How to prevent scoliosis

Correct posture. Symmetrical sports, such as swimming and light jogging. Avoid lying sideways on the table.

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Scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine, especially in childhood) is a very common condition for which There is no absolute prevention, because many forms are idiopathic (i.e. without a known cause). However, some useful strategies can be adopted to reduce the risk. Scoliosis almost always occurs during growth, progressing until the bones mature, which usually occurs around 20-25 years of age.
 

Spread and symptoms

Lateral spinal deformity affects approximately 3 percent of the Italian population, with a higher prevalence among women. It generally presents asymptomatic, but when severe, it can cause back pain and, in adulthood, even cardiorespiratory problems.
In other cases, the symptoms may be evident, and in particular these are:
  • one shoulder higher than the other
  • a more prominent or higher hip
  • crooked pelvic line
  • one scapula (homoplata) appears more evident or “out” than the other
  • the head is not perfectly aligned with the body when looking from behind
  • one side of life more "recessed" than the other
  • non-symmetrical skin folds
  • when you bend forward, one side of your back or ribs appears higher (called a “rib hump”)
  • trousers or skirts that appear “crooked”
  • shirts that pull to one side
  • in adolescents there is often no pain
  • In adults, back pain or stiffness may occur

Cause

In 80-85 percent of cases, scoliosis is idiopathic, meaning the causes are currently unknown. The only certainty is a family history (children and adolescents with relatives with scoliosis are more at risk), while in the remaining 15-20 percent of cases, the curvature of the spine is a consequence of congenital, neurological, or other conditions.

Prevention

These are some very useful and well-summarized tips from Humanitas Hospital for preventing scoliosis.
 
  1. Change position with some frequency;
  2. Use a backpack on both shoulders or a trolley to carry weights;
  3. Walking (or running) for at least thirty minutes a day;
  4. Do sporting activities, and in particular  symmetrical sports such as ARTISTIC, general gymnastics, light jogging, or even pilates;
  5. To execute continuous movements and stretch the spine from time to time;
  6. Once seated, rest your elbows on the table adjusting its height to the length of the legs;
  7. Sitting leaning entirely against the backrest (sitting on the edge of the chair with your shoulders hunched back is not a good habit);
  8.  Avoid lying down sideways on the table;
  9. Use ergonomic chairs or, when reading or writing, a lectern;
  10. Always keep keep your posture under control.

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