments

 
Picture
Scoliosis is a serious condition affecting millions of people around the world. But while it’s been researched for years, there’s still little evidence pointing to its cause. So far, it seems that nature and nurture both play a crucial part in the development of this condition. 
On the one hand, patients can have a genetic predisposition for it. On the other, they can develop it due to environmental impacts such as disease, sports injuries, or poor posture. So yes, if you were wondering whether you could develop scoliosis later in life, the answer’s unfortunately positive. 
​

It’s not all bad news, however. Catching scoliosis early on can help to prevent its progression and allow patients to maintain or even improve their quality of life. 

But how can you catch scoliosis early on? What can you do to stop it? Let’s find out.

Symptoms of Scoliosis ​

Early symptoms can be difficult to catch – especially today when most children and adults are suffering from bad posture due to the increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Still, there are some tell-tale signs that could show it’s time to visit a scoliosis clinic.

1. Genetic Predisposition 
While genetics doesn’t always play a part in scoliosis, it could make you more likely to develop it. According to a study done on 1,463 scoliosis patients, 56% had one or more relatives with the condition, and 36% had at least one first-degree relative with it. 

Those with a genetic predisposition for scoliosis should go for more regular check-ups and examinations. 

2. Ill-Fitting Clothes 
One of the subtler signs of scoliosis could be ill-fitting clothes. Even the slightest change in posture can make the clothes appear asymmetrical or poorly tailored. You’ll notice that one pant leg seems longer than the other, or that a skirt is tighter on one side of the body than on the other. 

Some of the signs you should pay attention to include: 
  • Off-centered neckline 
  • Asymmetrical shirt sleeves 
  • Warped hemline 
  • Asymmetrical pant legs 

Of course, these could also simply be the signs of poor manufacturing, so don’t base your judgment solely on this – visit a scoliosis clinic for a proper diagnosis. 

3. Fatigue 
The muscles around your spine need to work much harder to keep you balanced when you have scoliosis. The condition can also put pressure on your ribcage and your chest, making it more difficult to breathe. So when you stay in a sitting or standing position for a while, you might start feeling fatigued. 

4. Back Pain 
Scoliosis isn’t always followed by back pain, at least not until the condition progresses and becomes apparent. Still, it can cause pains and aches in the early stages as well. 

As the spine curves, it puts more and more pressure on the surrounding nerves and the spinal cord. This pressure can result in lower back pain, leg pain, and numbness. 

If you’re experiencing inexplicable back pain, consult a doctor. 

5. Irregular Posture 
Of course, one of the most obvious early signs of scoliosis is bad posture. The spine affects the entire body, and as it falls out of alignment, it shifts the position of the head and neck, shoulders, hips, and more. Sometimes, these changes in posture are seen long before any noticeable changes in the spine. 

Look for these signs when standing straight: 
  • Uneven shoulders 
  • Head not centered 
  • One side of the hip more prominent than the other
  • Rib cage asymmetrical 
  • One leg appearing shorter 
  • Uneven waistline 
  • Leaning 
  • Limping 

​Once again, these are some common signs, but you’ll need a diagnosis by a specialist to be sure. The doctor will perform a spinal X-ray to diagnose the condition with certainty. 

Preventing Further Scoliosis Progression ​

There’s no reason to panic if you catch scoliosis early on. Over 60% of adults with scoliosis don’t experience the progression of the condition, and even if you’re at risk of progression, there are ways to prevent it.

1. Exercise 
Proper exercise is crucial to prevent the progression of scoliosis. As the spine curves, the muscles around it grow weaker and subsequently allow for the curvature to increase. You’ll need a strong back and abdominal muscles to keep your spine upright, but it’s essential to work with an expert. Otherwise, you could hurt yourself. 

Specialists often recommend Schroth therapy as an excellent way to manage scoliosis. 

2. Healthier Diet 
Both children and adults should maintain a healthy diet to avoid the progression of their scoliosis. The condition is associated with lower bone density in adolescents, so eating food that promotes better bone health is a must. 

Being overweight can also worsen scoliosis and make it harder to put under control. 

And not to mention, a healthy diet will promote better muscle growth, which is crucial for keeping the spine better aligned. 

3. Bracing 
A scoliosis brace isn’t always necessary, but it can help tremendously. It can help to promote better posture and prevent the spine curvature from increasing. 

It’s best to have a prosthetist design a custom scoliosis brace that suits your specific condition and body type. It will make the brace more comfortable and more effective. 

4. Surgery 
Finally, surgery is recommended only in extreme cases. It can help to return the spine to a normal position and eliminate many of the problems that come with scoliosis. 

It is, however, important to understand that it’s not always a permanent solution. Scoliosis can, at times, return several years after surgery. That’s precisely why developing long-term healthy habits is essential. Proper nutrition and exercise are crucial for spinal health and for maintaining better life quality. 

The Bottom Line ​

Detecting scoliosis early on and preventing its progression can help you lead a better life. Don’t overlook some of the common early signs of scoliosis, and always check with a specialist if you suspect something might be wrong. 
14 Comments
Taylor Hicken link
11/30/2020 06:53:20 pm

I appreciated it when you shared that bracing can help prevent the spine curvature from increasing while promoting a better posture for the patient. A friend of mine just told me the other day that his son is suffering from scoliosis and he is unable to walk like the other kids at school. Besides, he needs help whenever he wants to move or walk and it is hard whenever she is not around. I will suggest to her wearing braces to help with the issue so he can be treated faster.

Reply
Patricia pesenti
1/19/2023 04:36:00 pm

The Hard bracing is used in certain situations during years of growth when the curve is between 25-50 degrees. It is meant to hold the curve but that is not always the case. If the boy you speak of can not walk then he must be more serious. Im sorry to hear that he’s in this situation. I would offer empathy.

Reply
Eli Richardson link
1/22/2021 06:32:02 am

It's great that you talked about how surgery helps get back your spine to its normal position. One of my parent's friends has suffered from this problem for a few years now. And the pain is getting worse, so they're looking at options to get rid of it. I think this could be a good option for him. I appreciate you helping me learn more about scoliosis and how to prevent its progression.

Reply
Yahye Mohamed
2/2/2021 10:47:55 am

I have developed mild sciolisis just 1 week away X ray. And its progressing as I feel short breath and my ribs crossed. Please any urgent help?

Reply
holly
5/28/2021 10:13:27 pm

I'm trying to find the best option for my 8 year old her spin has went from 25 to 30 percent

Reply
Adam Golightly link
7/21/2021 04:42:13 pm

My cousin thinks that she has scoliosis, and she would really like to get some better management in order to prevent it from getting worse. I liked what you said about how she can keep her spine upright with the right muscles in the back, and abdominal area. Making sure that she can get some help from a professional could allow her to get the right kind of treatment.

Reply
mariesantos
4/10/2022 11:03:51 am

Thank you for your help and suggestions about scoliosis.
I will get professional help regarding the curvature of my
spine this week. You've made me more understanding
of what I'm feeling. You've put me at ease. Thank you.

Reply
MckimmeCue link
6/21/2022 07:13:48 am

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Jr D link
7/27/2022 09:59:07 am

What an exquisite article! Your post is very helpful right now. Thank you for sharing this informative one. If you are looking for coupon codes and deals just visit coupon plus deals dot com.

Reply
Elia Lopez
9/19/2022 08:54:38 pm

I just found out i have scoliosis I'm going to be 35 and I'm a mom of three and sometimes is so painful i can't stand or sit and it keeps me from doing things for my kids

Reply
Ilea R. link
12/31/2022 08:22:07 am

Thankyou so much for giving me a grip on my severe scoliosis!!! I was scared to have an operation on my spine as I was told I'm too old!!! I can't exercise cuz of the severe muscle cramps on my left side & lower back pain ... I have tried & tried!!! I appreciate your article!! Thanks 😊

Reply
Isabelle MacCarthy link
1/26/2023 09:14:02 pm

I learned something today thanks to this article of yours!

Reply
pradeep link
1/30/2023 08:32:38 am

terrific article. I appreciated the structure and the various pcs of information Thanks for Sharing

Reply
coupon4hub link
1/31/2023 10:27:49 pm

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  • Home
  • The WCR Brace
    • Case Presentations >
      • Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis
      • Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis
      • Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
      • Switching to a WCR Brace
      • Adult Scoliosis Bracing
      • Neuromuscular Scoliosis
      • Treating Upper Thoracic Curves
    • Brace Articles
    • Patient Testimonials >
      • Grant's Testimonials
      • Paul's Testimonials
    • WCR Partner Testimonials
    • Grant's MS Thesis
    • Our Patients
    • Patients and Sports
    • Patients and Hobbies
    • Brace colors
    • Scoliosis Fashion
  • Locations
    • AC San Mateo, CA >
      • Inside AC SM
      • Advanced Technology
      • Stanford Children's Health Partnership
      • Local Hotels
      • Contact Us
      • Team Members
      • Our Practitioners >
        • Grant Wood
        • Paul Burnette
        • Steve Baum
        • Miguel Bustamante
    • AC Green Bay, WI >
      • Inside Wisconsin
      • Patient Testimonials
      • Contact Us
      • Emery Maloney
    • AC The Woodlands, TX
    • AC Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Patient Resources
    • WCR Brace Clinics >
      • USA Clinics
      • China Clinics
      • Canada Clinics
      • Australia Clinics
      • WCR Brace Clinic Finder
    • WCR Certified Practitioners
    • Professional Contacts & References
    • Forms & Insurance
    • Clinical Photos and X-rays
    • Scoliosis Rehab PT, CA
    • Blog
  • Events
    • Brace Clinic Calendar
    • Sosort 2022 - San Sebastian, Spain
    • Past Events >
      • Advancements in Conservative Treatment of Scoliosis 2018 >
        • Award for Advancements in the Conservative Treatment of Scoliosis
      • Past USA WCR Clinics and Conferences
      • Advancements in Conservative Treatment Of Scoliosis 2017
      • Shanghai Clinic
      • AAOP Meetings
      • BSPTS Schroth PT Training
    • Past SOSORT Conferences >
      • sosort2019 San Francisco - CA
      • SOSORT2018 Dubrovnik/Croatia
      • SOSORT2017 Lyon/France
      • SOSORT2016 Canada
    • Northeast Region Re-Align Clinic
  • Services
    • Scoliosis & Spine Online Learning
    • Prosthetics
    • Orthotics >
      • Pediatric Orthotics
      • Cranial Remolding Band
  • Hope's EmbraceĀ® Undershirts
  • Wall Grids
  • WCR Brace Fitting Evaluation
  • For PTs/Orthotists
  • WCR Measurement Order Form
  • Masterclass Conferences
  • Careers
    • Front Desk - ACSM