Question
I know someone who was recently diagnosed with a mild scoliosis with the spine bent inwards from the left side of the back.
According to the person, this slight curve was most likely caused by the muscles on his left side of the lower back which were slightly more built than the muscles
On the right side of his back. So it appears to be a case of the more built muscles on one side perhaps pushing against the spine. And this also seems to be causing
Some discomfort and occasional tightness around the back of the neck. And also some pain in the left side region of the back where the spine has been pushed inwards.

This is the scenario. My question now is this: Have you encountered any cases of individuals with this sort of scoliosis experience? And secondly, do you think or
Reccommend that such a case can be rectified by sessions of building up the lower back muscles so as to create the eveness and balance which may perhaps straighten the spine?
This person would like to know what you think because several years ago, he engaged in chin-up exercises in an unbalanced way which caused the muscles of his lower back on the
Left side to be slightly more built. And further more, this person has been to a doctor and massage therapist who simply massage and have not really addressed the root of the problem.
I look forward to your comments and advise on the questions put forward. Thank you!

Answer
Dear Hilary,

There are many causes of scoliosis, including congenital hemi-vertebra, kyphosis, unequal leg lengths, disc degenerative changes, congenital malformation of spinal segments, compression fractures etc.  Many cases of scoliosis are what we call idiopathic, or of unknow origin.

Knowing what type of scoliotic condition your friend has is the key to treatment.  The truth of the matter, however, in most cases is that the scoliotic shift is not going to change with treatment. If your friend is young, he/she should be evaluated by an orthopedic doctor on a regular basis to make sure that the curvature does not progress to the point of requiring surgical spinal fusion.  

Although spinal musculature often feels more tense on one side of the spine compared to the other side of the spine, this does not indicate that the muscles are the cause of the scoliosis. The muscles could simply be responding to the abnormal curature.

Making a self diagnosis is never a good idea.

In most cases of scoliosis, the pain associated with the condition can be helped through core strengthening exercises, stretching, and spinal manipulation or mobilization... after the patient is cleared as having a spinal condition that is healthy enough to withstand such care.  These options are better than taking pain medications to simply cover up the symptoms.

I hope that this gives you some thoughts and ideas. Encourage your friend to get professional help.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com