Your X-ray is the most important document that you have related to your scoliosis. It gives you objective and reliable information about the shape your spine is in. My treatment plans are based on what I see in your X-ray.
Here is an example of an X-ray with one of the more common curve patterns that I see in my clients. I’ve given the person in this X-ray the fictitious name Jane.
Jane’s pattern is a S-curve scoliosis with right thoracic and left lumbar curves. The Cobb angles of both curves were reported by the radiologist as being in the high 30s.
Notice the “R” at the side of Jane’s ribs. That indicates which side is the right hand side. So, when looking at this X-ray, you can imagine that you’re looking at her from the front.
The main thing that I’m looking for when I read an X-ray is where the compression areas in the person’s torso are. In the case of Jane, there are three main compression areas. The lowest is on the left hand side between the lumbar spine and the top of the pelvis. Above that there is a compression area that is centered at the height of the 2nd and 3rd lumbar vertebrae. Above that there is a thoracic compression area that is centered at the height of the 9th and 10th thoracic vertebrae. As the cervical spine and head are titled to the right we can also see a compression area between the cervical spine and the shoulder, which we can identify by the line of the collar bone. The lower compression areas are more important to focus treatment. I often find that my clients are able to bring their head and neck into better alignment as the lower compression areas improve.
In this image you can see that I’ve indicated the compression areas that I described above. I have found that when a spine has lateral curves, the muscles in the concave areas created by the curves tend to be shortened, tight and lacking in vitality.
The goal of scoliosis treatment is to bring more volume and vitality to the compression areas of the torso.
This is the best way to ensure that your spine remains supported, your curve doesn’t grow, and you avoid surgery.
In my own experience, as the muscles in my compression areas have become longer, looser and more alive my posture has improved significantly and my spine has become straighter.