Scoliosis is one of the most common spinal concerns among children and teenagers. In Malaysia, an estimated 2–3% of adolescents—about 600,000 to 900,000 people—are affected by this condition.
Scoliosis is a medical condition in which the spine curves to either side of the body and sometimes rotates along its vertical axis, causing curvature in the front and back as well. In short, this three-dimensional change can lead to various negative effects, including cosmetic concerns and potential health complications for the individual.
Scoliosis can generally be classified into two major categories:
The deformity is present at birth due due to abnormal spinal development in the womb.
The most common type, with no known cause. It often appears as a complication related to neurological or growth-related factors.
About 80% of scoliosis cases are classified as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).
Lumbar scoliosis
Thoracic scoliosis
Thoraco-lumbar scoliosis
Combined scoliosis
80% of the scoliosis cases fall into the category of Adolescence Idiopathic Scoliosis.
Common findings in idiopathic scoliosis include:
Visible abnormal curve of the spine
Uneven shoulders or hips
Difference in leg length
Abnormal walking pattern
Prominent shoulder blade or rib cage, especially on forward bending
If you notice any of these signs, especially in a growing child or teenager, a scoliosis check is highly recommended.
Scoliosis can have a significant impact on the body and daily life. When the spine curves abnormally, the muscles on either side are pulled unevenly, leading to muscle fatigue, stiffness, and often lower back soreness or pain.
If scoliosis is combined with poor posture or a lack of exercise, it can contribute to chronic myofascial inflammation in certain areas of the body. This, in turn, may interfere with work, school, sleep, and overall quality of life.
Scoliosis also affects a person’s physical appearance. In severe cases, it can make the head appear tilted, cause one shoulder to sit higher than the other, and even affect balance while walking.
For children, these visible differences can have emotional and social consequences. They may lose confidence, become hesitant to interact with peers, and over time, this can contribute to a pessimistic or depressive outlook, creating barriers to healthy personality development.
Adam’s Forward Test
The patient is asked to bend forward with both palms placed between the knees. If a hump is noted on one side of the chest or lower back, or if one shoulder blade is higher than the other, an X-ray should be taken to confirm the presence of scoliosis.
X-Ray
X-rays should be taken from the side (lateral view) and from the back (AP view). In individuals with scoliosis, the spine will appear in a “C” or “S” shape in the AP view. The curvature of the spine is measured on the X-ray using the Cobb angle. If the Cobb angle is greater than 10 degrees, the person is diagnosed with scoliosis.
For cases where the Cobb angle is more than 20 degrees, patients are recommended to use a customized brace to maintain proper posture.
Chiropractors cannot completely straighten the spine in most scoliosis cases. However, a comprehensive, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment plan can:
Reduce curvature progression
Improve posture and mobility
Decrease pain and discomfort
Improve quality of life
Research shows notable improvement in curvature, pain levels, and overall function when scoliosis is managed properly.
Our goal is to stabilise the spine and strengthen supporting ligaments, tendons, and muscles for proper spinal function. We use advanced spine and joint technology alongside specialised rehabilitation programs.
Unlike traditional hard braces, the SpineCor brace is:
Dynamic and flexible
Custom-fitted to each patient
Comfortable to wear under clothing
Easy to put on and remove
Suitable for daily and sporting activities
Besides bracing, we also provide Scoliosis Directed Exercises, which differ from general rehabilitation exercises.
Scoliosis-directed exercises are a physical therapy approach to scoliosis treatment. They are based on exercises tailored to each patient’s spinal curvature. Each patient practices scoliosis exercises differently, depending on the location of their scoliosis curve. At One Spine, we use the method known as the Schroth Method.
The Schroth Method is an exercise approach customized for each patient to return the curved spine to a more natural position.
The goal of Schroth exercises is to :
De-rotate
Elongate
Stabilize
the spine in a three-dimensional plane.
During the exercises, we focus on :
Restoring muscular symmetry and alignment of posture
Breathing into the concave side of the body
Teaching patient to be aware of their own posture
Improved posture
Better core stability and strength
Easier breathing
Less pain or discomfort
Better overall movement and coordination
Better pelvic alignment
Greater independence in self-managing their condition
Slowdown or reduction in curve progression
Scoliosis detected during the growing years can continue to progress into adulthood—especially if the curve is more severe.
Early detection and the right treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening and improve quality of life.
Visit Us:
One Spine Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Centre, TTDI
One Spine Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Centre, Bangsar
Contact us to book a scoliosis assessment and consultation today.
Malaysia
