Screening
Don’t screen adolescents for scoliosis.
There is no good evidence that screening asymptomatic adolescents detects idiopathic scoliosis at an earlier stage than detection without screening [1], [2]. The potential harms of screening and treating adolescents include unnecessary follow-up visits and evaluations due to false positive test results and psychological adverse effects [1], [2].
Management
Yoga and movement re-education for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis has been shown to improve stability of weak muscles; enhance range of respiration; increase postural tone in standing, sitting, and lying; and strengthen and lengthen the spine through specific postures used as traction [3]. Movement re-education based on the integration of concepts of bio-mechanics and motor development has been shown to improve proprioception and awareness of functional movement, reduce pain and increase activity participation [3].
References:
1. American Academy of Family Physicians. Scoliosis [Internet]. Leawood (KS): American Academy of Family Physicians; 2004 [cited 2013 Jul 23]. Available from: www.aafp.org/pati…/clinical-recommendations/…/scoliosis.html
2. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. Rockville (MD): U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 2004 Jun. 3 p.
3. Monroe, M. (2010). Yoga and movement re-education for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis, 5(Suppl 1), O24.