The definition of Idiopathic is “relating to or denoting any disease or condition which arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown.”
While the cause of AIS is unknown, there are believed to be certain components influencing the condition. These components need to be addressed when determining your child’s course of treatment.
The 3 components listed below are often understated or overlooked altogether:
Nutrition
Improved nutrition and supplements can help if your child has idiopathic scoliosis. Several studies have shown that nutritional deficiencies – an unhealthy diet low in levels of specific minerals in the body – have an influence on scoliosis progression.
Hormones/Neurotransmitters
Studies done in Europe have linked the progression of scoliosis with hormone deficiencies and the way the brain responds to certain hormones and neurotransmitters. Put simply, neurotransmitters are the communication highway to the body. If the highway is blocked by deficiencies, messages such as “straighten the spine while the body grows,” do not get through correctly.
Genetic Predisposition
There is some debate about whether or not scoliosis is genetic. However, with 30% of scoliosis patients having relatives with the condition, studies are underway to not only link genetic predisposition to it, but doctors are also trying to discover the gene that could be responsible.
Not a lot can be done about genetics. But if you as a parent have scoliosis, the best course of action is to have your child screened often.
Talking to Your Doctor About Testing
Knowledge is power. Finding out as much as you can about your child’s nutritional and hormonal health and then being able to address any deficiencies can only support her on her healing journey.
