Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by a sideways C- or S-shaped curvature of the spine. It typically becomes noticeable during childhood, around the age of 10.
Structural scoliosis indicates structural changes of the spine and is often caused by factors such as trauma, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy. This form of scoliosis is permanent and requires symptomatic treatment.
Non-structural scoliosis is a temporary condition where the spine is not structurally affected. It is crucial to address non-structural scoliosis holistically and identify and eliminate the underlying cause.
The Cause
There are many causes that could lead to non-structural scoliosis, including the following:
- poor posture
- habits that lead to non-alignment like carrying heavy bags on one shoulder, carrying a baby or toddler on one hip, walking with one crutch or stick
- previous injuries which caused limping or non-alignment of the body
- past unresolved trauma in other areas of the body.
- Previous surgery
Injuries to the pelvis or legs can lead to limping, causing misalignment and placing excessive strain on other body regions. Over time, this can result in permanent mobility issues within the fascia (connective tissues). If the pelvis becomes permanently rotated or tilted, it can affect leg length and create muscle imbalances in the back, ultimately leading to spinal curvature. If left untreated, this imbalance can develop into scoliosis, causing chronic pain and emotional distress.
Injuries to the head, neck, shoulders or arms have a direct effect on the spine, again due to misalignment.
The following illustration shows clearly how a restriction in one area in the body can spiral upwards or downwards, resulting in a curvature of the spine.
How can Lyno help?
The only way to find a permanent solution for this problem is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the entire body’s mobility. The human body operates within complete functional patterns, and it is only by establishing a comprehensive understanding of all compensation patterns and fascial restrictions that one can effectively resolve this condition permanently.
The Lyno assessment comprises of the Bunkie Test, which will show up functional weakness, and the FROM Test, which will show exactly where all the fascia restrictions are. The curvature of the spine will only improve once all these restrictions are released, allowing the body to move in neutral functional patterns.
We use a very light touch, combined with very conscious functional movement patterns and breathing, to release the restrictions and to guide the brain back to the correct neural pathways.
Finally, once all the restrictions have been alleviated, it is crucial to strengthen the body in its neutral state to prevent any recurrence arising from weakness.
