What is scoliosis in children?
Scoliosis is often referred to as lateral curvature of the spine, i.e. bending to its right or left. However, this formulation is not correct. It should properly be described as torsion three-planewhich changes the alignment of the spine in all three planes!
Spine
- in the frontal plane - bends laterally (one or two arches),
- in the transverse plane - rotates (rotation or derotation of the vertebrae)
- in the sagittal plane - flattens out (there is a partial or complete abolition of the natural curvature of the spine).
How do you know if a child has scoliosis?
Parents are unable to recognise scoliosis in their childrenBut if they are vigilant, they will quickly spot abnormalities in your child's body. The sooner you report to the paediatric physiotherapistthe better the prognosis for the success of the therapy.
What should a parent be concerned about?
- asymmetrical position of shoulder blades (one higher, one lower)
- shoulder blades protruding from the spine
- shoulders positioned asymmetrically (one higher, the other lower)
- one waist angle larger than the other
- knees or feet in a valgus position
- protruding abdomen
- back or hip pains reported by the child
What is muscle balance responsible for?
Muscular balance constantly adjusts posture to changing gravitational conditions. Improper posture disturbs the location of the general centre of gravity, which triggers a range of muscular reactions. This is a very common In children with scoliosis. Postural asymmetry results in a displacement of the centre of gravity and the appearance of a musculo-fascial imbalance.
How does muscle imbalance affect scoliosis?
As a result of the muscular imbalance, weakened muscles become even weaker, overstretched muscles become more tense and motor control becomes increasingly asymmetrical.
What is central stabilisation?
Central stabilisation is the neuromuscular control that provides functional stability within the lumbar-pelvic-hip complex. It is extremely important in preventing muscular imbalance and therefore in prevention of scoliosis in children.
What is the treatment of scoliosis in children?
- make the patient aware of the neutral alignment of the lumbar-pelvic complex
- we teach the patient to flex the relevant muscle groups
- we pay attention to the breathing path
- over time, modify the exercise by increasing the number of repetitions, changing positions and increasing the load
- introduce sensomotor training for muscle balance
Parents, remember that scoliosis in most cases begins in childhood. Observe your children and look out for any asymmetries or abnormalities in their bodies.
Unfortunately scoliosis in children, but also in adults, is not just a disease of the spine but of the whole body. It has a huge impact on the internal organs, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, hip, knee and foot joints.
If you are unsure if your child's posture is correct then see one of the specialists at Kids Medic. He/she will examine your child and dispel any doubts.
Authors
Anna Bernaś
Paediatric physiotherapist
Daria Redo-Pacholik
Physiotherapist
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