If you (like me) have been working on straightening your scoliosis, then you just might be as fascinated as I am by this research from 2005 where they gave rats a filling (occlusion) and it resulted in scoliosis!

If that isn’t crazy enough, when they removed the filling, the spine straightened!

Another rat study from 2015 (poor rats!) left 5 rats alone, pulled the molars on 10 rats and increased the bite on 10 others. Repeated analysis showed an increase in both the cervical (back of the neck) and thoracic (chest/rib cage area) spine curvature.

I recently purchased the textbook for the Schroth Method of healing scoliosis (fantastic book!) and while flipping through it I noticed a number of case studies where the person’s spine was pretty much straight, but then they stopped doing their exercises and in a very short period of time (2-3 years) their spine reverted back to full-blown scoliosis.

This really started me asking deeper questions about WHY we develop scoliosis? Because even if you straighten your spine, look how strong the pull is for the scoliotic pattern to re-assert itself! So where is the rotation and/or curvature originating from? WHY does the body want to, or feel it’s best to twist in that way?

When I look at my own body and my past (diagnosed with S-curve at 12 years old) I find myself wondering which emotional traumas, which behaviour patterns, which beliefs about life, love, connection, etc. contributed to my spine bending and rotating?

I’ve also watched my own son’s spine go from perfectly straight to developing a slight curve in the upper back – in spite of regular bodywork and chiropractic. BUT he had begun playing a lot of video games, and increased his time on his hand-held devices. So our chiropractor worked with him on how he needed to sit to align himself properly when sitting, watching TV, playing video games etc. And within 4 weeks (he’s diligent and disciplined) his spine was straight again.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas or experiences with scoliosis… any patterns or behaviours you’ve noticed contributing to your condition? And have you worked at all with emotional trauma or spiritual aspects that might cause or hold your spine in a twisted position? Please share in the Comments section below…