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Not every crooked posture is scoliosis: what is scoliotic posture?

In scoliotic posture the spine itself is structurally healthy — the body stands asymmetrically because of muscle and fascial imbalance.

Author: Dr. Elfana Suleymanova Medically reviewed

This is a condition that differs from structural scoliosis and can be fully resolved with the right approach. Telling the difference completely changes the treatment plan.

1

Scoliotic posture ≠ structural scoliosis

  • In structural scoliosis the vertebrae rotate; the change is at the bone level
  • In scoliotic posture the bone structure is healthy; the problem lies in muscle and fascia balance
  • Scoliotic posture straightens out in the seated or forward-bending test; structural scoliosis does not
2

What is done?

  • Muscle and fascia balance is restored
  • Pelvic and diaphragm tension is reduced
  • The body’s symmetrical posture is restored
  • Correct movement habits are formed
Postural symmetry: comparison with the plumb lineSymmetricAsymmetric
The plumb line should pass through the center of the head, and the shoulder and pelvic lines should be perpendicular to it. On the right, shoulder and pelvic asymmetry is shown in red — this is one of the initial screening signs of scoliosis.
We look not at where the pain is, but at where it comes from.
— Dr. Elfana Suleymanova, Center Director · Internist and osteopathic physician

Related conditions

Pelvic tilt and asymmetryInternal organs and women’s healthScoliosisSpine and posturePostural disorders in childrenChildren’s healthKyphosisSpine and posture

Methods we use for this topic

Cosmetic osteopathy and facial asymmetryOsteopathy and manual therapyMyofascial release and fascia therapyOsteopathy and manual therapySchroth therapyRehabilitation and therapeutic exerciseEM-SLIM muscle stimulationBody, pelvic floor and aesthetics

Continue reading

Kyphosis and postural disorders: why saying “stand up straight” is not enoughSpine and posture“It will go away as they grow” — the most dangerous myth about scoliosisSpine and postureFascia: the hidden sensory system that connects the body from head to toeAnatomy and biomechanicsWhat is scoliosis and what causes it?Spine and posture

Sources and further reading

  1. Scoliosis Research Society — patient guide to spinal conditions — SRS
  2. Scoliosis: causes, types and treatment options — Spine-health
  3. SOSORT — Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment — SOSORT

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