Scoliosis: What is it? How can we help?

For those with EDS/HSD we have abnormalities in the structure, processing, and synthesis of our collagen, which is the main structural protein in our body. Collagen’s job is to give strength, elasticity, and firmness to your tissues, but with EDS/HSD, this can cause defects in our blood vessels, joints, skin, ligaments, intestines, and uterus.

Because our joints are highly unstable, there are specific issues that occur in our skeletal system. We often experience dislocations and subluxations, as well as brushing and sprains. More telling, because our joints and cartilage are weak, it lessens their ability to cushion our bones and ligaments, leading to splintered bones, fractures, and strains. This can also cause deformations due to the instability of the joints: specifically kyphosis and scoliosis.

Kyphosis is an excessive curvature of the spine that causes a hunching of the back. It can occur when a veritable in the upper back becomes more wedge shaped, which is caused by hypermobility or sudden trauma to the neck. Scoliosis on the other hand has unknown origin, and normally occurs just before puberty.

Because of the laxity in our joints, our scoliosis or kyphosis can progress greatly in a short amount of time. In a research article posted by Scoliosis Associates, they outline a 15 year old patient who has both scoliosis and Ehlers Danlos syndrome. The curve on her spine progressed from 44 degrees to 53 degrees in just four months, regardless of the 2 ½ years she did brace treatment.

Although there is no treatment for EDS/HSD, there are therapeutic measures that can be taken for each of the symptoms that accompany these syndromes. Physical therapy and bracing are great non surgical options to help stabilize and straighten the curve in the spine, but for more severe cases where these treatments are not beneficial, surgery is also an option.

If you believe you have symptoms or manifestations of scoliosis, be sure to consult your medical professional to find out what treatment is best for you. Actify Physiotherapy's blog, instagram, and twitter account are all used for informational purposes only. Please ONLY consult a medical professional about any particular medical questions or issues.