What is Spine Deformity?
When the body is viewed from behind, a normal spine appears straight.
When the body is viewed from the side, the normal spine will demonstrate normal curves (The upper chest area has a normal round back, while in the lower spine, there is a swayback)
Abnormal curvature of the spine that can occur in any age group is a spine deformity.
Side-to-side abnormal spinal curves are Scoliosis. The spine of a person with scoliosis looks more like an “S” or a “C” than a straight line.
Forward bending of the spine which produces a round back deformity, is Kyphosis.
How to identify Scoliosis?
- Crooked shoulders- one is higher than the other.
- The head does not seem centred or it is slightly tilted to one side when they observed from the back or front.
- One shoulder seems to be higher than the other.
- One hip is higher than the other.
- The rib cage seems uneven or crooked- one side higher than the other, or there is a “rib prominence” on one side of the back when they lean forward.
- When they stand relaxed, arm-to-trunk gap is higher on one side compared to the other.
(Scoliosis is common in adolescent girls; it does not result from carrying heavy items, sports, poor posture, or minor leg length abnormalities)