Empowering Your Spine with Biokinetic Care for Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a deformity characterized by one or more lateral curvatures of the lumbar or thoracic spine. These curves may appear in the thoracic spine alone, the thoracolumbar area, or the lumbar spine alone. Understanding the type and cause of scoliosis is essential for effective management and rehabilitation.

Types of Scoliosis

There are two main types of scoliosis:

• Non-structural scoliosis: This form is relatively correctable once the underlying cause is identified. Common causes include poor posture, nerve root irritation, inflammation in the spine, leg length discrepancy, or hip contracture.

• Structural scoliosis: This type involves a permanent structural change in the spine’s bones, resulting in a loss of normal spinal flexibility. It can be genetic, idiopathic (unknown cause), or caused by congenital abnormalities such as wedge vertebrae, hemivertebrae, or failure of vertebral segmentation.

The Impact of Scoliosis

As scoliosis progresses, it can lead to various challenges including:

• Pain and discomfort

• Reduced mobility and flexibility

• Muscle imbalances

• Decreased lung function

These issues can significantly affect daily activities, athletic performance, and overall quality of life. The severity of scoliosis is commonly measured by the Cobb angle, which quantifies the degree of spinal curvature.

A Biokineticist's Role in a Nonsurgical Approach to Scoliosis Care

Biokineticists play a vital role in scoliosis care by focusing on improving movement and function through tailored, evidence-based exercise programs.

Their approach includes:

• Assessing posture, spinal alignment, muscle imbalances, and functional limitations

• Design personalized rehabilitation plans to prevent future progression of spinal curvatures

• Enhance postural control and neuromuscular coordination

• Improve muscle strength and endurance

• Reduce pain and discomfort

• Improve respiratory function affected by severe spinal curvature

  
  

The primary goals of scoliosis care are to:

• De-rotate, elongate, and stabilize the spine in all three planes – sagittal, frontal, and transverse.

• It uses exercises customized for each patient to return the curved spine to a more neutral position.

  
  

This is achieved through focused exercise therapy that emphasizes:

1. Restoring muscle symmetry and proper postural alignment

2. Breathing exercises targeting the concave side of the body

3. Increasing awareness and control of posture during daily activities.

   
   

Results that can be expected after completing a scoliosis rehabilitation program

• Improved posture and spinal alignment

• Improved core stability and muscle strength

• Easier and more efficient breathing

• Reduced pain and discomfort

• Better overall movement pattern and functional ability

• Improved self-management and understanding of the spine

• Improved pelvis alignment

1. Peak Biokinetics, Scoliosis Rehabilitation, 2021.

2. Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), The Schroth Method: A Nonsurgical Scoliosis Treatment, 2021.

3. Grobler D. Biokinetic rehabilitation of scoliosis subjects, University of Pretoria, 2011.

4. Baumann AN, trager RJ, Anaspure OS, et al. The Schroth Method for Pediatric Scoliosis: A systematic and Critical Analysis Review, JBJS Rev, 2024; 12(9)

5. Magee, D. J., & Manske, R. C. (2020). Orthopedic Physical Assessment (7th ed.). Elsevier.

6. Reddy, K. S., & Reddy, S. (2023). Biomechanically designed Curve Specific Corrective Exercise for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis gives significant outcomes in an Adult: A case report. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 4, Article 1127222.