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 spine deformity.
Side-to-side abnormal spinal curves is Scoliosis. 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.
- Head does not seem center or it is slightly tilted to one side when they are observed from 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 comparing 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)