Scoliosis - causes, therapy & bone health

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. Information on symptoms, forms of treatment such as corsets and surgery as well as vitamin D and calcium for strong bones.

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Scoliosis is a three-dimensional curvature of the spine characterised by lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebral bodies.

A misalignment of the spine can vary in severity and often affects the chest or lumbar vertebrae. While mild forms often cause no symptoms, more severe scoliosis can lead to back pain, restricted movement and muscular imbalances.

The causes of scoliosis are varied. In most cases, it is idiopathic scoliosis, the exact origin of which is unclear. It occurs particularly frequently during growth in puberty. Other forms include neuromuscular scoliosis, which is caused by diseases such as muscular dystrophy (degeneration of the muscles) or cerebral palsy (movement disorders), as well as degenerative scolioses, which occur in old age due to wear and tear of the spine.

Treatment depends on the severity of the curvature. While mild cases can be stabilised with targeted physiotherapy and back training, more severe curvatures often require orthopaedic corsets. In severe cases with severe progression of the curvature, surgical correction may be necessary.

Nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium support bone health. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the intestine and supports bone mineralisation, which is essential for strengthening the skeleton. A deficiency in vitamin D can reduce bone density and increase the risk of fractures, which leads to additional stress on the spine in scoliosis. Calcium is the main component of bones and contributes to bone substance and stability. Adequate calcium intake is therefore crucial for maintaining the bone structure in scoliosis and preventing the deformity from progressing.