Image of woman's spine for blog post about early warning signs of scoliosis

As someone who was diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), I never questioned the definition of it. Idiopathic means “unknown cause”. As an adult, I realize this definition is unacceptable and kind of lazy. There was no genetic testing, food sensitivity or intolerance testing or basic nutrient deficiency testing as a part of my care.

Challenging the Idiopathic Narrative

The term “idiopathic” suggests a lack of understanding, but what if we consider these observations as clues to the puzzle? By challenging the traditional definition and paying attention to potential early signs, we open the door to proactive monitoring and early intervention.

The thing about scoliosis is it’s one of those conditions that is not very forgiving. When the spine starts to move and shift, it takes time and patience to give it the care it needs to cease progression and stabilize. There are people like me where the curve progression gets so severe that there is only one mainstream medical approach to stabilize the body which is through extreme force of fusion surgery. I personally want to remain objective and neutral on my opinion of this surgery as it is a deeply personal decision to be made under the care of a trained physician. I’m also human, so I do have opinions, the primary one being that we should be putting A LOT more effort into preventing scoliosis from ever getting to the point where surgery is needed.

It’s my belief that the early warning signs were the sudden changes in my childhood that were undeniable and hard to explain. Like the childhood eczema that began when I was two years old. I still have the scars from the excessive scratching. And then there was the sudden and substantial decrease in my vision that required prescription glasses when I was five. A few years after that, I underwent a procedure to remove one of my molars because of tooth crowding. Sure, things happen and the easy route is to dismiss these events and say they aren’t related to scoliosis, but what if that line of thinking is wrong? When things are happening within the body of a young child, especially one with a family history of scoliosis, there are no symptoms that are too small to be taken seriously.

I have talked to many other women over the years who also have scoliosis. Some have had food sensitivities or intolerances, some had eczema, some had hyper-mobility, some had no symptoms at all. But one thing that has come up time and time again in my conversations with these women is a belief in some genetic component, which could be why we only see scoliosis in a small percentage of people and that it can and does occur within families. The challenge is it’s so inconsistent and really can happen at any point in a person’s life. So it’s a bit curious that there is so much mystery around it given how long scoliosis has been around and the fact that there have been many studies on the condition.

Since I have personal experience with eczema, it really speaks to me to hone in on it, but really, any autoimmune condition or diagnosis of “unknown cause” is worth noting in any child. When the body speaks, I believe it communicates through our soft tissue first. If things have gotten to the point where the skeletal system is talking… the body is grasping at straws and tapping into reserves.

Deficiencies and insufficiencies identified in relation to scoliosis

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is common in patients with AIS (source)

Copper, Manganese and B6 – A study on chickens in the 80s found “a spinal curve greater than 20 degrees, was influenced by deficiencies of copper, manganese or vitamin B-6. In the cross, scoliosis was expressed in 40-50% of birds” (source)

Manganese – some children with severe scoliosis had a genetic variant that makes it difficult for their body to use manganese optimally (source)

4 Astonishing Articles on Link Between Manganese and Scoliosis

Things to consider adding to your child’s diet

Collagen

Collagen and collagen production is critical for growing children. Vitamin C contributes to collagen production and aid’s in its synthesis. “Collagen, the most important supportive protein of connective tissue, has been shown to have defective properties in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis” (source)

What to Know About Scoliosis and Collagen (In Addition to the Gorgeous Benefits)

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are a good source of so many nutrients, and one particularly: vitamin K. The superpower of this vitamin is the way It extracts calcium from the blood and helps it find its way to the bone, which is where we want that calcium to be in these critical growth years to have healthy reserves.

My Superfood: Leafy Green Vegetables

Healthy Fats

There are fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin D that are critical in the prevention of scoliosis. Adding avocado to a smoothie can be an easy way to sneak in some healthy fats that will go unnoticed.

My 5 Favorite Fats

Little bodies are really good at rapid functioning. Everything they do is fast. They move fast, change fast and can even heal fast. And for littles who are at risk for scoliosis because it’s in their family, I really want to see their parent’s equipped with the tools to support them with peace of mind.

Final thoughts

Scoliosis prevention has to start before the spine starts to curve, which unfortunately is not very tangible. While the early signs mentioned here are not scientifically proven predictors of scoliosis, they encourage us to question the conventional understanding of the condition and provide action steps for children at risk for developing the condition. By observing and being proactive, we may move closer to unraveling the actual causes of scoliosis and dispelling the mystery behind the term “idiopathic.” Consulting with healthcare professionals for thorough evaluations and family history considerations can aid in early detection and, potentially, a better understanding of this complex condition. Let’s challenge the unknown and pave the way for a more informed approach to scoliosis.

Please take this post with grace and self-compassion. Scoliosis is a complex condition and I never want parents to get caught up in a space of fear, blame or shame themselves. You being here is proof you care deeply for your child, and the richness of that love is the best medicine.