After reading about the different scoliosis types, I’ve been thinking about how chronic inflammation manifests in the body and what it tells us about idiopathic scoliosis. I anticipate such a connection to be a stretch at first glance, but the more I learn about inflammation, the more and more it makes sense.
Chronic inflammation has a slow onset that can last for months and even years. It can be caused by an overactive immune response and can lead to damage of connective tissue. Inflammation can be painful and symptoms of it can include fatigue, rash, and joint pain. The body uses inflammation to protect itself so it can begin to heal. However, if the inflammation itself persists, the result can be detrimental to one’s health.
There are three types of scoliosis and one of them is associated with connective tissue disease which started to peak my curiosity (source). The three types of scoliosis are: congenital, syndromic and idiopathic. While idiopathic has no known cause, by process of elimination we can say it is not an abnormality of vertebrae, nor is it a disorder of neuromuscular, skeletal or connective tissue systems. But given that scoliosis can be present in these other conditions can tell us a bit more the cause of idiopathic scoliosis, right?
Congenital scoliosis refers to spinal deformity caused by abnormally formed vertebrae. Syndromic scoliosis is associated with a disorder of the neuromuscular, skeletal, or connective tissue systems; neurofibromatosis; or other important medical condition. Idiopathic scoliosis has no known cause and can be subdivided based on the age of onset—infantile idiopathic scoliosis includes patients aged 0-3 years, juvenile idiopathic scoliosis includes patients aged 4-10 years, and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis affects people aged >10 years. (source)
Over the last year, I have gradually removed many inflammatory triggers from my diet as well as my home environment. I pay more attention to what I put in and on my body. I’ve been amazed to discover how I feel now that the inflammation is gone. My skin has cleared up, my eczema is healing, I can wear contacts now that my eyes don’t get dry, and my round belly has reduced to an appropriate size for my figure. This path completely resolved pain I experienced in my shoulders and I would describe my life as being one that is pain-free.
What I’m Pondering
What if scoliosis is the body’s way of sounding the alarm to draw attention to environmental threats to the body? Through scoliosis treatments, are we aggressively attacking a symptom that is designed to direct our attention to something that is bringing us harm? And could this distract us from other present threats like inflammation?
Have you had experience with chronic inflammation and its symptoms?
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2 Comments
Cport
That is a very interesting theory! I’d imagine scientists are working to figure out the mystery that is idiopathic scoliosis. Have done a cleanse myself (for 21 days), I was definitely able to notice a night/day difference when it came to how tuned-in I felt to my body. The concept sounds easy — just eat natural foods and avoid those that cause inflammation — but the process of living it out really shows you the meaning of temptation. :)
Carlyn
I loved reading this comment!! I agree with the change in a more clear ear to the way the body communicates. Isn’t it kind of cool? The temptation piece was a surprise for me as well. Most recently I’ve been surprised at how mesmerized I’ve become to the scent of a toasted pop-tart in the office. I get a little upset, because it’s like “really?? don’t you know what this is doing to people?!” Ha, when really, they’re just enjoying a pop-tart. I don’t even really like or miss them, but let me tell you, after not having pastries, just the thought can sound so appealing :) The struggle is real and it makes us stronger ;)