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Online Help - September 2009
How can osteopathy help with kyphosis and scoliosis?
What are kyphosis and scoliosis?
Kyphosis and scoliosis are both abnormal curvatures of the spine. A kyphosis is an exaggeration of the normal curve of the thoracic spine, the part that the ribs attach to. A scoliosis is a lateral curvature that can occur throughout the whole spine or at a very localised spot.
Kyphosis and scoliosis can be classified as functional or structural. Structural curves are due to the spine becoming misshapen as it grows, so that the vertebrae become wedge-shaped. Functional curves are very common and are usually very mild, occurring as a result of altered posture, usually due to bad habits, the result of a leg length difference, or in response to altered use of, for example, one arm.
Functional curves may not cause any noticeable side effects, but they will have an effect on the local musculoskeletal structures.
Muscles on the concave side of the curve will tighten, and those on the convex side will lengthen and weaken. This will cause the vertebrae to be pulled closer together and may cause them to become wedge-shaped. Nerves in the area may become more or less sensitive.
The curve may also cause problems in the internal organs, due to crowding or altered blood or nerve flow. Common problems arising from scoliosis include painful or heavy periods, digestive problems and recurrent kidney infections; kyphosis is more likely to cause breathing difficulties, problems in the arms and hands, neck pain, low back pain and headaches. The extent of the problem usually depends on the severity of the curve.
Structural curves tend to be more serious. The most common form of curve is Idiopathic Juvenile Scoliosis, which is usually noticed at about 13 years of age.
If the curve is severe, a GP or Orthopaedic surgeon will monitor its growth to see whether medical intervention is needed. The most common form of intervention is a plastic brace, which helps to prevent the curve progressing too far. If that is not successful, then surgery to insert metal rods between the vertebrae to straighten them may be considered.
In all cases, osteopathy can provide relief for all of the symptoms of kyphosis and scoliosis. In the case of functional curves caused by bad posture, it may be possible to actually correct the curve with a combination of treatment and exercises.
Treatment, consisting of massage, mobilisation and strengthening techniques, is aimed at relieving tight muscles and encouraging the weakened ones to engage and begin to work again and mobilising the spine to relieve pressure on the joints and nerves. Cranial osteopathy may also be used to relieve tension in the deeper tissues of the spine, where the “memory” of altered posture is stored.
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