Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that typically appears in late childhood or puberty. The most common type is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which means there is no definite cause. Despite having been around for probably hundreds of years, scoliosis remains a mysterious condition. Doctors may have identified effective scoliosis treatment for adults, but they still don’t know why some people are more likely to develop the condition than others. It has also not been fully understood why females have scoliosis more than males.
It is estimated that females are 10 times more likely to develop AIS, before the age of 10, than males. A girl diagnosed with scoliosis is approximately 10 times more likely to experience progression than boys of the same age. So why are more girls getting scoliosis and prone to undergoing treatments or Schroth physical therapy down the road? While there is no one solid theory proven to clear up these differences, researchers have many attempts to explain the connection.
1. It may be related to growth spurts
A common theory attributes the higher rate of scoliosis in females to growth patterns. The culprit is the intense phase of growth in females that occurs right before puberty. It is also believed that since adolescent girls grow and mature faster than boys, curvature progression becomes more evident. Furthermore, girls who are taller than other children their age have an increased risk for scoliosis.
2. It may be linked to hormone levels
Some theories link the functioning of the body’s autonomic nervous system (ANS) to idiopathic scoliosis development, particularly in females. The ANS is part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates the functions of our internal organs. It works together with the endocrine system to influence puberty and skeletal growth through hypothalamic neuroendocrine control.
3. It may be connected to leptin
Leptin is a master hormone that regulates functions related to growth and reproduction. It is known for its role in suppressing appetite by telling the brain when a person is full and that it’s time to stop eating. Studies show that decreased levels of leptin in girls are linked to low body mass index (BMI). More so, low BMI has been associated with the development of idiopathic scoliosis in females.
Another theory suggests that girls susceptible to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) experience altered sensitivity to leptin. This leads to an increase in SNS activity which can drive changes to the spine. It can also contribute to AIS development in the following ways — early development, increased height, reaching skeletal maturity faster, lower BMI, and contributing to skeletal length asymmetries.
There is still a lot we don’t know about scoliosis but there has been no lack of effort made by medical researchers. Numerous theories are explaining why there is a higher incidence of scoliosis in females. Nevertheless, those diagnosed can choose from a lot of evidence-based treatment options such as clinical Pilates physiotherapy or Schroth therapy.
If you want to know the different physical therapy approaches available in managing scoliosis, NorAlign Functional Rehabilitation Center can help. They offer functional rehabilitation, spinal therapy for back pain, Pilates in rehabilitation, orthopedics, and more. Contact +971 4 340 0017 today!