Scoliosis

Spinal deformities are known in man since standing became his characteristic feature. Hippocrates (460 – 375 BC) was the first to use the terms “scoliosis”, “kyphosis”, “lordosis”, to describe spinal deformities. Scoliosis (“skolios” = “crooked”).

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity characterized by the lateral tilt and rotation of the vertebrae. It usually occurs in the thoracic spine or in the thoracolumbar spine (at the border between the thoracic and lumbar) or even more rarely purely in the lumbar.

It usually involves the appearance of a C-shaped curvature or two consecutive ones that give the S-shape.

Only 15% of scoliosis can be attributed to specific causes. Most scoliosis has no known cause and is called idiopathic.

Some scoliosis is due to abnormal development during the fetal period of the spinal axis and is called “congenital scoliosis” while others are the result of an accident or systemic disease.

During the teenage years, scoliosis is more common in girls than boys.

Scoliosis

The diagnosis of scoliosis does not take more than 1 minute for an experienced doctor.

The most common test for the diagnosis of small and without obvious deformity scoliosis is the Adam’s test test), in which the student bends over with his hands and knees stretched towards his feet, while the doctor observes the back mainly from behind.

This position clearly shows the asymmetry of the spine and the torso in general. The next step for diagnosis is an X-ray.

The single-leg bar, swimming and any other form of sports DO NOT affect the deformity. However, they improve physical abilities, the function of the heart and respiratory system and thus reduce discomfort.