Scoliosis

I have researched Scoliosis for this Skeletal System Case Study. Where a healthy spine appears straight from behind, a spine that has developed Scoliosis will curve to the side. In this study I explored the causes, types, treatments and the use of massage therapy to help ease the affects Scoliosis has on the body. Scoliosis occurs when the spine develops an abnormal lateral curve during growth. Doctors use an S or C to describe the curve of the spine. Scoliosis can be Congenital, which means the curve begins in the womb as a baby’s vertebrae form. It can occur during a growth spurt in children between the ages of 10 to 15 years. Adults can also develop Scoliosis as a result of disk degeneration, arthritis and collapse of disc spaces in the spine. In 80% of Scoliosis cases Doctors don’t find the exact reason for a curve in the spine. This is known as Idiopathic Scoliosis. Signs and symptoms of Scoliosis can include shoulders that are crooked or one shoulder is higher than the other. The person may lean or the head seems tilted to one side. These symptoms may lead to back pain, headaches, muscle spasms, dizziness and nerve compression. There are several medical treatments for Scoliosis. These can include Observation by a doctor to measure the curve of the spine to see if it is changing over time. …show more content…
Their exercises help strengthen core and back muscles, thus improving flexibility and massage therapy to help relieve and manage pain. According to a study in 2008, massage therapy in the way of Myofascial Release (MFR) was helpful in improving pain levels, trunk rotation, posture, quality of life and pulmonary function. The 18 year old female subject had 6 weeks of Myofascial Release treatment with two 60 minute sessions each week. The study concluded further investigation was needed using MFR as an effective manual therapy treatment for Idiopathic