SPINAL CURVATURE

Curvature of the spine is more common than is usually thought. The most frequent variety of it is the lateral curvature. One shoulder is lower than the other, and the hips are therefore uneven. Rickets, during infancy, is the most common cause of spinal curvature.

Improper sitting at school—sitting on the edge of the seat—or carrying heavy loads are often contributing factors to the production of lateral curvatures. Only the muscles and ligaments enter into this deformity, hence the treatment should be started early and should consist of:

  1. Stretching exercises.
  2. Hanging from the rounds of a ladder securely fastened to the wall.
  3. Certain applications of hot fomentations to the spinal muscles for their relaxation.
  4. Firm cushion placed under one or other of the hips to encourage the re-establishment of muscular poise.
  5. Special supervision of the case.