One in every two hundred males and two or every one hundred females are suffering from scoliosis. Scoliosis can start in teen years and there are so many theories on truly causes this condition.
Scoliosis is the curvature of the spine and scientists have been saying that it is mainly caused by poor nutrition which affects the spinal bones. Manganese deficiency is said to be a common cause for scoliosis because this mineral is essential for the body’s connective tissues which comprises the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones. It has been an important factor in the growth of these body parts.
Aside from Manganese, these connective tissues also need other essential nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals. These vitamins and minerals include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, Silica, and Zinc.
With the deficiency of these nutrients, the spinal development will not become strong; therefore, it can make the spine more fragile which is susceptible to curvature or scoliosis.
Scoliosis Defined
What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is a condition wherein the spine develops a curvature. So instead of having a straight normal spine, one with scoliosis can have a spine shaped like S or C which can give some pain in the back.
A curvature is called scoliotic if the curve is 10 degrees and above. If the curve is below 10 degrees, the spine is referred to as ‘asymmetrical’ and not yet scoliotic.
Scoliosis can be considered as mild, moderate, or severe also depending on the degree of curvature. Here is how they diagnose the level of scoliosis:
MILD – 30 degrees and below
MODERATE – 31 to 50 degrees
SEVERE – 51 to 60 degrees
But this is not all, scoliosis does not only mean the spine’s lateral deviation but we have to learn that the spine may also be ‘twisted. This is because of a knob-like part of the spine which is called the spinous process. This knob can twist to either clockwise or counterclockwise and it can make the degree to even worse. Some with twisted spine can have a level of 65 degrees of scoliosis!
Scoliosis Treatment for Kids
If you have a child with curved spine, you must bring the kid immediately for check-up. A child with 10 degree or more spine curvature can become alarming because it can already affect his or her internal organs which include the lungs.
Usually, the doctor will prescribe the child with scoliosis to wear back braces for support and spine straightening. This can be an ordeal to the child but it is needed in order to correct the curvature. Children may fear this treatment but you have to explain to them the importance of the back braces. Here are some of the reasons why kids fear wearing back braces:
1. It prevents them to move around and play around just like the other kids.
2. Some kids may make fun of the appearance with braces.
3. The braces may be worn for as long as 23 hours a day.
4. The brace can become uncomfortable to the skin.
Although the braces are worn, it is not a guarantee that scoliosis development will stop. It may still progress which means that braces may or may not help. However, it is also worth a try.
Surgery is another option to cure scoliosis. In this process, metal rods are inserted in the spine and this can be painful. As the child grows, the child may undergo another surgery like this.
Alternative Treatment: Scoliosis Exercises
Experts on spines from the chiropractic field have developed some treatments for scoliosis in the form of exercises. This plan includes the following:
1. Spinal Distraction which means stretching the spine back to its original conformation which can also correct the twisting of it.
2. Daily extensive exercises.
3. Retraining the muscles through exercise which may hurt at first.
4. Nourishment of the connective tissues by taking nutritional supplements.
5. Regular appointments set to monitor the treatment of scoliosis.
Through this method, success stories have been told.
Preventing Scoliosis: Exercising and Maintaining a Good Posture
Aside from eating the right food and taking supplements, one must always remember to practice good posture and do exercise regularly in order to maintain a healthy spine. Here are some bad habits that you should avoid:
• Slouching when sitting whether at the office doing work or at home watching TV.
• Consistently looking down while walking.
• Not moving for a long time slumping at a chair.
• Tucking the pelvis at the wrong angle.
Simple posture exercise can save you from spinal problem especially if you are living a healthy lifestyle and keeping the correct posture while sitting, standing, or walking. Grow Taller 4 Idiots e-book guide can be a great start in living a healthy life and taller height through exercise.
