Scoliosis & The Schroth Method

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Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine with at least a 10 degree Cobb angle. If the scoliosis is of unknown cause, it is called idiopathic scoliosis.

Most cases of idiopathic scoliosis are diagnosed during the adolescent growth spurt, which is when scoliosis curves are at the greatest risk of progressing rapidly.

In addition to sideways curvature, scoliosis involves rotation of the vertebrae, which can lead to a possible rib hump in back, as well as uneven shoulders, hips, and other asymmetries.

Degenerative scoliosis, also known as adult onset scoliosis, is a sideways spinal curve with at least a 10-degree Cobb angle caused by spinal degeneration.

It most commonly occurs in the lumbar spine.

Degenerative scoliosis is caused over time by the wearing down of intervertebral discs and facet joints. When this degeneration happens faster on one side of the spine compared to the other, a scoliosis curve can develop.

The Schroth method was developed by Katharina Schroth. It is a treatment for scoliosis that uses specific exercises that are based on a patient's unique spinal curve pattern. The spine is addressed in all three anatomical planes - sagittal, frontal and transverse. The purpose of the method is to create spinal balance and stability by improving body mechanics and spinal stabilization to prevent further curve progression.