What Are the Treatments for Lumbar Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves abnormally. Lumbar scoliosis means 70 percent of the curvature is on the left side of the spine. Treating lumbar scoliosis includes braces and surgery to stop progression of the condition and straighten the spine.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of lumbar scoliosis include uneven shoulders or waist, fatigue, leaning to one side, one hip or shoulder blade higher than the other.

Causes

• Lumbar scoliosis can be caused by a birth defect, abnormal development during pregnancy, or heredity. Sometimes the cause is unknown. Lumbar scoliosis is not caused by exercise, poor posture or diet.

Treatment

• Treatment of lumbar scoliosis includes wearing braces to prevent further curving of the spine. There is a full-torso brace which extends to the neck, and a low-profile brace which extends to the hips.

Surgery

• Treatment of lumbar scoliosis is recommended when spinal curvature is above 40 degrees. A procedure is used to fuse bones together which will prevent the spine from curving.

Other Therapies

• Other treatments for lumbar scoliosis can include exercises, chiropractic manipulation and electrical muscle stimulation, but these treatments have not been proven to prevent further spinal curvature.