June 25th is International Scoliosis Awareness Day, a date dedicated to raising awareness about a pathology that affects millions of people around the world. Despite being a relatively common affliction, there are still many popular misconceptions about scoliosis that can lead to unnecessary concern on the one hand, and delay in getting a diagnosis on the other.
Is it true that poor posture causes scoliosis? Is scoliosis always painful if you have it? Does it always require surgery? In this article, we share the medically-based facts that contradict 10 commonly believed myths about scoliosis.
Myth No. 1: Poor posture causes scoliosis
The Facts
Scoliosis is not a problem of posture. It is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine that causes a lateral curvature, which is accompanied by vertebral rotation in many cases. Although poor posture can make it look like someone has a twisted or hunched back, posture is not the cause of structural scoliosis.
Myth No. 2: Carrying heavy backpacks causes scoliosis
The Facts
Carrying a heavy backpack can cause muscle discomfort or temporary pain, but it does not cause scoliosis. Most cases of scoliosis diagnosed in children and adolescents are idiopathic scoliosis, meaning that the exact cause cannot be determined.
Myth No. 3: Scoliosis is always painful
The Facts
Many people with scoliosis, especially children and teens, don’t notice any pain. In fact, many times the condition is diagnosed for the first time during a routine medical check-up when the doctor detects a bodily asymmetry, such as misalignment in the hips or shoulders, or a tilted waist.
Myth No. 4: Scoliosis can be completely corrected with exercises.
The Facts
Exercises can improve posture, strengthen muscles, and help control the progression of scoliosis, but they usually are not enough to completely correct a structural curvature of the spine. The most appropriate treatment for each case depends on the degree of the curve and the characteristics of each patient.
Myth No. 5: If the percentage of curvature is small, there's no need to worry
The Facts
Mild scoliosis usually only requires medical monitoring, but that doesn't mean it should be ignored. During stages of rapid growth, some cases of spinal curvature can progress and become more severe, so it’s important to have regular check-ups to monitor the evolution of the condition.
Myth No. 6: Scoliosis always requires surgery
The Facts
The vast majority of people with scoliosis will never need surgery. Treatment depends on the degree of curvature, the patient's age, the speed of progression, and the associated symptoms.
Myth No. 7: If you have scoliosis, you can’t participate in sports
The Facts
Unless specifically contra-indicated by a specialist, physical activity is usually beneficial for people with scoliosis. Exercise helps maintain mobility, strengthen the back muscles, and improve overall physical condition. In fact, many conservative treatment strategies include staying physically active.
Myth No. 8: Scoliosis only affects teenagers
The Facts
Although in many cases, scoliosis is diagnosed during adolescence, it can appear at any age. For example, degenerative scoliosis is common in older adults, resulting from the progressive wear and tear on vertebral discs and joints over time.
Myth No. 9: Mild scoliosis never gets worse
The Facts
Not all cases of spinal curvature progress in the same way. Some remain stable throughout life, while others may increase, especially during stages of growth or due to degenerative changes associated with aging. That is why even mild cases of scoliosis should continue to be monitored by a physician.
Myth No. 10: Scoliosis is easy to detect with the naked eye
The Facts
Severe spinal curvature is usually obvious, but many mild cases of scoliosis go unnoticed.
Among the most common signs to watch for are:
- One shoulder higher than the other.
- One hip higher than the other.
- The waist appears tilted.
- The torso leans to one side.
If you suspect there may be scoliosis, the best thing to do is get an evaluation by a specialist.
The importance of early detection
When spinal curvature is detected while it is still mild, it can be monitored for changes, and conservative treatments can be considered before the condition becomes more severe.
Keeping an eye out for changes in body symmetry, going to regular medical check-ups, and seeing a specialist when you suspect anything, are simple measures that can help improve the prognosis and quality of life for anyone with scoliosis.
The Scoliosis Unit at Instituto Clavel
At Instituto Clavel, we have a Scoliosis Unit with 6 specialists, led by Dr. Ignasi Català and Dr. Sebastien Charosky, all with extensive experience in treating spinal deformities in both adolescents and adults.
Our team evaluates each case on an individual basis in order to offer the most appropriate therapeutic options, from conservative treatments to advanced surgical techniques when necessary.
SCOLIOSIS DEPARTMENT
Have you been diagnosed with scoliosis or do you suspect you might have it? Book an appointment with our specialists in the Scoliosis Unit for a personalized evaluation.
Dr. Ignasi Català
Neurosurgeon and Deputy director of Instituto Clavel
Categories: Spine treatments, Spine pathologies, Prevention