Scoliosis

Q - I saw a client today who has scoliosis. Is it possible sometimes that when you view it from the back that it only looks like a rotation in the column versus an obvious S or C curve? This client had a 9-degree right lower thoracic and 2 degree left lumbar. Namaste, A

I assume your measurement is from using the scoliometer. A 9-degree thoracolumbar curve will not be as pronounced as the more common right thoracic curve that is upper thoracic. So a mild appearing curve will result when it is thoracolumbar shape as this is one of the standard 4 shapes. People in good shape can change the appearance of the curvatures especially when you assess them in lateral flexion. So I would also evaluate her curve in standing lateral flexion to see how it changes. During January presentation to the Boston group I will give more extensive talk on the four curves and therapy for them.