In 2010, the New York Times published an article about scoliosis, an orthopedic disorder that causes curvature in the spine. A new genetic test helps adolescents predict whether or not their scoliosis will advance significantly by the time they stop growing. A number called the ScoliScore helps lead parents and surgeons towards the choice between having spinal surgery or leaving the patient as is.
An interesting aspect about this condition is that adults are “10 times as likely as adolescents to require corrective surgery.” Scoliosis can interfere with an adult’s health in ways such as chronic obstructive lung disease, peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, advanced arthritis of the hip and knees, and spinal stenosis.
What may be more preventative than the information learned from a ScoliScore is the solution of exercise. Focusing on spinal flexibility and core muscular strength is proven to help avoid these symptoms. However, if serious nerve symptoms have already occurred, then surgery is the better solution.
I am 19 years old and was diagnosed with scoliosis four years ago, when I started wearing a back brace. Strength exercises and yoga have helped relieve pain and discomfort in my back, hips, and shoulders. I have been able to work through the asymmetry in my body, thanks to the combination of the science of genetics and the science of exercise.
Photo taken from http://drekim.net/2010/06/scoliosis-and-proprioception/.
