Curvature of the Spine is an abnormal change in the position of the backbone or spine. When the back of the spine is viewed from the side, it is seen that the spine is not absolutely straight but has four gentle curves. The curves vary in magnitude from one person to another, but under certain conditions they may become either abnormally accentuated or obliterated.

Three Basic Forms of Spinal Curvature:

1. Lateral curvature or Rotary curvature of the spine which is known medically as scoliosis, is the most common type. It occurs in about 2% of the population and usually begins in childhood.

Causes: Hereditary and poor postures are thought to be a huge contributing factor in the development of scoliosis.

Two Types of Scoliosis;

• Functional scoliosis is not a serious deformit, it is usually caused poor posture or one leg being shorter than the other.
• Structural scoliosis is a serious deformity, it is associated with profound bony changes that are often progressive unless treated. It may be caused by congenital malformation of the spine or it may follow a paralysis of the spinal muscles, as in poliomyelitis. In about 80% of the children with structural scoliosis the cause is unknown.

2. Lordosis is an abnormal accentuation of the inward curve normally seen in the neck and lower back parts of the spine. This deformity occurs most commonly in the lower back and causes a so-called swayback appearance.

Causes: bone deformities of the spine, a forward tilting of the pelvis, obesity, paralysis of the abdominal muscles, congenital dislocation of the hip.

3. Kyphosis is an abnormal accentuation of the outward curve normally found in the upper back part of the spinal column. In its most severe form, kyphosis becomes a sharp angular deformity known as hunchback.

Causes: Poor posture, growth disturbances of the spine, fracture of the spinal column, tuberculosis of the spine, and a softening and collapse of the spinal bones.

Treatment for Scoliosis:

• Posture training
• Exercises such as yoga and pilates (a certified instructor should be available to assist you)
• Spinal manipulation (for early stages of spinal curvature) by a certified chiropractor and/or physical therapist
• Occasionally surgery is required, with the spine being straightened in plaster casts and then fused in the straight position by bone grafting.