Additional Factors Lead to Curve Progression
Weak muscles don’t lead to scoliosis curve progression, either. Curve progression appears to be largely dependent on genetic and environmental influences ranging from nutritional deficiencies to specific athletic activities. Your child may be genetically predisposed to severe scoliosis (curves that progress to over 45 degrees) or may have a mild case that’s not likely to advance. The genetic test called ScoliScore™ accurately predicts curve progression in each person, which is a great advancement in treating scoliosis.
Additional factors drive curve progression after curves reach 20 degrees. As scoliosis progresses, it twists and bends the spine around its axis. This increased torque forces more twisting and bending. Imagine what a rubber band looks like when you twist it and it kinks in the middle. We have to stop this torque to stop the spinal deformity because it’s a self-feeding loop.