Strategies to Halt the Progression of Scoliosis: 5 Key Approaches

5 Ways to Prevent Scoliosis from Getting Worse

Written by Winona Katyusha.Date updated: 12/02/2024

Scoliosis is a spinal disorder that is quite common. This condition is often found in babies and children, but can also occur in adults. Although the symptoms are often not felt, scoliosis can make the shoulders misaligned and risk causing breathing problems. So, is there a way to prevent scoliosis? 

Is there a way to prevent scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a spinal disorder characterized by a spine that curves to the side. 

Many people think that scoliosis is caused by injury, obesity, or daily habits, such as carrying a heavy backpack and frequently staying in poor posture. 

However, the exact cause of scoliosis is not actually known. Therefore, several methods such as practicing posture or doing yoga will not prevent scoliosis. 

This is especially true if the type of scoliosis is congenital scoliosis and neuromuscular scoliosis. For information, scoliosis consists of several different types, namely as follows. 

• Congenital or congenital scoliosis.This is a type found in newborn babies who have had spinal abnormalities since they were in the womb. 

• Idiopathic scoliosis. The condition of scoliosis of unknown cause. This is a scoliosis that often occurs in children. 

• Degenerative scoliosis. This condition occurs in adulthood and grows over time. 

• Neuromuscular scoliosis. This condition is caused by abnormalities in the nerves and muscles. 

Congenital scoliosis can be said to be a birth defect that appears from early pregnancy and cannot be prevented. 

Meanwhile neuromuscular scoliosis often occurs as a result of other conditions such as cerebral palsy. Until now, experts have not found a certain way that can definitely prevent neuromuscular scoliosis. 

However, if the case is a scoliosis that has only developed in adulthood, such as degenerative scoliosis or which appears due to osteoporosis, sometimes preventive steps can be taken to delay it.

How to prevent scoliosis?

Indeed, some types of scoliosis cannot be prevented. However, there are several things you can do to delay and prevent scoliosis from becoming severe. 

Here are some of them. 

1. Reduce the burden on the back 

Try to reduce the burden on your back from the backpack you carry. Bags that are too heavy can disrupt your posture. 

If you carry a shoulder bag, you can get around this by placing the bag alternately on your left and right shoulder. 

2. Avoid sitting for too long 

Avoid sitting in a place for too long. Move occasionally, for example standing or walking around every 30 minutes. 

You can also do regular exercise to make your muscles stronger and more flexible.

3. Use lumbar support when sitting

Your posture is also at risk of being disturbed if you spend a lot of time working at a desk or in front of a computer. 

Therefore, use a chair with lumbar support so that your body posture remains in a good position to prevent scoliosis.

4. Provide nutrition for bone health 

For people who are at risk of developing osteoporosis, prevent it early by meeting nutritional needs that are good for bone health. 

Increase your consumption of foods that contain magnesium, potassium, vitamin D, calcium and carotenoids. You can get these various ingredients from dairy products, sardines and vegetables. 

5. Early detection of scoliosis

Early detection can be one way to prevent the severity of scoliosis. However, sometimes it is difficult to get scoliosis checked from the start. 

Because, most cases of scoliosis show only mild symptoms or even no symptoms. 

Therefore, you should be alert to any unusual changes in your or your child's body. Here are some things that could be early signs of scoliosis. 

• The eye line looks slanted. 
• Shoulders not aligned. 
• One hip or shoulder appears higher and more prominent. 
• The line from the middle of the head to the middle of the hips is not straight. 

If the above symptoms appear, you should immediately see an orthopedic doctor. The doctor may ask to undergo an examination, such as the following. 

• Adam's forward bend method. In this method, you will be asked to bend your body forward. Later, the doctor will look at the curve of your body. If one of the rib humps is raised or the two sides of the body are not symmetrical, then there is a possibility that you are suffering from scoliosis. 
• X-ray. This test is done to see the condition of the bones. 
• DNA test. This is done to determine the likelihood that a scoliotic curve will develop.

Even though it is done quite often, the Adam's forward bend screening test does not show accurate results. 

This is because the ribs only appear prominent when the curvature of the spine has reached 30 degrees, which is considered late detection. 

It's a good idea to consult a doctor about the type of examination you need to prevent scoliosis from getting worse.