Psychosomatics of scoliosis
Scoliosis is when the spine curves to the side and twists a little. It most often starts between 10 and 15, and for most people the cause is unknown. It does not come from sitting badly or carrying a bag. Many people need no treatment, and for adults with back pain, staying active helps. The Ladder method adds questions about what you lean on and how you treat yourself, and it does not replace a doctor.
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When to see a doctor
A GP looks at scoliosis first, then an orthopaedic or spine specialist. The doctor examines your back as you bend forward, orders an X-ray to measure the curve and decides whether to monitor it, give a brace, physiotherapy or discuss surgery. For adults with pain a physiotherapist helps.
In the Ladder method
In the Ladder method scoliosis is not explained as "you slouched" or "you bent yourself". You are not to blame. A doctor treats and monitors the curve of the spine, and that comes first. Questions to yourself belong next to treatment, not instead of it.
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In the method the spine fits the image of "support": what you lean on in life, where you adjust to others and lose yourself, and how you see your body and your worth. Many women with scoliosis feel shy about their back for years. It is an image, not the cause, and it does not replace treatment.
On the ladder this shows up as the steps "I am not good enough" and "I need to adjust". You can work through them at your own pace alongside exercise and monitoring.
These are questions for reflection, not an explanation of what causes the condition and not a treatment.
More: signs, medicine, sources, questions
How it shows up
Book a doctor’s appointment if you notice:
- One shoulder or shoulder blade higher than the other
- One hip higher
- Ribs sticking out on one side
- The body leaning to one side
- Clothes not fitting evenly
- Back pain in adults
What medicine knows
The NHS says scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine with a slight twist. It most often appears in teenagers aged 10 to 15, and in about 8 out of 10 cases the cause is unknown.
Scoliosis is not caused by bad posture, a heavy backpack, sport or diet. Adults can have it too: from age-related wear of the spine, after injuries or with other conditions.
Signs: one shoulder or shoulder blade higher than the other, one hip higher, ribs sticking out on one side, the body leaning to one side, clothes not fitting well. Adults may have back pain. The NHS also notes something rarely talked about: scoliosis can affect how you see your body and your self-esteem.
Treatment depends on age and the size of the curve. Many people only need monitoring. Teenagers are sometimes given a back brace, and with a large curve surgery is discussed. For adults with pain, painkillers and general physical activity help, while the benefit of special exercises for the curve itself is not yet proven. The NHS says most people with scoliosis live normal lives and do sport.
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Frequently asked questions
Can scoliosis be corrected in adults?
In adults the curve usually stays, but with pain, painkillers and general physical activity help, and most people with scoliosis live normal lives (NHS). With a large or growing curve the doctor discusses other options.
What does scoliosis mean in psychosomatics?
There is no proven "meaning". In the Ladder method scoliosis becomes a reason to ask yourself what you lean on and where you adjust to others. It is a question to yourself, not a diagnosis.
Does scoliosis come from bad posture?
No. The NHS says scoliosis is not caused by posture, heavy bags, sport or diet, and in most cases the cause is unknown. You are not to blame for your curve.
Related topics
Psychosomatics does not replace tests and treatment. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.