http://movementsafootblog.com/2007/06/20/scoliosis-–-an-inside-and-outside-approach/

Cause

In the case of the most common form of scoliosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there is no clear causal agent [6]. Various causes have been implicated, but none has consensus among scientists as the cause of scoliosis. Scoliosis is more often diagnosed in females and is often seen in patients with cerebral palsy or spina bifida,[citation needed] although this form of scoliosis is different from that seen in children without these conditions. In some cases, scoliosis exists at birth due to a congenital vertebral anomaly. Occasionally, development of scoliosis during adolescence is due to an underlying anomaly such as a tethered spinal cord, but most often the cause is unknown or idiopathic.[citation needed] Some therapists like the referenced Hanna Somatic therapist believe that trauma to an adult can cause, not just asymmetry but an actual curve to the spine visible on x-ray, although no documentation is offered in her article. [7] Scoliosis often presents itself, or worsens, during the adolescence growth spurt.[8]

In April 2007, researchers at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children identified the first gene associated with idiopathic scoliosis, CHD7. The medical breakthrough was the result of a 10-year study and is outlined in the May 2007 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.[9]

I especially in my practice see a lot of imbalances of the spine similar to the comment by the Hanna somatics. The purpose of this post was to have teachers look below or above a problem to understand the source of the imbalance.

I think it would be a good idea to word your answers carefully. I really have to go with Alison on this–she’s 100% correct.

Namaste and Happy New Year!

Alison
Co-Director
Yoga Union Center for Backcare & Scoliosis, NYC

If by that, you mean that people with scoliosis have muscular imbalance, that’s true in every single case.

There are two kinds of scoliosis: functional and structural, and both involved muscle imbalance.

Functional scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that disappears in a forward bend or lengthening pose. At this stage, the curvature has not set in the bone and is indeed deeply affected by muscle imbalance/poor posture, asymmetric habits, bag carrying and so forth.

But scoliosis proper, or structural scoliosis, is a permanent curvature of the spine that includes rotation of the vertebrae and ribs (and compression of the organs). It is of the bone, and can be congenital, genetic, trauma-or surgery-induced, and so forth. Most cases are of unknown origin. There is certainly muscle imbalance, but muscle imbalance is seldom the cause.

The curve may be reduced by appropriate, knowledgeable exercise, but not always.

Sincerely,

Alison West
Co-Director
Yoga Union Center for Backcare & Scoliosis, NYC